Ryan Spain, a state representative for the 73rd district of Illinois has been in office since 2017. Spain has served communities across Illinois, including Peoria, Rock island, Marshall, and more. As a Republican lawmaker in the Illinois house, Spain’s primary goals have centered around economic development and healthcare policy.
Spain was born October 11, 1982 in Peoria, Illinois. He attended and graduated from Peoria Richwoods highschool. Following highschool, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned degrees in political science and speech communications. He followed up that education at Bradley University where he earned a masters degree in Business Administration. These experiences helped shape Spain’s reputation and understanding of the political scene. Before starting politics, he worked in healthcare at OSF Healthcare and earned the role of Vice President of Economic Development.
At the beginning of Spain’s career, he was elected as a member of the Peoria City Council. In 2007, at age 24, he became one of the youngest people to hold the position. He served on that council until 2016, when he resigned to pursue a spot in the Illinois House of Representatives. During hisntime there, his focus was on economic development.
Spain became the 73rd District representative, succeeding Republican David Leitch. He took office in 2017, and has taken on leadership roles within the Republican party. He serves as a Deputy Minority Leader, representing them in the chamber. Spain serves on many legislative committees that talk about financial institutions and ethics and elections. Throughout his time in office, Spain has received many awards for his legislative work. In 2025, he received the honor of “Legislator of the Year”, by the Illinois State Ambulance Association and ABATE of Illinois.
Outside of politics, Spain is involved with the community development of Peoria. He has served on boards in Peoria like the Peoria Downtown Development Corporation. Spain has a wife named Ashley and two daughters. With that however, Spain is known to be a charming man. While sitting in on a hearing, many times Spain would look towards me and my classmates with a grin on his face. Wes Myers, my senior classmate and fellow journalism student was apart of that group. He shared with me that “We shared a look 1000 words couldn’t describe. The moment we had was special, we understood each other.” Cade Jones, also a senior journalism classmate, stated that Ryan’s handshake was “firmer than any I’ve ever felt. His handshake left me stunned, I’ve never felt a handshake so sturdy.” Spain’s ability to charm those around him is a big reason he is widely appreciated and admired across Illinois communities.
As Spain left, I asked him his favorite part of the day with us. He told me meeting our class was a fantastic experience and that he loves inspiring the youth. Spain’s impact can clearly be felt not only in politics, but in the communities as well. I am excited to see how his political roles develop through the years, and could see him taking on a bigger role in the near future.
