Ryan A. Costello

Ryan Anthony Costello (born September 7, 1976) is an American politician, lobbyist, and attorney who served as the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district from January 3, 2015, to January 3, 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected to Congress in the 2014 midterm elections and served two terms. During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Costello participated in the legislative process at a time of significant national political polarization and represented the interests of his southeastern Pennsylvania constituents.

Costello was born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and raised in the surrounding area of Chester County. He attended local schools before pursuing higher education in the state. He earned his undergraduate degree from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and subsequently studied law. After completing his legal education, he was admitted to the bar and began practicing as an attorney in Pennsylvania, establishing the professional foundation that would precede his entry into public office.

Before his election to Congress, Costello built a career in local government and law. He practiced as an attorney and became active in Republican politics in Chester County. Costello was elected to the Chester County Board of Commissioners in 2011, serving on the three-member governing body that oversees county administration, finances, and services. He chaired the Board of Commissioners from 2013 to 2015, gaining experience in public budgeting, infrastructure, and county-level policy. His work in county government, combined with his legal background, helped establish his reputation as a pragmatic Republican officeholder and positioned him for higher office.

When Republican incumbent Jim Gerlach announced that he would not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district in 2014, Costello entered the race to succeed him. He ran for the Republican nomination without facing any primary opposition. In the general election, he faced Democratic nominee Manan Trivedi. Costello won the November 2014 contest by a margin of 56 percent to 44 percent, securing his first term in Congress and beginning his service in Washington on January 3, 2015.

During his congressional service from 2015 to 2019, Costello represented a district that included portions of Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and Lebanon Counties, an area that was politically competitive and increasingly suburban in character. As a member of the House of Representatives, he contributed to the legislative process and participated in the democratic governance of the country, working on issues of concern to his constituents while navigating a period marked by divided government and shifting party dynamics. He was regarded as a relatively moderate Republican, reflecting the centrist tendencies of his district, and he often emphasized constituent services and local priorities.

Costello sought reelection in 2016 and again secured the Republican nomination. In the general election that year, he was challenged by Democrat Mike Parrish. During the campaign, hacked material from Parrish was leaked, reportedly obtained by a foreign actor. The Costello campaign publicly stated that it would not use the illicitly obtained material; campaign consultant Vincent Galko said, “When news broke that this material had likely been stolen by a foreign actor, we immediately said, ‘We’re not going to use it.’” Costello was re-elected by a wide margin, winning 57.2 percent of the vote to Parrish’s 42.8 percent, and returned to Congress for a second term beginning in January 2017.

In the lead-up to the 2018 elections, Pennsylvania’s congressional district boundaries were redrawn following a state court decision, significantly altering the political landscape of the 6th district. Against this backdrop, and amid a challenging national environment for many suburban Republicans, Costello chose not to seek reelection in the 2018 election. His decision ended his congressional career after two terms. He left office on January 3, 2019, and was succeeded by Democrat Chrissy Houlahan, who won the seat in the November 2018 general election.

After leaving Congress, Costello transitioned to work as a registered lobbyist, drawing on his experience as an attorney, county commissioner, and member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In this capacity, he has remained engaged in public policy and governmental affairs, continuing his involvement in the political and legislative processes from the private sector.