The World's 50 Greatest Leaders

Rank
8
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Paul Ryan

US House Of Representatives Votes To Elect A New Speaker
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 29: Speaker-elect of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) waves to his supportes, guests and members of his family in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol October 29, 2015 in Washington, DC. Ryan was elected the 62nd speaker of the House with 236 votes and will attempt to steer that chaotic legislative body following the resignation of former Speaker John Boehner (R-OH). (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)Chip Somodevilla — Getty Images
  • Title
    Speaker
  • Affiliation
    U.S. House of Representatives
  • Age
    46

It’s either a high compliment to Paul Ryan or an indictment of his party—or both—that whenever Republicans drive into a ditch, their leaders hand the keys to the 46-year-old Wisconsinite. Ryan’s singular status as a wonk with vision and the respect of the GOP’s disparate factions keep them coming back. Last fall Ryan played the reluctant savior amid the chaos following then-Speaker John Boehner’s ouster by far-right rebels, quitting his beloved Ways and Means Committee to lead the chamber. Now some pooh-bahs want him to reprise the role by agreeing to run for President. This time, Ryan swears he’s staying put.