Before the fellowship

Ryan Mahoney's interest in politics didn't start in a classroom. It started at the dinner table.

His stepfather, who was engaged in public affairs in his own youth, brought political conversation into the household early. Those discussions sparked an interest that has only grown since.

"I've been interested in politics and lawmaking since grade school," Ryan told us.

Now a third-year student at The Ohio State University, double-majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor in History, Ryan was one of three 2026 IDEA Summer Democracy Fellows selected to spend the summer in Washington, D.C.

His connection to IDEA began as a student and later grew when he joined the institute as an employee. When the fellowship opportunity came along, he saw it as a chance to take his interest in politics beyond the classroom and experience the work of Congress firsthand.

Ryan's policy interests are wide-ranging, but he has spent the most time studying economic issues and foreign policy. Heading into the summer, he was looking forward to experiencing congressional work as fully as possible, from sitting in on committee meetings to contributing to the day-to-day work of the office hosting him.

When asked to describe himself in three words, Ryan chose: Analytical, Curious, and Musical.

And the advice he carried with him into the fellowship?

Take opportunities when they come and engage in them as fully as possible.