From Wisconsin to Washington, TIME looks back at the newly minted Republican vice presidential candidate’s years of public service.
Paul Ryan’s Life and Career in Photos
Marco Grob for TIME
Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, 42, has been chosen as Mitt Romney's running mate. Choosing the fiscally conservative Ryan has widely been seen as a bold but smart move for Romney. Ryan, who has served in Congress since 1998, rose quickly through the ranks and now serves as chair of the House Budget Committee. There, he crafted a set of controversial budgets that helped him gain political fame. But all rising stars have to start somewhere; his began in the small town of Janesville, Wis.
