Title: Secretary of the Senate
Workplace: Delaware State Senate
Age: 28
For Ryan Dunphy, being a fair, open and respectable officer of the Delaware State Senate who values and respects the opinions of all, from governors to members of the public, is imperative, particularly during times of extreme political polarization.
In his role as secretary of the Senate, serving as the governing body’s chief administrative officer, Dunphy has aimed to do just that. As secretary, he helps manage the Senate’s budget and records all official Senate transactions including the introduction of legislation, engrossment and transmittal of legislation and communications to the Governor. His office also serves as the initial point of inquiry for questions involving the Senate’s legislative process.
Dunphy began his political career as an intern for U.S. Sen. Chris Coons and has worked in Legislative Hall since 2018. He has held his current role since early 2021 and is the youngest principal clerk or secretary in the nation. He has been involved in efforts to revitalize downtown Dover, establishing new technology in Legislative Hall and is constantly collaborating with stakeholders statewide.
He also serves as the chairperson for the Senate’s arm of the State Employees’ Charitable Campaign, an initiative for state employees to support local charities. Collectively, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for nonprofits, including Autism Delaware, the Special Olympics, United Way of Delaware and others.
He is a graduate of Salesianum School and Villanova University where he played the trombone in the Villanova band. With his bandmates, he had numerous performances in nursing homes, public schools and celebrations. Dunphy enjoys playing with his two golden retrievers, spending time with his wife in their Newark home and is an avid Philadelphia sports fan.
