MEET A. J. RYAN IV
A. J. is a lifelong Dania Beach resident, a small business owner, and a proven leader fighting for Broward's working families.
Great Grandma Genevieve with President LBJ
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Grandpa A. J. Ryan at the US1 Real Estate office
1934
A LEGACY ROOTED IN SOUTH FLORIDA
The Ryan family has called Broward County home for over a century.
In 1924, A. J.'s great grandfather opened the family real estate office on Federal Highway in Dania Beach. He also ran cattle on the same land that's now home to the neighborhoods A. J. represents. His great grandmother Genevieve served as national president of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary and stood alongside President Lyndon B. Johnson in service to veterans and military families. A. J.'s grandfather served as a state representative and state senator. His uncle, held the very County Commission seat A. J. is running for today.
This isn't a family that watched from the sidelines. For over a century, the Ryans have been building Broward County, creating jobs, serving their neighbors, and showing up when it mattered. A.J. is the next generation carrying that spirit
forward.
The Family Business Evolves
1949
Great Grandpa at the family cattle ranch
1930's
FROM DANIA BEACH TO CITY HALL
A. J. was raised in Dania Beach and built a career as a small business owner in real estate, insurance, and community management. He knows what it costs to make payroll, keep the lights on, and deal with insurance premiums that keep climbing. That's not talking points for him. That's Tuesday.
He got into public service because he believes that is the best way to give back to the community. In his first race, he was elected Mayor of Dania Beach and now serves on the Dania Beach city commission.
WHAT HE DID AS MAYOR
A. J. didn't just hold the office. He delivered.
Record numbers invested in parks, infrastructure, stormwater systems, small businesses, and public safety. The largest reserve funds in city history while holding the tax rate flat. Zero tax increases on residents. Record grant funding secured for the city.
He expanded affordable housing, public art programs, and created two new city parks while preserving historic buildings throughout the district. When others said it couldn't be done, he prevented the closure of public schools through collaboration with community stakeholders. He cleared waterways of illegal and derelict vessels, modernized zoning and building codes, and increased police and fire staffing while upgrading critical equipment. As Chairman of the Community Redevelopment Agency, A. J. supported record numbers of small businesses through local grants and led efforts to strengthen and beautify single family homes by partnering with local organizations. For the past three years, he has served on the Port Everglades Action Team improving the port's infrastructure and capacity as well as serving on the Executive Committee of the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County improving recycling and waste systems across the county.
A. J. didn't do it by just making promises. He did it by making phone calls, sitting in rooms until deals got done, and holding everyone (including himself) accountable.
WHY COUNTY COMMISSION
He's running for Broward County Commission because the problems facing Broward's families like housing costs that keep rising, insurance that's breaking family budgets, and infrastructure that can't keep up with growth demand someone who's actually solved these problems before. Not someone learning on the job.
A. J. is a father of three, raising his kids in the same community that raised him.
He already proved what he can do for one city. Imagine what he'll do for all of Broward County.
Florida Realtor Magazine
1958
A. J. Coaching Youth Football
