Ryan Talmadge is a homegrown Newarker who has lived in the city all of his life.  With a degree in Political Science from Rutgers University-Newark, he is the son, nephew, and cousin of public school teachers.  His mother has been an educator in Newark for over twenty years, teaching children with disabilities.  Ryan is running to be an advocate for the 5,600 children in Newark who have disabilities.

Ryan believes in a well-rounded education that teaches students disciplines inside and outside of the classroom as well as takes them places inside and outside of their historic community.  Programs like the Newark Museum Camp, Princeton Blairstown Center, and Princeton Model Congress are just a few of the free programs offered to Newark residents that helped shape his worldview. 

Ryan wants to help create the framework for a curriculum that gives Newark students an opportunity to compete in a 21st century arena.  He wants to see an increase in teaching aides, reinvest in music and the arts, home economics, and adult education.  Ryan is ready to work hard to ensure that Newark children are in the best possible position to succeed.