Who is Ryan Kelley?

Ryan Kelley, one of the five GOP candidates in the Michigan governor race, has been arrested and charged by the FBI for his role in the US Capitol riots. The federal agency said that the politician awaits a court hearing in Grand Rapids. However, there is no statement made by him yet. 

Kelley, a follower of former US President Donald Trump, was seen wearing a baseball cap backward, trying to rally at the US Capitol on January 6 last year. Federal investigators have submitted photos of him to the court. 

Also read: Capitol riots hearing: Who all are part of Jan 6 panel and what are their roles?

The winner of the GOP primary ballot on August 2 will face Democratic incumbent Gretchen Whitmer. 

Who is Ryan Kelley?

Kelley hails from West Michigan. He now lives in Allendale with his wife and five children. He is one of the five Republicans in the governor race. 

Ryan Kelley graduated from Jenison High School in 1999. He attended the Grand Rapids Community College and has a degree in Electronics Engineering. He worked  for the CWA (Communication Workers of America) union at Ameritech, which is current days AT&T. 

Also read: Capitol riots hearing: When and where to watch the committee proceedings

Currently, Kelley runs his own real estate firm. The GOP candidate and his family, as per his campaign website, lived in an Recreational Vehicle (RV) for five months travelling ‘from coast to coast’. He settled in Allendale in September of 2019 and started his business. He was also appointed to the Allendale Township Planning Commission.

Kelley has been protesting the COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates since 2020. 

Also read: What evidence does January 6 committee have against Donald Trump?

“Ryan led large rallies protesting the statewide lockdowns and mandates at the Capitol in Lansing and in Grand Rapids. The rally on April 30 th of 2020 in Lansing, organized by Ryan and one of his colleagues, was to encourage the state legislators not to extend the emergency powers of the governor beyond the specified time limit,” his website states.