Key Facts
Career & Education
About
Ryan T. Anderson (born 1982) is an American conservative political philosopher, commentator, and think tank leader who serves as President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), a Washington, D.C.-based conservative think tank, a role he assumed in 2021. He is known for his advocacy on religious liberty, traditional family values (including traditional marriage), limited government, free markets, opposition to progressive social policies, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights. Raised in a conservative Catholic family, Anderson earned a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) in politics from Princeton University in 2004, followed by a Master of Arts (2007) and Doctor of Philosophy in political philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (2013/2014). His academic work focused on political theory, ethics, and public policy, with an emphasis on natural law and bioethics.
Anderson began his career at the Heritage Foundation as the William E. Simon senior research fellow (2012-2021), conducting policy research on marriage, religious freedom, and bioethics. He founded and served as editor-in-chief of Public Discourse, the online journal of the Witherspoon Institute, where he focused on natural law and bioethics. He authored influential books including 'Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom' (2015) and 'When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment' (2018), which critique same-sex marriage and transgender ideology, respectively, positioning him as a prominent voice in conservative intellectual circles.
A prominent voice in conservative media and politics, Anderson has testified before Congress, appeared on major networks, contributed to publications like The Wall Street Journal and National Review, and engaged in legal amicus briefs opposing abortion rights, LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination laws, and gender-affirming care for minors. His work emphasizes Judeo-Christian values, limited government, and a strong national defense. His positions have sparked controversies, with critics accusing him of promoting discrimination and pseudoscience, while supporters praise his defense of traditional values rooted in philosophical and religious principles.
Anderson's influence extends through affiliations with organizations like the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. In 2023, he married conservative commentator Evita Pilar Duffy, daughter of former Congressman Sean Duffy. Sponsored by philanthropist Diana Davis Spencer, Anderson remains active in debates on religious liberty and cultural issues, shaping conservative policy discourse.