A small business owner from Red Lion is planning a run for the U.S. Congress.

Democrat Ryan S. Sanders, 33, said he's seeking the seat held by U.S. Rep. Todd Platts, R-York County.

Sanders is a Red Lion Area Senior High School graduate who co-owns Lion Technology, a computer consulting firm, and Red Lion Development Corp., a real estate development firm.

Sanders said he decided to seek the seat after he became increasingly unhappy about partisan bickering between Democrats and Republicans.

"The demonization is really getting in the way of what we stand for or who we are as Americans," he said. "We need to change the dialogue. We are all on the same team."

Sanders holds a bachelor's degree from Dickinson College in Carlisle and went on to earn a master's degree from Syracuse University. He is engaged and has no children.

Platform: If elected, Sanders said, he'd focus on job creation and helping small businesses grow. Small businesses are a critical engine for the economy, he said.

"The focus of the platform is to fight for working families and small business," he said.

Sanders, who characterizes himself as a moderate Democrat, said Platts and others in Congress too often toe the party line rather than try to meet community demands. He plans to change that if elected, he said.

"We are not always getting a strong voice for our community," he said. "It's important we have that voice."

If he wins the primary, it's unclear whom Sanders might face

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in the general election.

Platts has said he plans to seek re-election next year, but is simultaneously pursuing the job of U.S. comptroller general. He can't hold both positions at the same time.

Sanders said he plans to formally announce his candidacy early next year.

--Reach Carl Lindquist at 505-5426 or clindquist@yorkdispatch.com.
Ryan S. Sanders

Age / Residence: 33, of Red Lion

Family: Fiancée Erin Thompson, no children.

Employment: Co-owner of computer consulting company Lion Technology and the Red Lion Development Corp., a real estate development firm.

Education: Bachelor of history, political science and international relations from Dickinson College. Also holds a master's degree in international relations from Syracuse University.