Ian Bellinger
| Ian Bellinger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Senator from Jefferson | |
|
Assumed office July 12th, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Athena Sinclair |
| 60th Vice President of the United States | |
|
In office March 12, 2021 – November 12, 2021 | |
| President |
Christian Bo (March 2021 – July 2021) Howard Elkridge (July 2021 – November 2021) |
| Preceded by | Christian Bo |
| Succeeded by | Jeb! |
| Speaker of the United States House of Representatives | |
|
In office January 16th, 2022 – March 13th, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Epsilon Leclair |
| Succeeded by | Adala |
| President pro tempore of the United States Senate | |
|
In office March 13, 2022 – May 11, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Christian Bo |
| Succeeded by | Sysadmin |
| Senate Majority Leader | |
|
In office July 14th, 2023 – September 20th, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Irene Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Lannes |
| United States Senator from Dixie | |
|
In office March 13, 2022 – May 11, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Politophile |
| Succeeded by | James Bruhman |
| United States Senator from Puerto Rico | |
|
In office January 13, 2021 – March 12, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Valentin Ricca |
| Succeeded by | Sandoval |
| 6th First Secretary of Jefferson | |
|
In office July 26th, 2022 – October 14th, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Ryuki Henderson |
| Succeeded by | Tucker Carlson |
| House Minority Leader | |
|
In office June 20th, 2023 – July 12th, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Oliwer Stołów |
| Member of the United States House of Representatives from Jefferson | |
|
In office January 19th, 2023 – July 12th, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Pierce Bryde |
| Succeeded by | Tyler Brown |
| Constituency |
4th District (January 2023 – May 2023) 3rd District (May 2023 – July 2023) |
| Member of the United States House of Representatives from Dixie | |
|
In office January 15th, 2022 – March 13th, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Tulsi |
| Succeeded by | Slav Slavonivich |
| Constituency | 5th District |
| Chair of the Federal Reserve | |
|
In office December 24th, 2022 – September 5th, 2023 | |
| Nominated by | Cabin Fever |
| Preceded by | Sysadmin |
| Succeeded by | Philip Jefferson |
| United States Secretary of the Interior | |
|
In office March 27, 2022 – July 20, 2022 | |
| President |
Tedd Sysadmin |
| Preceded by | Purdy |
| Succeeded by | Oliwer Stołów |
| United States Secretary of the Treasury | |
|
In office November 22, 2020 – March 12, 2021 | |
| President | Sandoval |
| Preceded by | Computerguy15 |
| Succeeded by | Draven Prince |
| Member of the Jefferson Parliament | |
|
In office July 24th, 2022 – October 10th, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Freedom4All |
| Succeeded by | Koko |
| Constituency | 5th District |
| Majority Leader of the Dixie General Assembly | |
|
In office February 13, 2022 – March 13, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | James Bruhman |
| Succeeded by | John Grant |
| Member of the Dixie General Assembly | |
|
In office February 2, 2022 – March 13, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Purdy |
| Succeeded by | John Cook |
| Personal Details | |
| Born |
Ian Cody Bellinger June 7, 1980 Denver, Colorado |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party |
Libertarian-Republican (June 2023 – Present) Radical Republican Party (December 2022 – June 2023) Libertarian-Republican (November 2020 – December 2022) |
| Spouse(s) |
Melania Zane (m. 2001; died 2023) James Wonder (alleged) |
| Children | Payton · Cody · Cole |
| Education |
Pomona College (BA) Stanford University (JD) |
Ian Bellinger (born June 7th, 1980) is an American politician currently serving as the United States Senator from Jefferson since July 2023. Over the course of his career, he has held a number of prominent roles across federal and state government, including Vice President of the United States, Speaker of the House of Representatives, President pro tempore of the United States Senate, and First Secretary of the Commonwealth of Jefferson.
Early Life
Bellinger was born and raised in the State of Jefferson, where his early exposure to civic life and the state’s distinct political culture would later inform his public service career. His upbringing in Denver, Jefferson’s capital, shaped his lifelong interest in participatory government, institutional reform, and regional autonomy.
He attended Pomona College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and later enrolled at Stanford Law School. There, he served as President of the Stanford Law Association and was a contributor to the Stanford Law Review, writing on issues ranging from constitutional interpretation to administrative reform. His legal education was marked by both academic distinction and a strong commitment to public interest work, including pro bono service focused on civil rights and disaster response.
Bellinger’s legal and humanitarian work drew national attention following Hurricane Irma in 2017, when he helped coordinate relief efforts in Puerto Rico. His involvement in the island’s post-disaster recovery earned him public recognition and catalyzed a personal shift in his professional trajectory. In 2020, he relocated permanently to Puerto Rico, citing a desire to contribute directly to long-term rebuilding efforts and deepen his relationship with the community he had come to view as a “second home.”
Executive Experience
Bellinger was appointed Secretary of the Treasury in November 2020 under President Sandoval, assuming office at a moment of national economic uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure was defined by the implementation of emergency relief programs and fiscal policy stabilization.
Among his first actions was the issuance of Treasury Order 2020-02, which authorized the disbursement of direct payments to individuals under the Federal Budget for Coronavirus Recovery and Fiscal Transparency Act of 2020. The order mandated $1,400 payments to eligible individuals, along with $500 per dependent (up to three dependents per household), as part of a broader federal response to the economic crisis.
Bellinger’s stewardship of the Treasury was marked by an emphasis on rapid execution and procedural clarity. He played a central role in designing disbursement logistics and communicating fiscal priorities across federal agencies. His work during this period was credited with ensuring timely relief to millions of Americans, and he emerged from the role with a reputation for pragmatic leadership and administrative competence.
State Legislature
Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly
Bellinger entered elected office on December 8, 2020, winning a seat in Puerto Rico’s Legislative Assembly. He succeeded incumbent Valentin Ricca in a closely watched race that reflected broader shifts in the island’s political landscape.
During his time in the Assembly, Bellinger sponsored a number of high-profile legislative initiatives. These included the Health Insurance Choice Act, which sought to integrate Puerto Rico into a multi-state health insurance compact with Jefferson, Dixie, and the Northern State; the Mandatory Minimums Abolishment Act, which aimed to end mandatory sentencing practices under Puerto Rican law; and the Prostitution Legalization and Regulation Act, a controversial bill proposing a framework for legalized and regulated sex work on the island.
He also sponsored the Wisdom in Sexual Education Act, which introduced a comprehensive and inclusive sexual education curriculum in Puerto Rican schools. Advocating for the measure, Bellinger framed it as a public health initiative grounded in evidence-based policy and civic values.
Bellinger was elected President of the Legislative Assembly on January 8, 2021. As presiding officer, he worked to modernize the Assembly’s internal processes and expand its legislative agenda, positioning himself as a technocratic reformer with a populist touch.
Dixie General Assembly
On February 2, 2022, Bellinger won a special election to the Dixie General Assembly, defeating former Associate Justice of the Dixie Supreme Court, known publicly as “Moonguy.” His election reflected growing momentum for the Libertarian-Republican coalition across southern states and brought renewed visibility to the party’s legislative priorities in Dixie.
Once in office, Bellinger introduced the Representative and Senatorial Campaign Funding Act of 2022, which proposed public financing for state legislative races. The bill was framed as a democratic reform aimed at reducing the influence of private money in Dixie politics and encouraging greater electoral participation.
Less than two weeks after taking office, Bellinger was elected Majority Leader on February 13, 2022. As floor leader, he was responsible for setting the legislative calendar and negotiating inter-party cooperation. His leadership was noted for its procedural rigor and policy ambition, even as his tenure proved brief.
On March 13, 2022, Bellinger resigned his seat in the General Assembly upon being sworn in as United States Senator from Dixie.
Jefferson Parliament
Bellinger’s return to state politics came in mid-2022, following his second term in the U.S. Senate. In a July 24 special election, he successfully ran for a seat in the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Jefferson amid a wave of resignations by Global Labourite members, including First Secretary Freedom4All.
Running under the banner of the Libertarian-Republican Party, Bellinger campaigned on a message of political accountability and regional sovereignty. In a widely circulated campaign announcement, he criticized what he described as “abandonment” by Labour-aligned leadership, writing: “When the going gets tough, Global Labourites jump ship—almost a hundred million passengers still on board. Not on my watch.”
Following the party’s sweep of the special election, Bellinger was elected First Secretary of Jefferson with the support of his caucus. One of his first acts was to suspend parliamentary rules in order to remove then–First Secretary Ryuki Henderson and Speaker Koko, replacing them with himself and ally John Smith, respectively. The move was controversial but ultimately upheld by a majority of the chamber.
Bellinger’s leadership as First Secretary was marked by legislative productivity. He oversaw the passage of nine original bills and issued numerous executive directives, revitalizing a government previously characterized by legislative stagnation. His administration also brokered the creation of the West-South Congress, a compact between Jefferson and Dixie aimed at coordinating legal and political responses to perceived federal overreach. The congress, co-founded with Dixie Governor James Wonder, was framed as a 10th Amendment–driven response to expanding federal power.
Declining to seek reelection at the end of his term, Bellinger left office in early 2023, stating that the Commonwealth was “in capable hands.” He later joined the presidential administration of Valerie.
U.S. Senate
Bellinger has served three nonconsecutive terms in the United States Senate, representing Puerto Rico, Dixie, and later Jefferson. His legislative tenure is notable for its geographic breadth and his ability to build cross-regional coalitions across shifting political climates.
He was first elected to the Senate on January 13, 2021, representing Puerto Rico. His time in the chamber was brief; he resigned less than two months later, on March 12, 2021, upon being inaugurated as Vice President of the United States.
Bellinger returned to the Senate on March 13, 2022, this time representing Dixie. His election followed his resignation from the Dixie General Assembly. Shortly thereafter, he was elected President pro tempore, becoming one of the youngest members in modern history to hold the position. In this role, Bellinger presided over legislative sessions in the absence of the Vice President and played a key part in shaping the Senate’s procedural strategy.
On July 12, 2023, following his reentry into Jeffersonian politics and subsequent national campaign, Bellinger was elected to represent the State of Jefferson in the Senate. With the appointment of a new President pro tempore, he assumed the role of Senate Majority Leader, solidifying his position as one of the chamber’s most influential figures.
Across his Senate career, Bellinger has been known for his legislative agility, procedural fluency, and ideological range—working across libertarian, federalist, and reform-oriented platforms while maintaining a consistent emphasis on institutional accountability.
Vice President
Bellinger was first elected Vice President on the Christian Bo/Ian Bellinger ticket and inaugurated on March 12, 2021. In this capacity, he served as President of the Senate and a key advisor within the executive branch, helping to steer the administration’s legislative agenda during a period of divided government.
His time in office was defined by his active role in Senate proceedings, often acting as a mediator during floor debates and as a liaison between the White House and congressional leadership. Unlike many of his predecessors, Bellinger embraced a hands-on approach to legislative strategy, particularly in the areas of economic recovery and democratic reform.
In July 2021, Bellinger was reelected as Vice President under President Howard Elkridge. His second term deepened his involvement in executive-legislative negotiations and cemented his status as a stabilizing figure amid a period of partisan flux.
Bellinger concluded his vice presidency in November 2021. At the time of his departure, he was the longest-serving Vice President since 2018 and one of few to serve under multiple administrations. His tenure is remembered for its institutional focus, legislative navigation, and commitment to procedural integrity.
Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve Governor
Bellinger was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on November 10, 2021, shortly after concluding his term as Vice President. His nomination reflected bipartisan confidence in his financial acumen and institutional experience, particularly following his tenure as Secretary of the Treasury during the pandemic.
As a Governor, Bellinger brought a pragmatic approach to monetary policy and regulatory oversight. He focused on reinforcing the Fed’s independence, improving transparency, and evaluating structural reforms in the central bank’s decision-making process. His term coincided with renewed scrutiny of the Fed’s crisis-era tools and growing debate over the scope of its dual mandate.
Federal Reserve Chair
On December 24, 2022, Bellinger was confirmed as Chair of the Federal Reserve, succeeding Sysadmin. At his confirmation hearing, he emphasized the need to balance transparency with institutional stability, proposing reforms to clarify how interest rate decisions are communicated and how accountability is enforced.
Bellinger advocated for expanding monetary policy rules, while also reaffirming the Fed’s responsibility to respond flexibly to economic shocks. He highlighted the importance of clarity in forward guidance and the careful use of tools such as quantitative easing, yield curve control, and credit market interventions. He also pushed for broader public access to economic research conducted by the Fed, arguing that trust in monetary institutions requires both openness and competence.
His chairmanship was marked by an effort to de-politicize monetary decisions and reaffirm the Fed’s role as a nonpartisan steward of economic stability.
U.S. House of Representatives
Bellinger was first elected to the United States House of Representatives on January 15, 2022, representing Dixie’s 5th District. His victory was part of a broader surge for the Libertarian-Republican Party, which gained a majority in that cycle. Upon entering the House, he was elected Speaker of the House, defeating incumbent Epsilon Leclair and consolidating the Liberty Caucus’ influence.
As Speaker, Bellinger emphasized legislative discipline and procedural clarity. He prioritized bills that advanced limited government, economic liberalization, and institutional transparency. His leadership reflected a focus on rebalancing federal power and promoting what he described as “pragmatic federalism.”
Following his term as Speaker, Bellinger won election to the House again—this time from Jefferson’s 4th District—on January 19, 2023. He assumed the role of House Minority Leader, continuing to shape the party’s national agenda and serving as a lead negotiator on fiscal and regulatory reform.
Among his legislative initiatives, Bellinger sponsored:
• The NARC Act of 2023 (Naloxone Accessibility and Resources for Counter-Overdose Act), which expanded funding for naloxone distribution and authorized research into over-the-counter availability.
• The CAPTAIN Act of 2023 (Civil Aviation Progress, Technology, and Advanced Infrastructure for Navigation), which allocated resources to modernize FAA infrastructure and improve mental health support for aviation professionals.
• The Federal Reserve Audit and Commission Act, which called for a full audit of the central bank and established a bipartisan commission to study potential reforms—part of Bellinger’s long-running campaign to enhance monetary accountability.
His legislative record reflects a synthesis of technocratic reform and libertarian values, with an emphasis on state autonomy, public access to services, and checks on executive authority.
Personal Life
Bellinger married Melania Zane in 2001. A political organizer and public health advocate in her own right, Zane was an active presence in Bellinger’s early campaigns and remained a private but influential figure throughout his career. The couple had three children: Payton, a collegiate swimmer; and twin sons, Cody and Cole, both of whom played Division I baseball at Stanford University.
Zane passed away on July 11, 2023, shortly before Bellinger’s election to the U.S. Senate from Jefferson. Her death, following a brief illness, was widely mourned in Jefferson and beyond. In a statement following the election, Bellinger credited her with “sustaining the courage it takes to begin again.”
In the months that followed, speculation emerged regarding the nature of Bellinger’s relationship with James Wonder, former Speaker of the House and Governor of Dixie. While some reports characterized their relationship as romantic, both men have consistently described it as a friendship rooted in shared public service and mutual respect. Neither has publicly addressed the rumors beyond reiterating their professional ties.
Despite the scrutiny, Bellinger has largely kept his personal life private since Zane’s death. Friends and colleagues describe him as “disciplined, loyal, and increasingly private”—attributes they say have only deepened in the wake of personal loss.