2026 CANDIDATES

Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives — Illinois District 13

Dylan Blaha is a decorated U.S. Army veteran and cancer research scientist now running for Congress to put people ahead of politics. With over 12 years in the Illinois Army National Guard—including deployments overseas—and scientific work developing solutions in molecular biology and biochemistry, Dylan brings deep experience in service, evidence-based decision-making, and real problem-solving to his campaign.

Blaha is challenging the status quo because he believes Illinoisans deserve leaders who prioritize affordability, justice, and accountability—especially when it comes to healthcare, defense spending, and lifting up working families. He’s committed to running a campaign free from corporate PAC captures and prioritizing constituent needs over special interests.

As an Oath Of Office endorsed candidate, Dylan Blaha has pledged to uphold the Politician’s Creed—demonstrating integrity, transparency, and a true commitment to citizens over powerful institutions.

Candidate for Michigan State Senate District 29

Ivan Diaz is a Grand Rapids native, the son of migrant farmworkers, and a fierce advocate for working families across Michigan. From organizing one of the country’s first credit union labor unions to serving on the Kent County Board of Commissioners, Ivan has proven he’s not afraid to challenge power and fight for people.

Now running for State Senate in District 29, Ivan brings both lived experience and governing experience to the table. His campaign is 100% grassroots—fueled by community, not corporations—and grounded in a bold vision for healthcare access, affordable housing, workers’ rights, and real accountability in government.

As an Oath Of Office endorsed candidate, Ivan Diaz has pledged to uphold the Politician’s Creed and is committed to putting constituents before special interests, always.

Alex Hardy is a disabled veteran and a global thinker whose life experiences have uniquely prepared him to serve the people of Indiana’s 6th Congressional District with strength, empathy, and vision. From defending his country to exploring international solutions to complex issues—from studying water quality in China to observing peace negotiations in Colombia—Alex has consistently stepped beyond his comfort zone to stand up for others.

Whether advocating for fellow veterans, interning at the Smithsonian Libraries, or traveling the world on scholarship, Alex has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service, learning, and principled leadership. He understands firsthand what it means to fight for something bigger than oneself—and now, he’s ready to bring that same fight to Washington on behalf of his constituents.

Alex is not a career politician. He’s a public servant with the courage to speak truth, the resilience to confront entrenched interests, and the integrity to put people over party. That’s the kind of leadership Congress needs—and the kind Hoosiers deserve.

Candidate for U.S. House—MI‑04 

Born and raised in Battle Creek, MI, Diop Harris grew up in a family with just $30 of spare money and a TV perched on a milk crate—yet he was shaped by community resilience and Midwestern grit. A lifelong member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi tribe, Diop has built a career in service—from leading youth grantmaking, organizing on Capitol Hill, to fighting for fair immigration reform, rural broadband, and constituent access to government.

He’s now running to return public service to public office—to bring real solutions to Southwest Michigan. Diop stands for:

• Reinforcing good governance: A Congressperson who listens, responds, and believes public office is a job to serve—not a platform for special interests.

• Facing the climate crisis: Backing bold, community-driven strategies that preserve Michigan’s environment and create clean-energy jobs.

• Supporting education & veterans: Securing resources for schools, combating MAGA-driven curriculum cuts, and ensuring veterans receive comprehensive care and post-service opportunities.

Diop’s campaign is powered by real people, not corporations or consultants. As an Oath of Office endorsed candidate, he’s publicly pledged to uphold the Politician’s Creed—transparency, integrity, and constituent-first leadership. Southwest Michigan deserves a fighter who’s from here, of here—and running to serve us.

Candidate for Maryland U.S. House of Representative District 4

Shavonne Hedgepeth  is running for Congress to make government work for everyone—not just those already at the table. A lifelong advocate for fairness and opportunity, she believes federal systems should serve all communities, especially those too often left behind in housing, transit, education, and food security.

Her campaign focuses on transparency, accountability, and inter-generational equity—bringing federal resources home and ensuring they’re spent where they matter most. Shavonne is committed to expanding pathways to prosperity through job training and union apprenticeship programs, empowering residents to build sustainable futures for themselves and their families.

As an Oath of Office endorsed candidate, she embodies the spirit of The Politician’s Creed: leading with integrity, aligning action with community needs, and ensuring that public service truly serves the public.

Candidate for Florida House, District 25

Banks Helfrich is an independent farmer and teacher of sustainability from South Lake County—and a born-and-raised Floridian who deeply values his home. He’s spent years building community through practical, hands-on engagement: teaching farming, stewarding local conservation efforts, and promoting ecological resilience. He has served as Chairperson of the Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District and currently leads the Keep Lake Beautiful Committee

Banks isn’t just rooted in the soil—he’s rooted in his community as well. Whether through local garden clubs, permaculture groups, or cultural partnerships, he shows up and listens—turning community care into real solutions. His campaign centers on lowering the cost of living, reducing congestion, protecting natural resources, and ensuring government truly serves its citizens.

As an Oath Of Office endorsed candidate, Banks Helfrich stands for honest, service‑first leadership—bringing sustainability, stewardship, and authentic connection to the people of South Lake Country.  Florida deserves representatives who show up for the land and the people, and will hold themselves accountable to their fellow constituents.  Banks is such a leader.

As a young gay black man looking to make the world a better place, Kyle Little has never shied away from actively participating in efforts to bring about change.  From his teenage years helping his father run for City Counsel in Roselle, NJ, to working on President Biden's campaign in 2020, Kyle has been learning about and getting more and more involved in governance his whole life. 

Now Kyle is running for office to become the U.S. House Representative for New Jersey's Congressional District 12.

Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives – Florida’s 15th Congressional District

Robert People is a retired U.S. Army veteran with 21 years of service—a commitment rooted in the higher oath he took to the Constitution, not party or politics.  Now, he’s running for Congress to bring that ethos of service, accountability, and courage to Florida’s 15th District.

"I am running because I have spoken up over the years about how Congress does business—and I feel that now is the time to step up for the people,” he says. “My goal is to bring the focus back to the people, which has been lost for too long." 

Robert pledges to center constituents’ voices in every decision—reflecting his belief that public office should, at its core, serve the people who elected you and not special interests.

As an Oath Of Office endorsed candidate, Robert People has taken the oath of Politician’s Creed and committed himself to transparency, integrity, and unwavering constituent-first leadership. Florida’s 15th District deserves representation rooted in principle—to which Robert is ready to serve.

Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives — New Jersey’s 7th District

Brian Varela is a first-generation Latino American, small-business owner, organizer, husband, and father. Raised in a hard-working immigrant family in New Jersey, he put himself through college while working full time, took care of his family when his Mom got sick with cancer, and later took over raising his 13-year-old brother. Now, he owns ten affordable childcare centers across the state.

Brian has also built deep roots in political organizing, especially in red-leaning areas, helping candidates build infrastructure, door-knock, and raise funds. Brian is now leading a serious bid in NJ‑07, and leads the primary field in local endorsements.

Brian says:

“I’m running to ensure the American Dream that was available to me through hard work is available to every American, regardless of their background.”

Brian is running for Congress to expand economic opportunity, increase access to affordable healthcare, lower costs, strengthen Pell Grants and higher education, and support small businesses. As an Oath Of Office endorsed candidate, Brian Varela has taken the Politician’s Creed and pledges to lead with transparency, accountability, and a fierce commitment to working families.