Jack is not a lifelong politician. He is a devoted father, respected teacher and active member of our community. Like so many people in the 7th District, he has grown tired of the gridlock in Washington and has resolved to do something about it.

In May of 2014, Jack declared his candidacy and was subsequently nominated unanimously by the Democratic Party of the 7th District. “It was a long decision-making process for me,” he says. “I had considered running in earlier races, but the situation in the 7th and in Washington finally convinced me that change was absolutely necessary. No matter who I would be running against on the other side of the ticket, I was determined that there would be a dialogue.”

Jack believes first and foremost in serving the constituents of the 7th District of Virginia. With both an undergraduate and graduate education, he has developed a wide range of expertise that will help him to navigate important policy issues in VA7. He firmly believes in hearing from his neighbors about the issues they want addressed in Washington and is committed to ensuring their voices are heard.

 

 

Why Jack is running

• Jack has a track record of working collaboratively to bring together diverse interests and constituents. Jack knows that the best solutions come from those looking to serve their constituents first. “In education, you have to account for all of the stakeholders. When in Washington, I will work across party lines to promote solid policy and discuss bipartisan ideas. Instead of a shutdown, we need find common ground to get things done.”
• Jack believes in strengthening our economy and investing in our workforce. “For America to continue to lead the world, we must continue to invest in our infrastructure and our workforce. We have to create an environment where entrepreneurship is encouraged and small businesses can grow. In addition, we have to ensure that our educational system trains a workforce that can support the jobs of the future.”
• Jack believes in education. “We have one of the best educational systems in the country, but our schools need more help; our universities and colleges are under stress. We need leaders in Washington who value education, and are willing to admit when policy fails, and have the courage and conviction to try again.”
• Jack is committed to working with Republicans and Democrats to fix the Affordable Care Act, while preserving the parts of the law that are working. “The ACA can help deliver higher quality, more affordable health care to Virginians. With key bipartisan fixes and improvements to the ACA, the law can be more flexible and affordable for consumers, reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, and provide expanded access to health care across the Commonwealth.”
• Jack understands the importance of fiscal responsibility. “Taxpayers deserve accountability for every dollar spent. I know that we can create solutions that protect taxpayers, promote accountability and address our nation’s deficits and debt.”
• Jack will protect women’s rights. Jack is committed to protecting women’s rights and will be a fierce advocate of policies that protect women in the military, end violence against women and provide equality in the workplace.
• Jack believes that we must serve those who have served our country. Jack will fight to ensure that we deliver on our obligation to honor the service of our military men and women by providing them the benefits and resources they have earned during their service.”
• Jack has a groundswell of support. “I have been amazed to see the enthusiasm and energy people have in the 7th district. They want change, and they deserve that.”

Jack began his career in public service working as a contracting assistant for the State of Kentucky in the late 1980s, where he was ultimately nominated and named an Honorable Kentucky Colonel for his service. In the early 1990s, he returned to school to become a teacher, following in the footsteps of so many in his family.

Jack completed an undergraduate degree at Grove City College in western Pennsylvania, a master’s degree and Ph.D. at Virginia Commonwealth University and a special education certification program at the University of Virginia. He has been teaching at the K12 or university level for more than twenty years. He currently teaches at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.

Jack has a wide variety of interests and an extensive career as a writer. He lives on a small farm in Louisa County, Virginia with his wife Audrie, a special educator and artist. They have seven grown children, six of whom will be actively enrolled in postsecondary education this fall.