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Candidates › MI-02 race › 2025–2026
John R. Moolenaar
R Republican nominee for U.S. House, MI-02
Representative since 2015
Other accounts (2)
The same platforms’ other accounts, such as a congressional office’s or an earlier campaign’s.
- On the ballot
- On the general election ballotNov 3, 2026 · Michigan US House 2
- Where to vote
- Find your polling place (opens in a new tab) · More ways to vote
- Top priorities
- 2nd Amendment
- Agriculture
- Data Centers
- National Defense
- Economy
- In Congress
- Representative since 2015 · votes with their party 98% of the time · chairs House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. See the record · Office phone 202-225-3561
- Money
- $2.1M raised, $2.1M spent, $1.2M cash on hand (through Oct 14, 2026). Where it comes from
- Who gives
- 3.7% of individual money from donors at $200 or less · 74% from Michigan · largest committee giver SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. PAC, $15K
- Outside groups
- $18.1K supporting Moolenaar
- Backed by
- Michigan Chamber · Citizens for Traditional Values PAC · NFIB Fed PAC and 3 more. As the campaign lists them
- Sponsored most in
- Education, Taxation, Government Operations and Politics
16 priorities from johnmoolenaarforcongress.com, in the order they are listed there. Every heading and the text under it is copied exactly, as one passage for each page it is from, and links to that place on the page; hover a source to see which passage it opens.
I believe the Second Amendment is clear: “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Law-abiding Americans have a constitutional right to own firearms, and I will continue to oppose efforts that restrict that right or punish responsible gun owners.
The most basic role of government is to protect our freedoms and defend our constitutional rights. That is why I have consistently supported legislation that protects the rights of gun owners, strengthens self-defense protections, and safeguards the rights of veterans. I am proud to have cosponsored the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, the PROTECT the Second Amendment Act, and the Gun Owner Registration Information Protection Act. I also cosponsored and voted in favor of the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to help ensure veterans are not unfairly deprived of their constitutional rights without due process.
During my time in Congress, I have earned an “A” rating from the NRA and have stood firmly against efforts to undermine the Second Amendment. The right to bear arms is one of the fundamental freedoms upon which our nation was founded, and I will continue fighting to preserve it for future generations.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-2nd-amendment
Michigan's Second District is home to some of the most productive and diverse farms in the country. From dairy, corn, soybeans, and cattle to apples, asparagus, poultry, and specialty crops, our farmers play a critical role in feeding America and supporting our economy.
Growing up, I treasured the time spent on my grandparents' farm in Indiana and learned firsthand about the hard work and dedication required to operate a family farm. Those experiences continue to shape my understanding of the challenges facing farmers today. That is why I was proud to support reauthorization of the Farm Bill so farmers have the resources and stability they need to thrive.
As the only Michigan member serving on the House Appropriations Committee—and, more importantly, on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies—I am in a unique position to advocate directly for Michigan farmers and help shape the federal funding decisions that support agriculture, rural communities, and food safety. I have also worked to address critical workforce challenges by supporting reforms to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), improving access to a reliable agricultural workforce, and advancing practical solutions to help farmers manage rising labor costs while ensuring they have the workers needed to harvest their crops.
Additionally, as Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, I have worked to protect American agriculture from foreign threats, including efforts by China to acquire American farmland and influence our food supply. I have also supported expanding export opportunities, strengthening farm programs, reducing burdensome regulations, and ensuring farmers have the tools they need to remain competitive.
As your voice in Congress, I will continue fighting for Michigan agriculture, protecting family farms, preserving rural communities, and ensuring future generations can continue our proud farming tradition.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-agriculture
Data Centers are a part of cyber infrastructure. They store, process, and route the digital data that powers global communication, finance, healthcare, and our daily internet use.
As conversations continue as to whether data centers should be built in particular locations, I believe protecting our communities should always remain the utmost priority. I support state and local governments instituting moratoriums on new data center construction until certain conditions are met to the community’s satisfaction. We must ensure there is a transparent process with all relevant information made available to the public and that local control is paramount in any decision, environmental safeguards are instituted, and strict electricity rate protections are in place.
I also have strong concerns with Chinese companies and our adversaries building data centers in our backyards or utilizing current centers to undermine our economy and national security. This should not be allowed.
If local communities decide to build a data center, they should feel safe with who is building in their backyard and how they are utilizing local resources.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-datacenters
In an increasingly dangerous world, a strong military and smart foreign policy are essential to protecting our nation and preserving peace through strength. Congress must ensure that our armed forces remain the most capable fighting force in the world and have the resources necessary to meet emerging threats. Under President Trump’s leadership, we have restored our nation’s military to be the fighting force it once was and put America back on top as a global super power.
America faces growing challenges from adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. We must remain vigilant, strengthen our alliances, protect our interests abroad, and ensure our military is prepared to deter aggression and defend our nation whenever called upon.
Providing for the common defense is one of the federal government's most important responsibilities. I am committed to continuing to strengthen our military, modernize our defense capabilities, and ensure our servicemembers have the equipment and support they need to accomplish their missions safely.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-national-defense
Michigan families deserve a state where hard work goes further and the cost of living is lower. I believe making Michigan more affordable starts with policies that let families keep more of what they earn, reduce unnecessary government costs, ensure reliable and affordable energy, and create an environment where businesses can grow, invest, and create good-paying jobs.
Growth is driven by free markets, lower taxes, responsible spending, reduced regulations, and policies that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in American workers and manufacturers.
That’s why I supported the Working Families Tax Cuts, which put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Michiganders by making the 2017 tax cuts permanent, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, expanding the child tax credit, enhancing tax relief for seniors, and boosting domestic energy production to help lower costs for families. These policies help make Michigan a more affordable place to live, work, raise a family, and build a future. Under President Trump’s leadership, I look forward to continuing to fight for lower taxes and increased opportunity for Michigan families.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-economy
Parents should be the primary decision makers in their children's education. I believe families deserve transparency from schools and should always have access to information regarding their child's academic progress, curriculum, and well-being. That’s why I supported the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act to ensure schools cannot alter a minor student's gender markers, preferred names, pronouns, or sex-based accommodations (such as bathrooms or locker rooms) without parental consent. The legislation also prohibits any school receiving federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) from teaching or advancing concepts related to gender ideology. Schools that do not comply with these parental consent and ideology restrictions risk losing their federal education funding. We must protect parental rights and transparency in education. I will continue standing with Michigan families to restore accountability and common sense in schools.
As a former school administrator, I saw firsthand how empowering parents and expanding educational opportunities can improve outcomes for students. That is why I remain a strong supporter of school choice and policies that allow families to select the educational environment that best meets their child's needs. I was proud to support the Working Families Tax Cuts that created a landmark federal tax credit program for school choice. Starting in 2027, individual taxpayers can claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations made to state-approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO). It is my hope our next Governor will opt in to participate in this program and allow Michigan families to take advantage of this opportunity.
America's future depends on preparing students for success in an increasingly competitive global economy. We must strengthen STEM education, support career and technical training programs, and ensure students have pathways to high-paying careers in manufacturing, engineering, health care, and the skilled trades.
Students pursuing careers through apprenticeships, certifications, and technical programs deserve the same opportunities for financial assistance as those attending four-year universities. That is why I supported the expansion of the Pell Grant to include our workforce and job training programs and have consistently supported its use year round. I will continue working to expand access to workforce development programs and make education more affordable for Michigan families.
Lastly, as a father of six, I understand the challenges families face when planning for higher education. I will continue supporting accountability, affordability, and excellence in education while ensuring Michigan's universities remain leaders in research and innovation.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-education
The integrity of our elections is essential to maintaining public trust in our democratic process. Every eligible voter should have confidence that elections are conducted fairly, securely, and transparently.
Our Constitution gives states the primary responsibility for administering elections, and I believe local election officials are best equipped to oversee the process. Federal overreach into state election systems undermines this important principle.
I support common-sense measures that strengthen election security, including voter identification requirements, accurate voter registration rolls, protections against election fraud, and safeguards that ensure every legal vote is counted. That is why I have been proud to support the SAVE Act and SAVE America Act that would, among other things, require proof of citizenship and a photo ID to vote.
Americans deserve confidence in the outcome of every election, and I will continue supporting policies that protect the integrity and transparency of our electoral system.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-election-integrity
America’s economic strength depends on a government that lives within its means, just like the families and small businesses it serves. In Washington, important steps have been taken to rein in wasteful spending, improve accountability, and strengthen oversight of federal dollars, but there is still more work ahead to secure our nation’s fiscal future.
As the only Michigan member serving on the House Appropriations Committee, I have consistently worked to reduce federal spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. I supported the Rescissions Act, which saved taxpayers $9 billion by eliminating unnecessary spending. I support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution to help restore long-term fiscal discipline and prevent Washington from spending beyond its means.
Michigan families know what it means to budget responsibly and plan for the long term. Those same values should guide federal decision-making, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently while supporting policies that grow the economy and create opportunity.
I will continue supporting efforts to reduce deficits, eliminate waste, promote responsible spending, and strengthen long-term economic growth. By building on the progress already made, we can put our country on a stronger fiscal path for the next generation.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-fiscal-responsibility
The Great Lakes support fishing, boating, and tourism, and they are also 20 percent of the world’s freshwater. We must do everything we can to protect this resource to ensure that our outdoor heritage can be enjoyed for centuries to come.
I have continually been a proud supporter of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative which restores and protects our lakes, rivers and streams. As the only Michigan member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have fought for this funding year after year.
I have also worked to support efforts at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam to keep invasive species like the Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes. These invasive fish could severely jeopardize our economy, recreation, and tourism. I will continue to support efforts to stop Asian Carp.
I will continue working to ensure the Great Lakes remain healthy and vibrant for future generations.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-great-lakes-protection
There is no question that America is a global leader in health care from breakthrough medical devices, to novel new cancer treatments, and everything in between. However, the future of health care in America has been put at risk by proposals that would put your health care in the hands of Washington bureaucrats. A single-payer, Medicare for All approach is not the answer.
I believe health care decisions should remain between patients and their doctors, not government bureaucrats. Families deserve choices when selecting health care coverage and treatment options that best meet their individual needs. We also need to make sure we continue to create new treatments that help all Americans live longer, healthier lives.
As the only Michigan member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have voted in support of record funding at the National Institutes of Health to increase research into cures and treatments for cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Many have lost family members to these horrible diseases and it is my hope that we will get closer to cures, so Michigan families have more time with their loved ones.
I supported Right-To-Try legislation that President Trump signed into law. This legislation offers hope for terminal patients and allows them to try experimental treatments instead of waiting for years for bureaucrats to approve new drugs.
We can accomplish the kind of health care reform the American people want without having a government takeover of our system and without forcing citizens into a one-size-fits-all healthcare system.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-health-care
A one-size-fits-all, government takeover of our healthcare system is NOT the answer. I believe families should be able to choose the health care plan that best fits their needs, the doctors they prefer, be treated in a timely fashion and be given the care they need. I believe you understand your health care needs, not an un-elected Washington bureaucrat.
Medicare for all means quality healthcare for none at a higher cost.
Nothing in life is free and “Medicare for All” is no exception. The Committee for Responsible Government estimates a baseline middle-ground requirement of roughly $32 trillion in new federal tax revenue to cover the additional costs to the Medicare program. This means, under the Radial Left’s plan, every American will see their federal taxes go up.
Universal coverage doesn't automatically mean easy access.
You can have a card guaranteeing coverage but still have difficulty finding a family doctor or getting an appointment quickly. We only have to look to our neighbors to the north and see how this has negatively impacted families under Canada’s universal health care system.
In 2024, the Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that 73% of patients could not get a same day or next day doctor’s appointment.A 2025 Fraser Institute survey estimated that the median time it took for a patient to see a doctor, get referred to a specialist and actually receive treatment in Canada was 28.6 weeks, or about 6½ months. Just getting an appointment with the specialist after being referred was 15.3 weeks.
Americans should not be denied the life saving care they need.
Universal health care systems prioritize the healthy. Saving costs on a balance sheet is more important than saving a life.I believe every single American deserves access to the life saving care they need. That’s why I was proud to support the Right to Try legislation that President Trump signed into law. This allows terminally ill patients to more easily access experimental drugs and treatments. This access would be severely hindered under a government-run system and why so many Canadians come to the United States to receive care. Learn more about how a Canadian woman facing a cancer diagnosis was dismissed for death and how it was America’s free market system and doctors that saved her life: Saanich woman chooses cancer surgery in U.S. after being denied at home.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-health-care-medicareforall
We are a nation built on the rule of law, and that includes strong border security. Under the current Administration, the southern border has been secured and must remain so to prevent illegal immigration and protect national security.
Existing federal laws should be enforced consistently, including the deportation of immigrants who commit crimes. We also need reforms to visa programs so businesses can access needed workers while ensuring visa holders return home when their visas expire rather than remaining in the United States unlawfully.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/issues-immigration