I’m running for Congress because I believe people in New Jersey’s 3rd District deserve representation that is serious, honest, and focused on solving real problems.
At the core of this campaign is a simple idea: government should help people live with dignity.
I’m not running because politics needs more noise. I’m running because too many people feel like nobody is listening anymore.
When I was 22 years old, I served as a councilman in Lake Como, New Jersey — formerly South Belmar.
Local government teaches you quickly that people’s concerns are real: housing, bills, safety, infrastructure, family stress, and whether anyone in government is actually listening.
Around that same time, I also worked as a teacher at a local charter school. Education and public service became central parts of my life.
After local government, I continued my education while teaching at colleges in New Jersey, including Mercer County Community College.
That is also where I met my wife, Catherine. We were both teaching in different academic programs and eventually began building our lives together while continuing our graduate and doctoral studies.
My academic background shaped how I approach public problems: listen carefully, study the evidence, be honest about tradeoffs, and focus on what actually works.
I have volunteered with Civil Air Patrol since 2002, supporting public-service missions connected to emergency services, search and rescue, youth mentorship, and preparedness.
That work, along with teaching and local service, reinforced my belief that leadership is not about performance. It is about responsibility.
I later joined the Department of Homeland Security, where I worked for more than 13 years in the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
The mission mattered deeply to me. I believed then, and still believe now, that America can protect security and constitutional rights at the same time.
During my time at DHS, I supported civil rights oversight, training, operations, complaint processes, and organizational support functions.
One of the most meaningful experiences of my career was participating in Operation Allies Welcome during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
I helped welcome Afghan evacuees arriving in the United States — many carrying little more than the clothes they arrived in.
Families needed food, healthcare, direction, safety, and reassurance. That experience reinforced something I already believed: government matters most when people are vulnerable.
For years, I wanted to serve people directly again. But federal employees face restrictions under the Hatch Act that limit political activity while serving.
Then came DOGE and the dismantling or weakening of oversight functions designed to protect rights, investigate complaints, and maintain accountability.
At the same time, I kept hearing from people across New Jersey about affordability, healthcare costs, housing pressure, taxes, infrastructure strain, and the feeling that government simply was not listening.
My wife and I made a decision. Rather than continue chasing opportunities elsewhere, we came home to New Jersey. I decided to run because I believe people deserve another option.
I’m running as an Independent because I believe my loyalty should belong to the people of NJ-03 — not party leadership, consultants, donors, or political factions.
That does not mean I lack values. It means I want the freedom to listen first, work with anyone in good faith, and say no when something is wrong — regardless of who proposed it.
People are tired of being treated like political teams matter more than families, communities, and everyday survival. I understand that frustration.
This campaign is not about spectacle. It is about rebuilding trust.
If you are tired of politics that feels disconnected from real life — if you want calm, practical leadership focused on helping people instead of performing for cameras — I hope you will join us.
Even one conversation matters. Even one hour helping matters. And your voice matters.
This campaign is built around listening. If you want to help, learn more, or share what is on your mind, I would be glad to hear from you.
