James Julius
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James Julius (Republican Party) ran for election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to represent District 45. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Julius completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
James Julius was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Army in 2004. He earned a high school diploma from Brentwood High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Robert Morris University in 2008, a graduate degree from Robert Morris University in 2008, and a graduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business in 2013. His career experience includes working as a business owner and president.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
Democratic primary election
Republican primary election
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Julius in this election.
2024
Video for Ballotpedia
Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released March 20, 2024
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Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
James Julius completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Julius' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am James Julius, a dedicated family man, entrepreneur, and community advocate, now stepping forward as a write-in candidate for Pennsylvania's District 45. With deep roots in Pennsylvania, my life’s journey is built upon a foundation of hard work, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to my family and faith.
As the founder of a successful AI and federal contracting business, I have navigated the complexities of modern technology and business to create solutions that matter. My professional journey has been guided by a belief in ethical leadership and the power of innovation to drive positive change. Beyond my business achievements, I am deeply committed to my community, having volunteered in various capacities to support local initiatives and serve those in need.
My campaign for Pennsylvania's District 45 is born out of a vision that combines preserving our core values with embracing the necessary changes for progress. I believe in the strength of Pennsylvania’s diverse workforce, the untapped potential of our natural and energy resources, and the critical importance of education, healthcare, and infrastructure for the prosperity of our Commonwealth.
Join me in building a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania. Together, we can make history and create a legacy of prosperity, safety, and opportunity for all. - Economic Revitalization and Job Creation:
My campaign is focused on reigniting Pennsylvania's economy through strategic investments in our workforce and cutting-edge industries. By expanding tax credits and grant programs for blue-collar apprenticeships, we're preparing Pennsylvanians for high-paying, future-proof jobs. Embracing artificial intelligence will not only enhance our economic competitiveness but also ensure that Pennsylvania leads in innovation, creating opportunities for all.
- Educational Freedom for All: I strongly advocate for school choice, believing that parents should have the freedom to choose the best educational paths for their children. By supporting a variety of educational options including public, private, and charter schools, we ensure access to quality education for every child, regardless of their zip code. This policy is about empowering families and fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
- Advancing Energy Independence:
Committing to energy independence, my campaign supports bolstering Pennsylvania's natural gas and coal sectors, alongside promoting safe nuclear energy. This strategy not only secures our energy future but also positions the Commonwealth as a key energy exporter. Through innovation and sustainable practices, we aim to achieve economic prosperity and reduce the tax burden on our citizens, ensuring Pennsylvania remains a vibrant place to live and work.
I am deeply passionate about revitalizing Pennsylvania's economic landscape, enhancing educational opportunities, and ensuring healthcare affordability. My focus on economic development through job creation, energy independence, and technological advancement aims to secure a prosperous future for every Pennsylvanian. In education, I advocate for school choice, believing that empowering families to choose the best educational paths fosters excellence and innovation. Addressing healthcare, my goal is to make quality care more accessible and affordable, tackling systemic inefficiencies and the opioid epidemic head-on. These policy areas are crucial for building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Pennsylvania.
The person I look up to most is my grandfather, who passed away in 2008. He was not only a skilled airline mechanic for Allegheny Airlines and later USAir but also a dedicated family man who embraced his faith in Christ later in life. His commitment to family, hard work, and faith profoundly influenced me. He inspired me to strive for excellence in all areas of life, including following Christ, valuing education, and dedicating myself to being a good father. His encouragement was pivotal in my decision to pursue higher education early on. He was my biggest advocate, and his example is one I aim to follow both in my personal life and in my service to others.
For those seeking to understand my political philosophy, especially through the lens of servant leadership, I highly recommend "Leadership Is an Art" by Max De Pree. This book captures the essence of servant leadership—a concept that aligns closely with my principles as a Republican. De Pree articulates the importance of leading with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to the growth and well-being of both individuals and communities.
His perspective reinforces my belief in governance that prioritizes the needs of the people, encouraging leaders to listen actively, act ethically, and foster an environment where every voice is valued and every individual has the opportunity to succeed. This approach to leadership not only resonates with the core Republican values of individual liberty and responsibility but also emphasizes the transformative power of serving others with humility and respect. "Leadership Is an Art" provides invaluable insights into creating meaningful change through compassionate, principled leadership.
As a candidate for state legislator and a Republican, I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving the public interest above all else. Integrity ensures that every decision is made with honesty and moral clarity, reflecting the values and trust of the constituents. Accountability is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust in governance, requiring officials to take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of their policies. Additionally, a deep commitment to the public interest guides an official to prioritize the welfare and prosperity of the community, making decisions that foster growth, safety, and opportunity for all citizens. These principles ensure that leadership is not just about holding office, but about making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the people we serve.
I believe my blend of innovation, integrity, and dedication positions me to be a successful officeholder. My entrepreneurial background, particularly in AI and federal contracting, has honed my ability to navigate complex problems and drive forward-looking solutions. This experience instills in me a vision for integrating innovative approaches within government to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Integrity forms the core of my decision-making process, ensuring that actions taken are transparent, ethical, and in the best interest of the constituents. This steadfast commitment to ethical governance builds trust and fosters a culture of accountability.
Finally, my deep dedication to family, community, and faith guides my public service, ensuring that the policies and initiatives I support are aimed at improving the lives of all Pennsylvanians. This dedication motivates me to pursue impactful changes that foster prosperity, safety, and opportunity, making me a determined and compassionate advocate for the people of Pennsylvania. The paramount responsibility is to effectuate change that directly enhances the lives and liberties of Pennsylvanians. This duty involves advocating for policies that stimulate economic growth, uphold individual freedoms, and ensure public safety.
Leading with a commitment to fiscal responsibility, it's essential to champion legislation that encourages entrepreneurship, job creation, and minimizes governmental overreach, ensuring taxpayers' hard-earned money is used efficiently for the state's growth and prosperity.
Education policy must focus on empowering parents with school choice, ensuring that every child has access to quality education that meets their unique needs, fostering a generation of well-educated, independent thinkers.
Healthcare initiatives should aim at increasing accessibility and affordability through market-driven solutions and innovation, rather than expanding government control.
Public safety, a core tenet, demands a tough stance on crime and support for law enforcement, ensuring that every Pennsylvanian can live in a safe and secure community.
Effectuating meaningful change requires a steadfast dedication to these principles, ensuring legislation not only reflects the values of our constituents but also actively contributes to a stronger, more prosperous Pennsylvania. I aspire to leave a legacy of meaningful impact and positive transformation in Pennsylvania. My goal is to be remembered as a leader who revitalized the state's economy, empowered individuals through education and job opportunities, and advanced policies that ensured the well-being and prosperity of all Pennsylvanians. I want my tenure to be marked by significant strides towards energy independence, making Pennsylvania a model for sustainable and innovative energy solutions. Additionally, I aim to be a catalyst for reform in healthcare accessibility and affordability, directly contributing to a healthier and more vibrant community. Ultimately, I wish to leave a legacy of principled leadership, where innovation meets tradition, and where every action taken was guided by integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving the public good.
The first historical event I vividly remember occurring in my lifetime was the death of President Richard Nixon in 1994. I was 9 years old at the time. This event stands out in my memory, marking an early moment when I became aware of the broader world of politics and the impact of national figures on our country's history and collective consciousness. It sparked an early interest in public service and the complex legacy of leadership, influencing my understanding of the responsibilities and challenges that come with serving in public office.
My journey into the workforce began uniquely as a Junior Councilmember for Brentwood Borough, a role I was honored to be nominated for and served in for one year. In this position, I contributed to community projects, including the establishment of a skate park in our local park, marking my first foray into public service and community improvement. Following this, my first paid employment was at the age of 16, where I spent a summer maintaining the grounds of the Red Bull Inn in Robinson Township. This experience taught me the value of hard work and responsibility. Post-college, I embarked on a professional career at LANTek Computer Service in Carnegie, PA, where I served as a Network Engineer for three years. Each of these roles played a significant part in shaping my work ethic, understanding of community needs, and technical skills, laying the foundation for my commitment to serving and improving Pennsylvania.
One of the most significant struggles in my life was the challenge of starting my business from the ground up without any external help or financial backing. Taking the initial step to launch the business was undoubtedly the toughest part of my journey. The process of growing the business presented its own set of challenges, but none as formidable as making that initial leap into entrepreneurship. Over time, my perseverance paid off, allowing me to expand operations from Coraopolis to Carnegie and eventually build a thriving team of 23 dedicated professionals. Today, we take pride in supporting our Federal government and agencies, a testament to the hard work and resilience that have been the cornerstone of my career and personal growth. This journey has taught me the value of determination, innovation, and the power of believing in one’s vision.
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature hinges on a balance of leadership and collaboration. The governor's role is fundamentally to administer and execute the policies and laws established by the legislature, effectively managing the state's bureaucratic functions. This doesn't encompass setting or opposing policy but entails following the legislative directives with fidelity. While the legislature is the primary body for policy formulation, the governor serves as the state's political leader, guiding the administrative apparatus to implement these policies efficiently. Additionally, the governor has the prerogative to identify and advocate for specific state priorities, working within the framework set by the legislature to highlight and address urgent needs or opportunities. This delineation of roles ensures a streamlined governance structure where legislative intent is clearly executed by the executive branch, fostering a government that is responsive, responsible, and focused on serving the public interest.
Over the next decade, Pennsylvania faces several significant challenges, including economic revitalization, education reform, healthcare accessibility and affordability, and infrastructure modernization. Economic growth remains a top priority, with the need to create more high-paying jobs, support industries, and leverage technological advancements to stay competitive. Education reform is crucial to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has access to quality schooling that prepares them for the future, advocating for school choice and innovative learning models. Healthcare presents another major hurdle, as we strive to make it more accessible and affordable for all, tackling rising costs and the opioid epidemic head-on. Lastly, our aging infrastructure requires significant investments to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability for future generations. Addressing these challenges requires thoughtful leadership, strategic investments, and a commitment to policies that promote prosperity, well-being, and opportunity across the Commonwealth.
While previous experience in government or politics can be advantageous for state legislators, offering insights into legislative processes and governance challenges, it is not the sole determinant of effectiveness. Diverse perspectives and skills from various professional backgrounds can enrich policymaking, bringing innovative solutions and a broader understanding of the constituents' needs. What's crucial is a deep commitment to public service, a clear understanding of the issues facing the state, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and negotiation can be as valuable as traditional political experience, if not more so, in crafting policies that truly benefit the public. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a state legislator is defined by their dedication, integrity, and willingness to serve their community, regardless of their professional background.
Absolutely, building relationships with other legislators is crucial in politics. Effective governance relies heavily on the ability to collaborate, negotiate, and find common ground, both within one's party and across the aisle. Establishing strong relationships with fellow legislators and senators facilitates a deeper understanding of various policy perspectives and priorities. This not only enhances the potential for bipartisan cooperation but also ensures that legislative efforts are coherent and complementary across both chambers, optimizing the use of time and resources. In essence, fostering these connections is key to advancing meaningful legislation that reflects the diverse needs and interests of our constituents, making relationship-building an indispensable component of successful and impactful governance.
In seeking a model for my approach to governance, particularly one who championed small government, robust energy policy, and left a significant mark on Pennsylvania, I am inspired by the leadership of former Governor Dick Thornburgh. His tenure in Pennsylvania was marked by fiscal discipline, a dedication to reforming government operations to improve efficiency, and a strong advocacy for the state’s energy sector, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. Thornburgh’s ability to navigate the state through challenging times, including the Three Mile Island crisis, with a focus on transparency and public safety, showcases the importance of level-headed leadership in crisis situations. His legacy of pragmatic problem-solving, commitment to justice through the establishment of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, and efforts to revitalize the state’s economy set a high bar for public service. Emulating Thornburgh’s blend of principled governance, dedication to the well-being of Pennsylvanians, and a pragmatic approach to policy-making, I aim to serve with a similar focus on efficiency, energy independence, and the betterment of our state.
At this moment, my focus and commitment are fully dedicated to serving the people of Pennsylvania's District 45. The challenges and opportunities within this district are where I believe I can make the most significant impact, leveraging my background and vision to drive meaningful change at the state level. While the future is open to possibilities, my priority is to address the immediate needs of our communities, fostering economic growth, educational excellence, healthcare accessibility, and infrastructure improvements. My aspirations are rooted in making a tangible difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians through dedicated, effective service in the state legislature. Any considerations for other political offices would be guided by where I feel I can best serve the public interest and contribute to our collective well-being.
Yes, a story that has deeply resonated with me comes from the residents of McKees Rocks, PA. This community, once vibrant and bustling, now faces significant economic challenges. The business district, largely vacant, reflects a broader concern among citizens about the borough's future. Dilapidated buildings and the prevalence of low-end stores in the plaza paint a picture of a town being left behind, longing for revitalization and opportunity.
Hearing from the people of McKees Rocks, their desire for larger corporations, better business options, and improved shopping facilities is not just about economic development; it's a call for dignity, community pride, and a hopeful future. This narrative underscores the critical need for targeted investments and strategic initiatives to breathe new life into areas like McKees Rocks, ensuring every Pennsylvanian has access to a thriving local economy. Their story is a poignant reminder of the importance of our work and the impact effective leadership can have on turning the tide for communities in need.
Absolutely, the legislature should have a critical role in overseeing or granting the use of emergency powers. This oversight ensures that emergency actions taken by the executive branch are necessary, appropriate, and limited in scope and duration. It upholds the principle of checks and balances, a cornerstone of our democratic system, preventing the concentration of power and protecting civil liberties. By requiring legislative approval for emergency powers, we ensure that such significant decisions reflect the will and interests of the people, as represented by their elected officials. This process fosters transparency, accountability, and public trust in government actions during crises.
If elected, my first legislative initiative would be to introduce a bill aimed at advancing energy independence in Pennsylvania. This legislation would focus on bolstering the state's natural gas and coal industries, promoting the development of safe nuclear energy, and encouraging research into renewable energy sources. The bill would propose tax incentives for companies investing in energy production and infrastructure, streamline regulatory processes to encourage innovation, and support workforce development in the energy sector. By prioritizing energy independence, we not only secure Pennsylvania's future energy needs but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and position the Commonwealth as a leader in the energy sector. This approach underscores our commitment to a balanced energy policy that supports both our economy and our environment.
As I've recently initiated my write-in campaign due to the absence of Republican representation on the ballot for District 45, we are currently in the early stages of seeking endorsements. Our team is actively engaging with community leaders, local businesses, advocacy groups, and fellow public servants who share our vision for Pennsylvania. This includes reaching out to organizations and individuals committed to economic growth, educational innovation, healthcare reform, and energy independence. Our goal is to build a coalition of support that reflects the diverse interests and needs of our constituents. While specific endorsements are still forthcoming, we are encouraged by the positive responses and shared enthusiasm for our campaign.
I'm interested in the following committees where I can contribute meaningfully:
Environmental Resources & Energy: Here, I'd focus on promoting responsible energy policies to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, supporting Pennsylvania's energy sector and ensuring energy independence.
Consumer Protection, Technology, & Utilities: With my background in AI and technology, I can contribute to discussions on cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and consumer rights in the digital age, ensuring Pennsylvania's leadership in innovation while protecting consumers.
Finance: I believe in fiscal responsibility and smart taxation for economic competitiveness, making the Finance Committee a natural fit. I'd focus on tax reforms that stimulate investment and growth, ensuring the Commonwealth's financial health.
Judiciary: Upholding the rule of law and ensuring fairness in our legal system are priorities for me. I'd advocate for policies that protect citizens' rights while maintaining public safety and trust in our legal institutions.
Transportation: With Pennsylvania's infrastructure needing attention, I'd advocate for strategic investments in roads, bridges, and public transit systems to improve connectivity, safety, and efficiency across the Commonwealth.
In these committees, I plan to use my experience, knowledge, and passion to drive policies reflecting our shared values, contributing to a stronger, more prosperous Pennsylvania. My views on financial transparency and government accountability are unequivocal: they are foundational principles that must be upheld to maintain trust and integrity within our governance. Financial transparency ensures that every taxpayer dollar is accounted for and spent wisely, reflecting the priorities and needs of the community. It allows citizens to see where their money is going, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the fiscal decisions made on their behalf.
Government accountability is equally critical. Elected officials and public servants must be answerable to the people they serve, ensuring that actions, policies, and decisions are conducted in the best interest of the public. This includes a commitment to open communication, ethical behavior, and a willingness to be scrutinized and corrected when necessary.
Together, financial transparency and government accountability create a governance framework that respects the rights and contributions of citizens, encourages responsible stewardship of resources, and builds a trustworthy relationship between the government and the people. As a Republican, I firmly believe in minimizing waste, fraud, and abuse of power, advocating for policies and practices that enhance transparency and accountability at every level of government. Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
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See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 20, 2024
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Joanna McClinton
Majority Leader:Kerry Benninghoff
Minority Leader:Jesse Topper
Representatives
Democratic Party (102)
Republican Party (101)