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Jay Bowman
From Ballotpedia
Jay Bowman (independent) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Kentucky's 6th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the general election scheduled on November 3, 2026.[source]
Bowman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Jay Bowman was born in Grayling, Michigan. He earned a high school diploma from Olympus High School. His career experience includes working as an entrepreneur.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Kentucky's 6th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on May 19, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.
General election for U.S. House Kentucky District 6
Jay Bowman and Pete Lynch are running in the general election for U.S. House Kentucky District 6 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Jay Bowman (Independent)  | |
 | Pete Lynch (Independent) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 6
Zach Dembo, David Kloiber, Erin Petrey, and Cherlynn Stevenson are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 6 on May 19, 2026.
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 6
Ralph Alvarado, Ryan Dotson, Adam Perez Arquette, Greg Plucinski, and Steve Shannon are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 6 on May 19, 2026.
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Andy Barr (R)
- Deanna Frazier Gordon (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
Presidency
- See also: Presidential candidates, 2024
An election for president of the United States was held on November 5, 2024. Bowman was on the ballot in the following states.
See also:
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jay Bowman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bowman's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Jay J Bowman, I was born in Michigan and raised in Utah. There I developed a deep appreciation for nature and entrepreneurship. My father's hard work and small business success inspired me, while my mother's pursuit of education and global adventures instilled a love for learning. After starting my own business at 24, I later moved to Kentucky in the mid-90s, where I thrived as a small business owner and raised my family. Now, I seek to give back to the community that has supported me, driven by gratitude for the opportunities America has provided. I was lucky to be born in this great nation!
- Congress do your job .!.
George Washington warned against the proliferation of political parties. He believed that these parties could divide the nation. Washington told the American public that political parties would lead to politicians putting the interests of the party over the interests of the country. The two party system is broken. elect independent candidates to force dialogue and debate between Democrats and Republicans. Your vote, my promise.
I promise to tirelessly work for the young people of Kentucky, championing common sense governance, fiscal responsibility, and a stop to wasteful spending. Our children's future is at stake, and they deserve nothing less than our full commitment. Kentucky, I will deliver on this! - Job One: Balance the Budget, Secure Our Future with my 10 / 10 PLAN. 10/10 Plan: Combine two powerful strategies for fiscal responsibility. First, a 10% budget cut across federal agencies to reduce overall spending. Implement a department head meticulous budget analysis with congressional oversite. Second, a 10% efficiency gain through AI and modernization efforts, enhancing productivity without compromising services. The""10/10 Plan"" prioritizes cost savings while safeguarding essential services for vulnerable populations and preserving federal jobs. Key strategies include streamlining operations, eliminating redundancies, and adopting innovative technologies to optimize resource allocation.
- Job Two: Pay Down the Deficit 10/10/2 Plan The 10/10/2 Plan Creates a Deficit Reduction Task Force we will unite esteemed economists, fiscal experts, lawmakers, and private sector innovators to tackle the $38 trillion deficit. This collaborative effort aims to craft legislation that responsibly reduces the deficit through strategic spending adjustments, revenue enhancements, and economic growth initiatives. The task force will prioritize solutions that protect vulnerable populations, Federal workers, and maintain government stability, ensuring a sustainable financial future for the nation.
Living Wage:
A full-time working citizen should have the means to purchase a home, a dependable car, and live without the constant worry of basic necessities. This is the essence of the American Dream.
The founding fathers of the United States serve as a profound source of inspiration for me, as they were ordinary, flawed individuals who, in the face of immense challenges, took decisive action to shape a better future. Their courage, determination, and commitment to enacting meaningful change despite their own shortcomings resonate deeply with me, as I recognize that I, too, am far from perfect. However, like them, I am driven by a sense of duty to transcend mere words and actively work towards addressing the issues plaguing our nation. It is time for me to follow their example and confront the limitations of the current two-party system, striving to create a more inclusive and effective government.
An elected official should possess a deep-rooted dedication to public service, demonstrating unwavering commitment to constituents' needs. They must exhibit integrity, leadership, empathy, and collaborative skills to effectively fulfill their role. By adhering to these principles, they can inspire trust, make sound decisions, understand diverse perspectives, and work effectively with others to achieve shared goals, ultimately serving the public interest and promoting the greater good.
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the core responsibilities revolve around fulfilling constitutional duties, such as introducing and passing bills into law, representing constituents' needs and interests, and providing checks and balances on the executive and judicial branches. This includes serving on committees, engaging in floor debates, and working closely with fellow lawmakers to find common ground on pressing issues. By upholding the Constitution, a representative safeguards democracy and ensures the government functions efficiently for the benefit of all Americans.
To be remembered as a good father and a good man.
The first historical event that hit home with me and left an indelible impression was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I was in the 4th grade and had just returned from recess when the news was announced over the school intercom. Initially, I was in disbelief, thinking it might be some sort of joke. However, as the reality sank in, I was overcome with a mix of shock and sadness, struggling to comprehend how such a tragedy could occur in America. This momentous event was a formative experience that has remained ingrained in my memory ever since.
My initial adventure into the workforce began as a part-time employee at my father's small business, a role I held between the ages of 16 and 18. This family-oriented job was a formative experience, granting me early exposure to the intricacies of running a business. My first professional position outside of the family realm came in the form of a warehousing job at a Salt Lake City facility, where I was entrusted with managing their Xerox warehouse account. This role also marked my introduction to union membership, as I joined Teamsters Local 222 for a duration of two years. These early work experiences helped lay the foundation for my future career pursuits and appreciation of labor rights.
My favorite book is "Catcher in the Rye" as it holds a unique significance for me—it was the last book I read during my school years. I regret that I have not found the time to engage with literature as much as I would or should have.
If allowed to embody a fictional character, I would choose to be the citizen I envision I want to be in my mind—a determined individual who challenges our elected leaders to rise above our limitations and work diligently to safeguard our nation for the sake of future generations.
Striking the right balance between my personal and professional life has been a consistent challenge. I have found it difficult to allocate sufficient time for my loved ones while also attending to the demands of my business.
The U.S. House of Representatives holds a unique position in American governance, as outlined in the Constitution. Its role as a check and balance within the federal government is critical to maintaining a healthy democracy. The House serves as a direct voice of the people, representing diverse constituencies across the nation and reflecting a wide range of perspectives. The chamber's large size enables a broad spectrum of ideas to be debated, ensuring that policy decisions are thoroughly examined from various viewpoints. Additionally, the House's power of the purse, allowing it to control government spending, makes it a significant player in shaping the nation's priorities and future trajectory.
The framers of the Constitution envisioned the U.S. House of Representatives as a body that embodies the diverse voices of the American people, rather than being solely comprised of career politicians. Thus, I firmly believe that prior experience in government or politics is not a prerequisite for effective representation. In fact, incorporating individuals from various professional and personal backgrounds can enrich congressional deliberations, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Moreover, this approach can help to mitigate the influence of entrenched interests and political factions, ensuring that the House remains responsive to the needs and values of the broader citizenry.
The United States faces numerous challenges in the coming decade, but one critical concern is the nation's ballooning deficit spending. The long-term impacts of deficit spending can be detrimental to future generations, as it leads to substantial interest payments that divert resources from vital programs and investments. In 2023 alone, interest payments are projected to exceed $1 trillion—a staggering sum that could be allocated more effectively to enhance infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential services. Addressing this fiscal imbalance should be a top priority for policymakers seeking to secure a prosperous future for the nation and its citizens.
A two-year term length for representatives, coupled with a three-term limit, strikes a balance between allowing members to gain sufficient experience and expertise while also promoting turnover and diversity. This system ensures that representatives remain accountable to their constituents, encourages new perspectives and ideas, and prevents the entrenchment of power within the House. Moreover, shorter terms enable more frequent opportunities for citizens to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their representatives' performance, fostering a responsive and adaptive legislative body.
Term limits are crucial for ensuring a healthy democracy, preventing entrenched power, and promoting fresh ideas in government. By instituting term limits for elected officials, we encourage regular turnover and create opportunities for new perspectives, fostering innovation and adaptability in policymaking. Additionally, term limits can reduce the influence of special interests, corruption, and complacency, ultimately leading to a more accountable and responsive government that truly serves the people.
One candidate for the most honest and strongest Speaker of the House in U.S. history could be Sam Rayburn. Rayburn, who served as Speaker from 1940 to 1961, was widely respected for his integrity, bipartisanship, and commitment to the legislative process. He prioritized the interests of the nation over party politics and successfully navigated the House through some of the most challenging times in American history, including World War II and the early years of the Cold War. Rayburn's unwavering dedication to fairness, civility, and the greater good make him a strong contender for this distinction.
During my time engaging with people, I encountered a deeply moving story of a young couple who had recently experienced homelessness and were facing the harsh realities of an approaching winter. Their resilience and determination to overcome adversity were inspiring, but it was their concern for others who were still struggling with homelessness that truly touched me. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many in our community and the urgent need for policies that support vulnerable individuals and families. It is my duty as a representative to champion initiatives that not only help those in need but also inspire hope and revitalize the American dream for future generations.
Compromise is a crucial component of policymaking, as it fosters debate, collaboration, and the development of thoughtful legislation. However, compromise must not come at the expense of integrity or dedication to the nation's well-being. To foster transparency and accountability in government, I strongly advocate for the implementation of a line-item veto power, which would allow for targeted revisions to legislation and the passage of standalone bills. This approach ensures that each issue receives proper scrutiny and discussion. This approach promotes honesty with the American people and ensures that lawmakers remain focused on addressing pressing issues with the nation's best interests at heart.
The constitutional mandate that all revenue-raising bills must originate in the House serves as an essential check and balance in the federal government. If elected, I would leverage this power to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in the allocation of taxpayer dollars. By prioritizing thoughtful and deliberate discussions on revenue-generating legislation, the House can maintain a vigilant oversight role, ensuring that spending aligns with the nation's values and interests. Additionally, this power enables representatives to advocate for their constituents' needs and promote fairness in the tax code, fostering a more equitable distribution of the financial burden across all sectors of society.
The U.S. House of Representatives has implicit investigative powers, derived from its constitutional authority as a legislative body. These powers, though not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, are essential for Congress to fulfill its oversight duties, scrutinize executive branch actions, and effectively legislate. Historically, Congress has used its investigative powers to conduct inquiries into various matters, including corruption, government misconduct, and private sector practices, and should continue to do so.
I encountered a small business owner who, after hearing my appeal for support, shared a deeply personal story. In his youth, he had made a grave mistake by stealing a car while under the influence of alcohol, leading to a felony conviction. Now, decades later and seemingly filled with regret, he found himself unable to register to vote due to his past. This man's desire to contribute and engage in the democratic process was strong, but his prior conviction continued to cast a long shadow over his life. Reflecting on my own youthful indiscretions, I empathized with his situation and realized that our society needs to do better in offering second chances to those who have served their time, demonstrated remorse, and seek to become contributing members of society once again.
One accomplishment that fills me with immense pride is my successful bid to secure a position on the Tennessee presidential ballot in 2024 as an independent candidate. Furthermore, I am delighted to have achieved write-in candidate status in five additional states. These achievements are particularly significant considering the prevailing dominance of the two-party system in the United States, which often poses significant barriers for independent candidates.
As a holder of AI patents, I am acutely aware of both the promise and the perils that AI can present. Given the immense potential and far-reaching implications of artificial intelligence, the United States government must play a proactive role in its development and use.
I advocate for the establishment of a dedicated cabinet-level position to oversee AI development and use, ensuring that it is harnessed responsibly and in the best interests of every citizen. This would involve implementing robust regulations, fostering transparency, and prioritizing ethical considerations, all with the ultimate goal of protecting and defending our nation while maximizing the benefits of AI for society as a whole.
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.
2024
Jay Bowman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bowman's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My friends and family laughed when I told them I wanted to run. Why would any “regular” person run for President? The scrutiny, the cost, and the stress of a campaign and (hopefully) of serving as President is an enormous price to pay. Why not just let someone else do it? This is my answer: I am extremely concerned about our country’s direction, our future, our children’s future, and the kind of world they will inherit. "If not me, who, if not now, when." I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to ensure the world they inherit is a far better world than the one we grew up in. I’m committed to advocating for policies that promote fiscal responsibility and personal accountability. I believe in the constitution, that we are all created equal, and are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We need to work together utilizing common sense to create a better country not only for US, but also for future generations. *Quote, Emma Watson during her 2014 HeforShe campaign kick-off.
- George Washington warned against the proliferation of political parties. He believed that these parties could divide the nation. Washington told the American public that political parties would lead to politicians putting the interests of the party over the interests of the country.
- Soon we will be spending more on the deficit interest than we currently spend on national defense per year. This is unsustainable, and our children deserve better. It’s time to take a hard look at how we’re spending our money and start making common - sense, sustainable investments in our future.
America is not broken our two party system is broken.!.
Vote NO, stop spending money we don't have. - We must enact balanced budget legislation and implement common-sense fiscal policies to ensure that our government spends our money effectively and efficiently. America is not broken our two party system is broken.!. Vote NO, stop spending money we don't have.
Our two party politicians do not know how to say no to deficit spending. I understand why, it is a difficult topic. We need to address now for our children. Vote NO, stop spending money we don't have.
Service, is the cornerstone of a politician's role.
Prioritizing service ensures politicians focus on the public good and are accountable for their actions.
Prioritizing service ensures politicians focus on the public good and are accountable for their actions.
Upholding and defending the Constitution: The President takes an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, ensuring that the laws of the country are faithfully executed.
President Kennedy being assassinated, elementary school age.
I have been an entrepreneur / small businessowner since I was 24 years old.
2. I would form a coalition cabinet of the likeminded democrats, republicans and independents that would address the budget and deficit spending. By uniting a diverse group of leaders around this common goal, we can demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and build momentum for addressing the nation's growing debt, while protecting our less fortunate citizens
My opponents avoid addressing budget and deficit spending due to the political risks involved. Making the necessary adjustments can be unpopular with voters. Additionally, politicians may be influenced by special interest groups that benefit from the current spending patterns. As a result, politicians frequently prioritize short-term political gains over long-term fiscal responsibility, contributing to the persistent problem of deficit spending.
A strong national defense is the foundation upon which every other aspect of our society and economy rests. Without a well-funded, well-equipped military, everything else is rendered moot.
Executive orders should be used sparingly.
No more than a three percent deficit of the previous year’s GDP should be allowed in the federal budget, by law. We must enact balanced budget legislation and implement common-sense fiscal policies to ensure that our government spends our money effectively and efficiently.
Financial transparency and government accountability are of paramount importance in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of democratic institutions.
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.
Presidential election, 2024
Candidate/Running mate |
% |
Popular votes |
Electoral votes |
||
| ✔ |
 
| Donald Trump/J.D. Vance (R) |
49.8
|
77,303,568 | 312 |
 
| Kamala D. Harris/Tim Walz (D) |
48.3
|
75,019,230 | 226 | |
 | Jill Stein (multiple running mates) (G) |
0.6
|
861,164 | 0 | |
 
| Robert F. Kennedy Jr./Nicole Shanahan (Independent) |
0.5
|
756,393 | 0 | |
 
| Chase Oliver/Mike ter Maat (L) |
0.4
|
650,138 | 0 | |
 
| Claudia De La Cruz/Karina Garcia (Party for Socialism and Liberation) |
0.1
|
165,191 | 0 | |
 
| Cornel West/Melina Abdullah (Independent) |
0.1
|
81,084 | 0 | |
 
| Peter Sonski/Lauren Onak (American Solidarity Party) |
0.0
|
41,853 | 0 | |
 
| Randall Terry/Stephen E. Broden (Constitution Party) |
0.0
|
41,290 | 0 | |
 
| Shiva Ayyadurai/Crystal Ellis (Independent) |
0.0
|
28,399 | 0 | |
 
| Richard Duncan/Mitchell Preston Bupp (Independent) |
0.0
|
12,805 | 0 | |
 
| Joel Skousen/Rik Combs (Constitution Party) |
0.0
|
12,786 | 0 | |
| Jay Bowman/De Bowman (Independent) |
0.0
|
5,971 | 0 | |
| Christopher Garrity/Cody Ballard (Independent) |
0.0
|
5,294 | 0 | |
 
| Joseph Kishore/Jerry White (Socialist Equality Party) |
0.0
|
4,650 | 0 | |
|
| Rachele Fruit (multiple running mates) (Socialist Workers Party) |
0.0
|
4,118 | 0 | |
| Mattie Preston/Shannel Conner (Godliness, Truth, Justice) |
0.0
|
2,857 | 0 | |
 | Lucifer Everylove (no running mate) (Unaffiliated) |
0.0
|
2,653 | 0 | |
 
| Blake Huber/Andrea Denault (Approval Voting Party) |
0.0
|
2,196 | 0 | |
 
| Michael Wood/John G. Pietrowski (Prohibition Party) |
0.0
|
1,144 | 0 | |
 
| Vermin Supreme/Jonathan Realz (Independent) |
0.0
|
914 | 0 | |
 
| Laura Ebke/Trisha Butler (Liberal Party) |
0.0
|
859 | 0 | |
 
| William P. Stodden/Stephanie H. Cholensky (Socialist Party) |
0.0
|
364 | 0 | |
 
| Robert Wells Jr./Tony Jones (Independent) |
0.0
|
359 | 0 | |
| Other write-in votes |
0.2
|
235,673 | 0 | ||
 |
Total votes: 155,240,953
0 states have not been called. |
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 2, 2025
Senators
Mitch McConnell (R)
Rand Paul (R)
Representatives
District 1
James Comer (R)
District 2
Brett Guthrie (R)
District 3
Morgan McGarvey (D)
District 4
Thomas Massie (R)
District 5
Hal Rogers (R)
District 6
Andy Barr (R)
Republican Party (7)
Democratic Party (1)
