Terry Jackson
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Terry Jackson (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Maryland's 5th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on June 23, 2026.
Jackson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Terry Jackson was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. Jackson served in the U.S. Navy from 1997 to 2020. He earned a high school diploma from Pender High School and a bachelor's degree from American Military University in 2008. As of 2025, Jackson was retired. His career experience included working as a physical security specialist.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Maryland's 5th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on June 23, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Democratic primary election
Republican primary election
Endorsements
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2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Terry Jackson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Jackson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Terry “Action” Jackson, a 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, 100% disabled veteran, and former federal Physical Security Specialist with the Department of Justice. I’ve dedicated my life to service - in uniform, in government, and now as a candidate fighting to make government work for the people, not the powerful.
I come from a working-class background where honesty and accountability weren’t options, they were expectations. I learned in the Navy that leadership means responsibility, not rank, and that real change requires action, not talk.
After serving my country, I saw firsthand how bureaucracy and politics can fail ordinary Americans. That experience drove me to stand up for fairness, transparency, and reform.
In Congress, I’ll fight to protect Social Security and Medicare, cut taxes for working families, strengthen veterans’ healthcare, and expand public transit in Maryland’s 5th District. I’ll refuse corporate PAC money, hold monthly town halls, and donate or waive a portion of my congressional salary, because public service should be about people, not paychecks.
I’m running to restore trust, deliver results, and prove that integrity and action still matter in Washington. - Rebuilding Trust in Government
For too long, Washington has worked for the powerful instead of the people. I’m running to restore trust, integrity, and accountability in government by putting public service above politics. I’ll fight to end waste, strengthen oversight, and ensure transparency at every level - because democracy only works when citizens can see, question, and trust the people they elect. Leadership isn’t about ambition; it’s about action. Government should work as hard, as honestly, and as selflessly as the people who fund it.
- Protecting What We Earned
Social Security and Medicare aren’t entitlements; they’re earned promises that Americans paid into with decades of work. I’ll fight to protect and expand these programs by closing tax loopholes for the ultra-wealthy, securing long-term solvency, and guaranteeing benefits for every generation. Retirees shouldn’t have to fear politicians playing games with their livelihoods. I’ll always defend seniors, veterans, and working families whose labor built this country and deserve the dignity they were promised.
- Opportunity for All
Every Maryland family deserves a fair shot at success. I’ll work to make life affordable again by cutting taxes for the middle class, expanding public transit across Prince George’s, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, and investing in infrastructure that connects workers to opportunity. I’ll fight for jobs that pay a living wage, affordable healthcare, and strong schools that lift every child. Economic mobility shouldn’t depend on privilege or your ZIP code, it should depend on your talent, your effort, and your will to succeed.
I’m passionate about policies that put people first. I want to protect what working Americans have earned, expand opportunity, and restore trust in government. I’ll fight to safeguard Social Security and Medicare, because these aren’t handouts, they’re promises. I believe in an economy that rewards work, not wealth, by cutting taxes for the middle class and closing loopholes for the ultra-rich. As a 23-year Navy veteran and 100% disabled veteran, I’m equally committed to improving veterans’ healthcare, strengthening disability rights, and ensuring fairness for those who’ve served. My priorities all tie back to one goal: rebuilding public faith in government by delivering results people can see, feel, and trust.
I didn’t grow up with role models or a stable family. I was a foster child, and the military became the structure and guidance I never had. The Navy raised me, taught me discipline, leadership, and accountability. I look up to those who lead with integrity and service, like John Lewis for his courage and John McCain for his "straight talk" style. Their example, combined with the lessons the military gave me, shaped how I live and lead: with humility, duty, and an unshakable commitment to doing what’s right.
Integrity, accountability, and empathy are the foundation of public service. An elected official must lead with honesty, keep their word, and act in the public’s best interest, not for power, profit or individual self-interest. Leadership means listening before deciding, admitting mistakes, and putting people above politics. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the currency of democracy. I believe in servant leadership, which means showing up, doing the work, and delivering results that improve lives. Titles don’t define leadership; character and consistency do.
The core responsibility of anyone elected to Congress is to serve the people - not a party, not lobbyists, not personal interests. That means showing up, listening, and delivering results that improve lives. An effective representative should write and support laws that protect working families, veterans, and seniors, while ensuring transparency and fiscal accountability. Oversight is just as vital as legislation; Congress must guard against waste and abuse of power. Above all, public service is a trust, and keeping that trust requires honesty, accessibility, and action every single day. It's troubling that so many of our representatives seem to forget that.
I want my legacy to reflect a life of service and integrity. I want people to know that I served with honor and always put the interests of others before my own. Whether in uniform, as a public servant, or as a representative, my goal has never been recognition - it’s been impact. If, years from now, people can say I made government work a little better, helped someone find hope when they’d lost it, or proved that honesty still matters in public life, that’s the legacy I’d be proud to leave behind.
The first historical event I remember was the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986. I was six years old. I can still recall the silence that fell over the room as the news broke and the images appeared on television. Even at that age, I understood that something tragic and important had happened. It was the first time I realized that history isn’t just something you read about, it’s something you live through. That moment taught me about courage, sacrifice, and the risks people take in pursuit of progress.
My very first job was at Burger King. I worked there for about three months before leaving for active duty in the United States Navy. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me responsibility, teamwork, and the value of earning every dollar through hard work. That early experience shaped how I approach leadership and service and gave me an understanding that every role, no matter how small, contributes to something larger. Those lessons stayed with me throughout my 23-year Navy career and continue to guide me today.
It may sound simple, but my favorite book is Where the Red Fern Grows. I first read it in school, and it’s stayed with me ever since. I envied the bond Billy Coleman shared with his dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann - it was heartfelt, loyal, and pure. Growing up without close family ties, I never experienced that kind of unconditional love but reading about it gave me comfort and hope. The story taught me about perseverance, loyalty, and love that endures even through loss; values that have guided me throughout my life.
If I could be any fictional character, it would definitely be a superhero - someone who protects others and stands up for what’s right. I’ve always admired characters who use their strength to defend people who can’t defend themselves. Growing up without much support, I was drawn to the idea of heroes who choose purpose over comfort and service over self-interest. Whether it’s Superman’s integrity or Captain America’s courage, that spirit of duty and sacrifice reflects how I’ve tried to live my own life, in complete service to others.
One of the greatest struggles in my life has been growing up without a real sense of family. My mother passed away when I was a toddler, my father was mostly absent, and much of my extended family rejected me because of my biracial background. That kind of isolation leaves a mark, but it also built my resilience and empathy. I learned early to rely on perseverance, faith, and discipline - the same traits that guided me through 23 years in the Navy. The military became the family I never had and taught me the power of belonging through service.
The U.S. House of Representatives is the most directly accountable body in our democracy. Every two years, members must face the voters and answer for their decisions, ensuring the people’s voice remains closest to power. The House reflects the nation’s diversity and evolving priorities - its deliberate design forces responsiveness, debate, and transparency. It’s where bold ideas begin, where oversight is exercised, and where every day Americans have their strongest voice in government. The House embodies what representation should mean: government of, by, and for the people.
Experience can be valuable, but it shouldn’t be a requirement. Everyone starts off as an amateur. What matters is the integrity, accountability, and courage they bring to the job. Government needs people who understand how the system works, and others who know how it feels when it doesn’t. As a 23-year Navy veteran and former federal employee, I’ve lived both sides. Congress works best when it blends experience with fresh perspective, creating leaders who serve people, not politics.
Given the on-going devastation to our federal institutions, the greatest challenge we face over the next decade are rebuilding our institutions, re-establishing trust in government, strengthening our democracy, and achieving economic fairness. Americans have lost faith that government works for them and that mistrust fuels division. We must protect Social Security and Medicare, modernize infrastructure, and confront disinformation that weakens democracy from within. Our future depends on leaders who value truth, accountability, and unity over power and profit. The real test will be proving that democracy still delivers for the people.
Yes and no. Two years keeps representatives accountable to the people they serve and ensures voters have the power to demand results. But the short cycle also makes it difficult to achieve lasting change, especially when gridlock slows progress or forces constant campaigning. The two-year term works best when leaders focus on solutions, not soundbites. Accountability is essential but so is giving representatives the space and courage to govern beyond the next election.
I wholeheartedly believe Congress should have term limits. Public service was never meant to be a lifelong career; it’s a trust temporarily granted by the people. Term limits would encourage fresh ideas, reduce political stagnation, and keep elected officials accountable to their constituents, not special interests. No one should spend decades in office while communities struggle for change. Leadership should rotate, giving others the chance to serve, innovate, and represent new generations of Americans. Service should always be about duty, not entitlement. If elected, one of my primary legislative agenda items will be term limits for congressional legislators.
I’ve always admired leaders who put principle above politics. I am inspired by people like John Lewis, who led with moral courage, and Harry Truman, who believed that “the buck stops here.” I also respect modern public servants who show humility, work across the aisle, and never forget where they came from. I don’t want to be a copy of anyone, though. I want to lead with my own experiences - as a veteran, a father, and a public servant who’s seen government from the inside to prove that Washington politicians are capable of honesty and transparency.
In the early days of my campaign, I met people of all ages sharing the same story in different words. They shared how hard it’s become to save, plan for the future, or stay afloat. Parents talked about working two jobs to put kids through college. Seniors told me they’re forced to choose between medication and groceries. Others spoke of taking out loans just to survive, trapped in a cycle of debt and despair. These stories remind me why I’m running: to fight for a government that actually works for them, not the powerful few.
Yes. Our two-party system demands it. Look, compromise is not weakness - it’s how democracy is supposed to work. Progress rarely happens when leaders dig in their heels; it happens when they find common ground without sacrificing core principles. I believe in standing firm on values like fairness, equality, and accountability, but I also believe in listening and negotiating to get real results for the people. Gridlock serves no one. The job of an elected official is to solve problems, not score points. Real leadership means working together, even when it’s hard.
As the lower chamber of Congress, the House is where the real work of legislating begins. It’s designed to be closest to the people and most accountable to them, which is why the Constitution gives it the exclusive power to originate all revenue bills. That responsibility isn’t just procedural, it’s foundational. It ensures that the priorities of everyday Americans shape how our government raises and spends money.
If elected, I would use that authority to modify the existing tax system into one that rewards hard work instead of wealth and provides meaningful relief for working- and middle-class families. Every dollar raised should reflect the values of fairness, accountability, and opportunity. Revenue policy should strengthen Social Security and Medicare, invest in infrastructure, support veterans, and close loopholes that allow corporations and the ultra-wealthy to avoid paying their fair share.
The House’s power over revenue gives representatives the ability to influence the nation’s direction. I would wield that power to ensure fiscal responsibility serves the public good and that the people, not the powerful, decide our nation’s priorities. The House’s investigative power is essential to accountability and public trust. It should be used responsibly to uncover waste, corruption, abuse of power, and failures that harm the American people. Oversight isn’t about scoring political points; it’s about ensuring transparency and enforcing the rule of law. As the people’s chamber, the House has a duty to ask tough questions and follow facts wherever they lead, regardless of party. When used with integrity, this power strengthens democracy and keeps government focused on service, not self-preservation.
I’m still in the early stages of my campaign, so I haven’t yet had that one story that stands out above the rest, but I know it’s coming. Every conversation I’ve had so far reminds me how much people are struggling and how much hope they still carry. I look forward to hearing more personal stories from voters, because those experiences are what shape real solutions. Listening to people directly is the most meaningful part of public service and it’s how I plan to stay grounded as a representative.
It’s an even tie between my family and my military service. Being a husband and father of four has taught me patience, compassion, and perspective. My 23 years in the Navy instilled discipline, honor, and a deep sense of duty. Together, they’ve shaped who I am and keep me grounded in what truly matters - faith, family, and service to others. Those experiences remind me daily that leadership is about responsibility, not rank, and that true strength comes from serving something greater than yourself.
The federal government should play a leading role in ensuring artificial intelligence serves humanity, not to replace or exploit it. AI holds enormous promise for innovation, medicine, and efficiency, but it also carries real risks to privacy, jobs, and national security. Government must set ethical standards, protect civil rights, and prevent misuse while investing in research that keeps America competitive. We can’t let unregulated corporate interests shape the future of AI. Responsible innovation requires public oversight, transparency, and accountability.
Free and fair elections are the foundation of democracy, and Congress has a duty to protect them. I would champion legislation that strengthens voting rights, modernizes election systems, and restores public trust in how our votes are counted. Every eligible citizen should be able to vote easily, securely, and confidently.
I support restoring key provisions of the Voting Rights Act to prevent discrimination and manipulation in state election laws. I would establish nationwide minimum standards that include same-day registration, early voting, paper-verified ballots, and secure mail voting. This would ensure every voter has equal access regardless of ZIP code. I also support stronger campaign-finance disclosure laws to shine light on dark money and ensure transparency.
I believe Congress must also fund election infrastructure upgrades, mandate post-election audits, and set cybersecurity standards to protect against foreign or domestic interference. Finally, I’d strengthen the Electoral Count Act to prevent future attempts to overturn the will of the voters.
Elections should never favor the powerful, they should empower the people. My priority is simple: a system that makes voting easy, cheating impossible, and results unquestionable. 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 October 14, 2025
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