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Jasen Cartwright
Jasen Cartwright (independent) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Michigan's 9th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Cartwright completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Jasen Cartwright was born in Detroit, Michigan. He earned a high school diploma from the Lutheran High School North, a degree from Baker College in 2008, and an associate degree from Macomb Community College in 2010. His career experience includes working as an activist. Cartwright also has experience working in retail, customer service, and information technology.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Michigan's 9th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Michigan District 9
Incumbent Lisa McClain, Wyatt Clark, Ray Pooley, Daltson Atwell, and Jasen Cartwright are running in the general election for U.S. House Michigan District 9 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Lisa McClain (R) | |
 | Wyatt Clark (D) | |
| Ray Pooley (D) | ||
 | Daltson Atwell (R)  | |
 | Jasen Cartwright (Independent) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jasen Cartwright completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cartwright'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 love America. I love Michigan. And I know exactly what we are—a constitutional republic. Our Founding Fathers built something beautiful: a government that balances democracy with republican principles. But they never intended for us to be locked into just two political ideas. The extremes on both sides have hijacked the conversation, and it’s time we take it back.
That’s why I’m running on a simple but radical idea—actual representation. I will only vote based on what the people of the 9th District decide, not what a party tells me to do. I’ll hold monthly town halls, use verified polling to guide my votes, and be 100% transparent about my finances. No stock trading. No billionaire donations. No backroom deals.
It’s time to stop electing politicians who serve themselves and start electing representatives who serve the people. No PACs. No Parties. No BS.- A Voice for the People Congress is broken because politicians serve parties and donors instead of their constituents. I refuse to be part of that system. As an Independent, I will vote based on your input, not a party’s agenda. With monthly town halls, verified polling, and full transparency, I’ll ensure MI-09 has a real voice in Washington. No PACs. No Parties. No BS.
- End Corruption in Washington Money controls politics, and it’s time to change that. I won’t take PAC money, billionaire donations, or trade stocks. Politicians shouldn’t get rich off public service. I’ll fight to ban congressional insider trading, increase transparency, and put people before profits.
- Policy Over Partisanship Both parties put power over solutions, leaving Americans behind. I’ll work with anyone to fix real issues—protecting jobs, securing elections, and defending constitutional rights. We need better ideas, not party loyalty.
I’m committed to eliminating PAC money, congressional insider trading, and lobbyist control over our government. Politicians should work for the people—not corporations or special interests.
Restoring True Representation
I will vote based on verified polling from MI-09, not party agendas. Monthly town halls and full transparency will ensure the people—not politicians—make the decisions.
Economic Growth & Job Protection
I’ll fight for fair trade policies, domestic manufacturing, and protections for small businesses to keep Michigan’s economy strong.
Election Integrity & Voting Access
And, well… I’m a nerd, so I have to say Master Chief. Not just because he’s a badass, but because he does what needs to be done, no ego, no nonsense—just a commitment to the mission and the people counting on him. That’s the kind of mindset I want to bring to Congress—selfless service, no excuses, and a focus on getting the job done.
"A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn – A raw, unfiltered look at how power and money shape America, told from the perspective of the people, not the elites.
"The Federalist Papers" by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay – A deep dive into the original intent behind our constitutional system and why representation matters.
The Bible – Setting aside religious aspects, it’s a book filled with lessons on justice, integrity, and standing up for the oppressed. It teaches that leaders should serve the people, not themselves, and that greed and corruption lead to destruction.
Rage Against the Machine’s Lyrics – Their music isn’t just sound; it’s a manifesto against corruption, corporate control, and government overreach.
The Mass Effect Franchise – A sci-fi take on leadership, difficult choices, and how power should be wielded for the people—not for personal or political gain. The Paragon path? That’s real representation.
Halo: Reach – A story about sacrifice, duty, and fighting for something bigger than yourself, even when the odds are against you. It’s about standing your ground, even when no one will remember your name.
Star Wars – A timeless story of rebellion against tyranny, proving that a small group of determined individuals can change the course of history. It’s a reminder that power unchecked will always lead to oppression.
Star Trek – A vision of a future where diplomacy, exploration, and unity define leadership rather than war and division. It represents a society where progress is driven by reason, not corruption.
Elected officials should serve the people, not themselves. That means no PAC money, no billionaire donations, and no backroom deals. I will provide full financial transparency—my constituents will know exactly where my money comes from and where I stand. Politicians shouldn’t get rich off public service, and I will fight to ban congressional insider trading and close the loopholes that allow elected officials to profit from their positions. Voters deserve honesty, not political theater.
Accountability to Constituents
A representative’s duty is to listen to the people, not parties or special interests. Too many politicians show up during election season and disappear once they’re in office. That’s unacceptable. I will hold monthly town halls, provide verified polling, and be fully transparent about my votes and decisions. I won’t just talk about representation—I’ll prove it by letting MI-09 guide my votes in Congress. If I can’t justify a vote to the people of my district, I won’t cast it.
Commitment to the Constitution
I also believe that everyone should challenge themselves. Step outside your comfort zone. Build Linux From Scratch—because when you truly understand how something works, you appreciate it more. Play an extremely hard video game—because struggling, failing, and improving teaches patience and perseverance. Change careers completely and take a risk doing something you truly believe in—because life is too short to waste on things that don’t matter to you.
Growth only happens when we’re willing to push ourselves past what’s easy and comfortable. That’s true for individuals, and it’s true for our country. Right now, we’re stuck in a cycle of tribalism and division, where 10% on each side push hate and lies to keep us fighting. They want us to believe the worst about each other, to think our neighbors are enemies just because of how they vote. But I don’t buy it.
I believe we are better than this division. The vast majority of Americans—whether they vote red, blue, or neither—are good people who love this country and want to see it thrive. The problem isn’t the average citizen—it’s the politicians, the media, and the special interests that profit off keeping us divided.
I’m not running to be a leader—I’m running to be a megaphone for the people of Michigan’s 9th District. The House of Representatives was never meant to be a stage for politicians pushing their personal beliefs. It was designed to give the people a voice in government. My job isn’t to decide what’s best for you—it’s to listen, amplify your voice, and vote the way MI-09 wants me to.
Money Corrupts—That’s Why I Won’t Be Bought
I believe that every person has worth and a voice, no matter how much money they have. But I also believe money corrupts. That’s why I will not accept donations over $999 per year. No PACs. No billionaire donations. No backroom deals. Politicians should serve the people—not their donors.
Lobbyists Shouldn’t Have More Access Than You
Lobbying is legalized bribery. If a lobbyist wants to take me to dinner, they have to take every voter in MI-09 too. Special interests shouldn’t have more influence than the people who actually live and work in this district. Voters—not politicians, not corporations, not billionaires—know what’s best for their communities.
Legislating Based on the Will of MI-09
What I personally believe doesn’t matter. My votes in Congress will be based on what the people of my district want—not party agendas, not lobbyists, not my own opinions. I will hold monthly town halls and use verified polling to ensure that every decision I make is guided by the voices of MI-09. If the people support a bill, I’ll vote for it. If they oppose it, I’ll vote against it.
Real Representation, Not Political Theater
This seat in Congress doesn’t belong to me—it belongs to the people of MI-09. Politicians love to make big speeches, but representation isn’t about what I believe—it’s about what you believe. I’m here to give you a direct line to Washington.
For too long, we’ve accepted that politics has to be corrupt, broken, and divided. We’ve let parties, corporations, and career politicians take control of a system that was meant to serve us. But what if we actually tried real representation? What if we ignored the noise, rejected the influence of money and power, and just let the people decide?
I don’t know if it’ll work—but I can’t stop thinking that it might. And if it does, maybe Michigan can prove that we don’t have to settle for the way things have always been. Maybe we can set an example for the rest of the country.
As for me? I don’t need power, I don’t need fame. When my time in Congress is done—six years, no questions asked—I just want a little cottage on a lake up north. My dogs, a boat to go fishing, and some trails to ride my motorcycle on. That’s it.
Of course, as I got older, I understood the real tragedy of what happened—the loss of the crew, including teacher Christa McAuliffe, and how it impacted the space program. But that moment stuck with me, not just because of the shock, but because it showed how even the biggest dreams come with real risks.
I did just about everything—running the register, stocking shelves, assembling pedal bikes and Power Wheels, and even becoming a key holder after high school. I think I held every job title in that store at some point.
Hughie Campbell (The Boys) – Hughie is an ordinary guy who finds himself up against an unstoppable system of corruption. He knows he’s outmatched, but he refuses to back down. Running an independent campaign feels the same way—going up against massive political machines with nothing but determination and a belief in doing what’s right.
Invincible (Mark Grayson) – He learns that doing the right thing isn’t easy and often comes with sacrifices. But he never stops fighting for the people who depend on him. That’s how I see representation—it’s not about personal gain or power, but standing up for those who put their trust in you.
Master Chief (Halo) – He isn’t in it for glory or recognition; he follows logic, stays focused, and protects people without letting politics cloud his judgment. That’s how I approach representation—cut through the noise, focus on what actually matters, and do the job without being swayed by party pressure or special interests.
I know what it’s like to feel unheard. I’ve seen how broken the system can be—not because of the people working in it, but because of red tape, inefficiency, and political games. Years ago, I was misdiagnosed with mental health issues and overmedicated. It knocked my life off course, and I had to fight my way back. During that time, I experienced firsthand what it’s like to rely on SSDI and state aid, and I saw the flaws in our system from a perspective most politicians never will. But I also saw something else—people who truly wanted to help, who believed in the promise of a system designed to support those in need. The system isn’t broken because of the Constitution; it’s broken because those in power have abandoned its purpose.
That’s why I refuse to take big money or sell out to special interests. I won’t accept donations over $999 per year because money corrupts, and I won’t be bought. Lobbying is another problem—if a lobbyist wants to take me to dinner, they should have to take every voter in my district. My only priority will be the voices of Michigan’s 9th District, and I will prove that true representation is still possible.
What Makes the House Unique?
It was built near the ground—literally. Unlike the Senate chamber, which sits higher, the House was intentionally placed at a lower level in the Capitol to symbolize its connection to the people.
It was meant to change frequently. With two-year terms, House members are supposed to be directly accountable to their districts, not entrenched in long-term political careers.
It’s supposed to reflect the will of the people. The House was designed to be the most democratic part of government, where representatives fight for their districts, not their party.
The problem? Career politicians have turned the House into just another extension of party control. Instead of being a true voice for the people, it’s become a stage for partisan battles and corporate influence.
My Approach:
I will spend all my time communicating with MI-09. My job isn’t to play politics—it’s to represent my district.
My staff will be focused entirely on community outreach. I won’t waste taxpayer dollars on political consultants or party strategists. My team will be built to listen, engage, and present facts.
I will hire two constitutional scholars—one Republican, one Democrat. Their job will be to analyze legislation purely through the lens of the Constitution, not partisan talking points.
I will present the facts to the people. Before any major vote, I will lay out exactly what the bill does, how it affects MI-09, and what the trade-offs are—then let the district decide.
The Problem: Tribalism Over Solutions
Both parties prioritize power over people. They care more about defeating the “other side” than actually fixing the problems we face.
Americans are more divided than ever. Social media and cable news fuel outrage, making us see fellow citizens as enemies instead of neighbors.
Important issues get ignored. Instead of focusing on things like economic security, infrastructure, and government accountability, politicians stir up culture wars to keep us distracted.
The Solution: Representation, Not Party Loyalty
Elected officials must represent their districts, not a party. That’s why I will only vote based on what MI-09 wants, not what a party tells me.
We need to talk to each other, not past each other. The extreme 10% on both sides get the most attention, but 80% of Americans just want common-sense solutions.
End corporate and PAC influence. Tribalism is fueled by big money interests that profit from division. That’s why I won’t take more than $999 per year from any donor—money should not buy influence.
If a representative isn’t listening to their district, they should be replaced. If they are truly representing the people, then re-elect them. The system breaks when politicians stop being accountable and start serving their own interests, their party, or their donors instead of their constituents.
My Stance on Term Limits:
House: 3 terms (6 years) max – I will retire after 6 years, no questions asked.
Senate: 2 terms (12 years) max
No lifetime politicians—public service should be a duty, not a career.
Why Term Limits Are Critical:
Power corrupts. The longer someone stays in office, the more they prioritize re-election and personal wealth over serving the people.
Fresh perspectives matter. We need new voices, not the same politicians clinging to power for decades.
Less influence from lobbyists. Career politicians build networks of corporate donors who keep them in power. Term limits disrupt this cycle.
Congress was never meant to be a lifelong job. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators who served their time and returned home. Now, we have representatives who stay in power for 30+ years, amassing wealth and influence at our expense.
I believe in the Constitution, and I also believe that if the Founding Fathers had access to today’s technology, they may have designed the House of Representatives for more direct representation. In their time, it could take weeks for messages to travel between districts and Washington, D.C. Representatives had to make decisions without real-time input from their constituents. That’s no longer the case.
Now, we have instant communication, verified polling, and digital tools that make it possible to hear directly from the people before every vote. The technology exists to make Congress more accountable, but politicians refuse to use it because it threatens their control.
What’s truly impactful to me is seeing how deeply tribalism has poisoned our politics. Both parties have built their entire platforms on demonizing and dehumanizing the other side.
Republicans scream that Democrats hate America. That’s a lie. Wanting to improve something doesn’t mean you hate it.
Democrats claim that every MAGA voter is a villain. That’s also a lie. Wanting to protect your home and family doesn’t make you evil.
Look—Americans are good people. Michiganders are good people. If a house were on fire and a child was trapped behind a cracked bay window, every single person I know would run in to save them. No one would stop and ask, “Who did your parents vote for?” That’s the America I know. That’s the Michigan I know.
Why did the Linux user break up with their girlfriend?
Because she had too many Windows!
I’m trying something that has never truly been done before: actual representation. Every vote I take will be based on verified polling and direct input from MI-09. This approach wouldn’t have been possible at any other point in U.S. history, but with modern technology, we now have the tools to ensure every voice in the district is heard.
That’s why I authored The People’s Voice Act—to bring real representation back to Congress. If elected, I won’t decide tax or spending policies based on what special interests want. I will take every major decision to the people of MI-09 through verified polling and town halls. If the district supports it, I’ll vote for it. If they don’t, I won’t.
Other than that, I don’t plan on personally drafting or pushing any bills unless the people in my town halls want me to. My job isn’t to be a legislator with an agenda—it’s to be a megaphone for the district.
If Congress is serious about investigations, hire actual investigators—professionals who know how to dig into corruption, fraud, and abuse of power without turning it into a circus. Political theater helps no one. Real accountability requires facts, not talking points.
That said, I welcome support from everyday Americans who believe in real representation, government transparency, and putting people before politics. My only endorsement that truly matters is from the voters of MI-09.
That said, if my constituents support it, I have a personal interest in serving on committees related to space, science, and technology. Advancements in these fields drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen national security. Michigan has a deep history in engineering and manufacturing, and ensuring we stay at the cutting edge of AI, space exploration, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies would be a strong investment in our future.
Financial Transparency
I will fully disclose my finances. The people deserve to know if their representatives are profiting from their position.
I will not accept donations over $999 per year. Money corrupts. No one should have more influence just because they can write a bigger check.
I will not trade stocks while in office. Congressional insider trading is legalized corruption, and I will fight to end it.
Government Accountability
Every vote I take will be based on MI-09—not my personal beliefs or a party agenda. Monthly town halls and verified polling will ensure my decisions reflect the district.
Lobbyists will not get special access. If they want to meet with me, it will be in a public forum. If they want to take me to dinner, they have to take every voter in MI-09.
Taxpayer dollars should be accounted for. No more bloated budgets or hidden waste. I will push for strict oversight on government spending.
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 28, 2025
