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John Edgar

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
John Edgar
Image of John Edgar

Education

Bachelor's

Southwest Texas State University, 2000

Personal
Birthplace
Roseau, Minn.
Religion
Agnostic
Profession
Entrepreneur
Contact

John Edgar (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Colorado's 5th Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary on June 25, 2024.

Edgar completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

John Edgar was born in Roseau, Minnesota. Edgar earned a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University in 2000. His career experience includes working as an entrepreneur and real estate investor.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Colorado's 5th Congressional District election, 2024

Colorado's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)

Colorado's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Colorado District 5

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. House Colorado District 5 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jeff Crank
Jeff Crank (R)
 
54.7
 
197,924
Image of River Gassen
River Gassen (D) Candidate Connection
 
40.9
 
147,972
Image of Michael Vance
Michael Vance (L)
 
1.8
 
6,458
Image of Joseph O. Gaye
Joseph O. Gaye (Unaffiliated) Candidate Connection
 
1.1
 
4,094
Image of Christopher Mitchell
Christopher Mitchell (American Constitution Party) Candidate Connection
 
1.1
 
4,006
Image of Christopher Sweat
Christopher Sweat (Forward Party) Candidate Connection
 
0.4
 
1,627
Image of Marcus Murphy
Marcus Murphy (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
4

Total votes: 362,085
Candidate Connection = 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Colorado District 5

River Gassen defeated Joe Reagan in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Colorado District 5 on June 25, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of River Gassen
River Gassen Candidate Connection
 
50.6
 
20,802
Image of Joe Reagan
Joe Reagan Candidate Connection
 
49.4
 
20,313

Total votes: 41,115
Candidate Connection = 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

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Colorado District 5

Jeff Crank defeated Dave Williams in the Republican primary for U.S. House Colorado District 5 on June 25, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jeff Crank
Jeff Crank
 
65.2
 
56,585
Image of Dave Williams
Dave Williams
 
34.8
 
30,257

Total votes: 86,842
Candidate Connection = 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

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Edgar in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released February 4, 2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

John Edgar completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Edgar's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I grew up in a working-class family on the outskirts of Houston. My father, an elementary music teacher, and my mother, who worked in a dental office, faced financial challenges. Despite this, they instilled the values of hard work, education, and embracing life's opportunities in my brother and me. My dad, passionate about small business, experienced the financial devastation of a failed venture in the mid-'80s, only to achieve success in his next endeavor a decade later.

After high school, I worked two jobs, saving diligently, and attended one year of community college before transferring to Southwest Texas State University. There, I graduated with honors in finance ahead of schedule. Following graduation, I started working for a multinational equipment rental company. A promotion and relocation brought me to Colorado Springs.

In the 20+ years since arriving in Colorado Springs, I became an entrepreneur, invested in local real estate, married, started a family, and contributed through volunteer work and the creation of scholarships at my alma mater.

A nearly fatal accident forced me to reevaluate my priorities. During this reflection, I realized that life is about more than chasing personal fortune.

In a world facing significant challenges, our government is broken and requires a change of course. Committed to being part of the solution, I refuse to be an idle spectator to the calamity.

Together, we can fix our government and demand COMMON SENSE OVER CHAOS!
  • Philosophy:

    The authority of government is derived from us, the people. We willingly accept governance under the condition that the government fulfills its most fundamental duty: to safeguard our natural rights and uphold the constitution. If, at any point, the government falls short of this essential obligation, it becomes our responsibility as citizens to bring about change through the power vested in us, through the electoral process. Belief:

    Instead of working to secure Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness for us and future generations, we have a chaotic government that works solely for their own self interests. They tell us our problems are with each other. They try to create hate, anger and division amongst everyday citizens.
  • Transparency and Accountability: With our national debt nearing 35 trillion and an additional trillion added annually, the legacy we're leaving for future generations is unacceptable. They should not bear the cost of a failed, broken government that we allowed to persist. I am unwavering in my commitment to promoting transparency and accountability within our government. Citizens deserve a clear view into decision-making processes and a government that is answerable for its actions. As your representative, I will tirelessly advocate for policies that enhance government transparency and ensure accountability to the people. The urgency of our current crisis demands immediate corrective action. Let us choose COMMON SENSE.
  • Inclusive Representation and Unity: Our government must mirror the voices, experiences, and perspectives within our diverse society. I commit to representing every citizen in a way that prioritizes unity over division. I will support an inclusive economy that empowers all individuals to pursue their dreams. I advocate for an economy that benefits an increasing number of people, challenging the status quo where success seems reserved for fewer and fewer. We need a skilled, educated and capable workforce that contributes not only to personal growth but also to the collective good of our nation. This vision stands as a cornerstone for a society that is not only diverse but also united in its pursuit of shared success and well-being.
Education: I advocate for universal pre-K for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds to ensure readiness on day 1 of Kindergarten to set the foundation for lifelong success.

Fiscal Responsibility: We must create a transparent framework for a balanced budget, making hard choices and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse.
Economy: We need a broad-based, growing economy that lifts all segments of society.
Veterans: We should offer comprehensive assistance – from helping them understand their benefits and connecting them with employers to addressing mental health issues and preventing homelessness, substance abuse, and suicide.

Environment: We must commit to environmental protection, advocating for sustainable policies that safeguard our planet.
Aristotle's 'Politics'. Read only once, way back in college, it left a lasting impression on my political perspective. The enduring takeaway, over two decades later, centers on Aristotle's assertion that a society's well-being relies on 'good': good people and good governance. This resonates strongly with the challenges we face today. Our government, unfortunately, feels broken and not aligned with the concept of 'good.' This disconnect is impacting the moral fabric of our society, as we often mimic the behavior of our leaders. Aristotle's wisdom serves as a stark reminder that without virtuous leaders committed to doing good, we risk a moral breakdown and the erosion of goodness within our society. I commit to representing this district with virtue and I hope that resonates.

Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? by Michael Sandel. The book discusses ethical dilemmas, moral reasoning, and the foundations of justice in society. The main theme revolves around the question of what constitutes a just society and how individuals should make moral and ethical decisions. It examines prominent theories of justice, including utilitarianism, libertarianism.

While not a contribution to my governing philosophy, I want to ask almost every member of Congress right now a line used in the '90s classic movie, 'Office Space'. When one of the Bobs is doing interviews he asks, 'What would you say... you do here?' We, the people who have to witness an ineffective government saddling us with more debt, should be posing that question to our elected officials.
The most vital qualities for an elected official encompass virtue, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to serving a cause greater than oneself. Adherence to the constitution is paramount, ensuring governance within established principles. Careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars is crucial, with spending prioritizing a measurable return on investment.

Moderation and a commitment to compromise are essential, fostering collaboration even with those in disagreement. Representing everyone in the district, irrespective of their background or voting preferences, is fundamental. Ensuring equal representation for the rich and poor, old and young, and those who supported or opposed me is at the heart of effective representation. In summary, a public servant should embody these principles to faithfully serve and uplift the entire community.
1. Legislation: Introducing, debating, amending, and voting on bills that impact national policies and laws.

2. Representation: Advocating for the interests and concerns of their constituents in the House.

3. Oversight: Conducting oversight of the executive branch to ensure laws are faithfully executed.

4. Constituent Services: Assisting constituents with issues related to federal agencies and navigating government services.

5. Committee Work: Serving on committees to delve into specific policy areas, conduct investigations, and contribute to the legislative process.

6. Budgetary Authority: Participating in the budget process and approving federal spending and taxation.

7. Constitutional Duties and Protection of Individual Rights: Members have a duty to uphold the Constitution, taking an oath to support and defend it. This includes a commitment to safeguarding individual rights, acknowledging the social contract wherein citizens consent to governance as long as their government fulfills its obligations to protect fundamental rights: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

8. Communication: Keeping constituents informed about legislative activities and addressing their concerns.

9. Casework: Handling individual cases and concerns brought forward by constituents.

10. Representing District Interests: Advancing the interests and needs of their specific congressional district.
The Reagan-Mondale race of 1984. We were living in Texas, my parents were lifelong democrats from Minnesota and it felt like they were the only people not supporting Reagan. Texas economy crashed hard the next few years, counter to the rest of the country but I felt like they were on the right side of that election.
Mr. E's Sno-hut (one of my dads sno-cone stand). One week and then he fired me.

2nd job was at a grocery store where I got promoted.

3rd job was a Golf Course where I got promoted.
That's the Way the World Goes 'Round - John Prine
No. I think its more beneficial for representatives to have had real life experiences as ordinary citizens.
1. Ending Government Dysfunction: To bridge the growing divide between the people and their government, we must address the dysfunction that hampers effective governance.

2. Eliminating Polarization: Both among those serving in government and within the populace, reducing polarization is essential for fostering unity and cooperation.

3. Preventing Democratic Backsliding: Vigilance is required to avoid the democratic backsliding observed in long-established democracies worldwide.

4. Addressing Fiscal Insolvency: Tackling fiscal insolvency is crucial to ensure the economic stability and future prosperity of the nation.

5. Fixing Social Security: Taking proactive measures to secure the future of Social Security, preventing insolvency and ensuring its sustainability.

6. Revamping Healthcare: Addressing the high costs of healthcare is paramount to create a more accessible and efficient healthcare system.

7. Improving Education: Enhancing the education system, including the implementation of universal pre-K, is vital for preparing our youth to compete in the global economy.

8. Protecting Individual Rights: Striking a balance between protecting individual rights and limiting government power is essential, including codifying a woman's right to choose.

9. Preserving Separation of Church and State: Upholding the fundamental principle of the separation of church and state to maintain religious freedom and government neutrality.

10. Environmental Protection: Taking decisive action to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices is crucial for the well-being of our planet.

11. Veterans Affairs: Ensuring comprehensive and accessible support for veterans, including healthcare, education, and transition assistance, to honor to honor their service adequately.
Yes. A short term allows us to change our government is if its not serving us well. The problem is fundraising takes up half the term.
One of the challenges in government is the prevalence of lifelong politicians or those aspiring to be lifelong politicians. Individuals who believe they are the sole qualified candidates for elected positions are completely disconnected from reality. Our government functions best when elected officials come from the real world, possessing diverse experience in various fields. They work diligently for a limited time and then return to their ordinary lives. Anyone asserting that only they can fulfill a particular role should be viewed with skepticism. I believe an appropriate tenure for House members is 6-10 years or 3 to 5 terms. Personally, I will not seek office beyond the 2030 election due to my desire to be present for my son's high school years.
Absolutely. What comes out of congress should be the best version possible of a policy that represents all of us, not just the rigid, loudest hardliners.
House Committee on Armed

House Committee on Small Business
House Financial Services Committee

House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Authority without Accountability leads to Abuse. Transparency is what allows us to hold Authority Accountable. It is the peoples money that the government spends, we must demand transparency.

With our national debt nearing 35 trillion and an additional trillion added annually, the legacy we're leaving for future generations is unacceptable. They should not bear the cost of a failed, broken government that we allowed to persist.

I am unwavering in my commitment to promoting transparency and accountability within our government. Citizens deserve a clear view into decision-making processes and a government that is answerable for its actions. As your representative, I will tirelessly advocate for policies that enhance government transparency and ensure accountability to the people.

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


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


John Edgar campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* U.S. House Colorado District 5Withdrew primary$49,481 $39,311
Grand total$49,481 $39,311
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 5, 2024


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
Jeff Hurd (R)
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
Democratic Party (6)
Republican Party (4)