End Two-Party Rule
Navy veteran. Engineer. Father. I've spent 20 years solving complex problems — now I'm running as an Independent to fight for a Minnesota where you're free to live, work, and build without government standing in the way.
Who I Am
I have never believed someone — anyone — should have the right to tell anyone else how to live their life. As long as you're not committing an act of violence or theft, you should be able to live free in America.
I was living a wonderful and fulfilled life with my two boys and my wife until it became apparent that the "democratic process" is a complete sham. Politicians live above the laws the rest of us have to follow. We've been guilty of electing the lesser of two evils for too long — and we are fed up.
I decided to stop complaining and start running. I'm running as an Independent candidate for Minnesota State Representative because somebody has to stand up and say: enough. No party loyalty. No party agenda. Just freedom.
"When someone has a great idea or wonderful product they would like to bring to market, they shouldn't need a Red Tape Machete." — TJ Hawthorne
What I'm Fighting For
Both parties have gained complete control of the political spectrum. I'm not here to play their game — I'm here to change it. These are the issues I'll champion in St. Paul.
Congress hasn't declared war since WWII — yet our National Guard keeps getting sent into combat overseas. I'll push for Defend the Guard legislation in Minnesota to prohibit the deployment of our Guard members into active combat unless Congress fulfills its constitutional duty under Article I, Section 8 and actually declares war. Over 45% of troops deployed in the War on Terror were Guard members. Our neighbors deserve better than undeclared, endless wars.
The family court system is broken by design. Under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, states receive federal incentive payments based on how much child support flows through the system — creating a perverse incentive to maximize support orders rather than prioritize what's best for kids. I believe in equal parenting time as the default starting point. Children need both parents, not a system where judges are financially rewarded for keeping them apart.
The last few years showed us what our political "leaders" are capable of when it comes to seizing control of someone's livelihood. I will introduce legislation that removes the Governor's ability to utilize "Emergency Powers" so easily — if not altogether.
Countless small business entrepreneurs were forced to close their doors and lose everything they've been dreaming about their whole lives. I want to review — or eliminate — many of the licensing mandates for operating businesses in Minnesota.
I don't think the state has a right to prohibit someone from growing, canning, or packaging their own products to sell on an open market. If you make it and someone wants to buy it — that's freedom.
I've served overseas and I've come to realize the "conflicts" our military gets involved in have little to do with keeping Americans safe, and more to do with keeping a class of individuals in power.
The government creates arbitrary lines with laws that make things "legal for a price." Both parties are complicit. It's time to give Minnesotans a real choice — not the lesser of two evils.
When you have a great idea, bringing it to market shouldn't require an army of lawyers and permits. I want Minnesota to be the state where dreamers build — not where bureaucracy buries them.
Service & Sacrifice
I enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and served my first five years of active duty across the country and around the world. As a reservist, I was mobilized to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for eight months in 2007. I will never take away anything from the life experience and true friendships I made while serving.
After my honorable discharge, I began my career as a field service engineer — traveling the US and the world, including trips into Afghanistan, Diego Garcia, Republic of Korea, Japan, and the UAE, while working as a defense contractor. I've been with the same company, founded in North St. Paul in the 1970s, since 2006.
I grew up in North St. Paul playing hockey, baseball, and football. The inner-district rivalry was a great motivator for my young and competitive heart. Now married to the most wonderful woman, I spend my free time with my boys on the canoe, kayaking, and exploring everything this great state has to offer.
In the Community
Freedom isn't just a political idea — it's how we show up for each other. Check out the photos from our food shelf charity kickball tournament and see the community in action.
Take Action
This isn't about one candidate or one party — it's about a movement. If you believe Minnesota deserves better than two-party rule, get involved. Every conversation, every door knock, every vote matters.