Aristotle Eliopoulos

Aristotle Eliopoulos (independent) (also known as Ari) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 8th Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026.[source]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Aristotle “Ari” Eliopoulos an educator, union leader, special needs advocate, and independent candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District. I am the son of working-class immigrants, and I was raised with the belief that hard work, education, community, and service are the foundations of a strong society.

As a teacher, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing students, families, educators, and communities. My experience in education and advocacy has taught me that government works best when it listens to the people it serves and focuses on practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.

I am running for Congress because I believe NJ-08 deserves an independent voice who will put people before politics and communities before political machines. My priorities include making New Jersey more affordable, improving education and special-needs services, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening public safety, improving access to healthcare, and addressing the issues families face every day.

I am not running to become part of Washington’s political establishment. I am running to challenge it. I believe elected officials should be accountable to their constituents not party insiders, political machines, or special interests.

My campaign is built on a simple principle: Results, Not Rhetoric. I want to bring common sense, accountability, and a commitment to service to Congress and work with anyone regardless of party.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I support meaningful education reform that puts students first and gives every child the opportunity to succeed. We must strengthen public schools, support and respect teachers, expand vocational and career education, and ensure students graduate with the skills needed for college, careers, or the skilled trades. Special education must be a priority, with stronger enforcement of students’ rights and better resources for families and educators. I also support greater parental involvement, safer and more supportive learning environments, and accountability for how education dollars are spent. Our schools should focus on academic achievement, critical thinking, workforce preparation, and preparing young people.I support healthcare reform that makes quality care more affordable, accessible, and easier to navigate. We should lower prescription drug costs, increase price transparency, encourage competition among providers and insurers, and reduce unnecessary administrative bureaucracy. Patients should be able to understand what their care will cost before receiving it whenever possible. I support strengthening primary and preventive care, expanding mental health services, improving access in underserved communities, and protecting people with pre-existing conditions. We should also support telehealth and innovative care models while ensuring patients can choose their doctors. Healthcare policy should put patients first.I believe every family should have a fair opportunity to achieve financial security and the American Dream. We need to lower the cost of housing, healthcare, energy, and everyday essentials while reducing unnecessary regulations that drive up prices. I support small businesses, skilled trades, workforce development, and policies that attract good-paying jobs to New Jersey. We should encourage homeownership, protect seniors from being priced out of their communities, and make it easier for families to save and build wealth. Washington must also confront wasteful spending and our growing national debt. Economic prosperity means an economy where working people can afford to live, raise a family, and plan confidently for the future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

One of the public policy issues I am most passionate about is special needs advocacy. As an educator, I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for students with disabilities and their families to navigate schools, healthcare systems, and government services. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, participate, and reach their full potential. I believe we must strengthen special education funding, improve access to therapies and support services, ensure schools meet their legal obligations, and give families a stronger voice in their children’s education. I also support greater transition planning so students with disabilities have meaningful opportunities for employment, higher education, and independence.