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Ben Ruiz

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Small business owner

Ben Ruiz is a Republican candidate for U.S. House Indiana District 1 in the 2026 election. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

David Ben Ruiz was born in Chicago, Illinois. Ruiz's career experience includes working in sales, marketing, advertising, and as a small business owner.[1][2]

Campaign money

Raised
$1K
From individuals
$1K
From PACs & party
$0
Own money
—

FEC filings through March 31, 2026.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

In their own words

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Ben Ruiz, a Moderate Conservative, served as a 2024 Indiana Republican Convention Delegate for the GOP and now holds the position of Vice Precinct Committeeman. Formerly a small business owner working as an advertising and marketing distribution contractor, he is married and the father of six children.

Since 2016, Ben has been involved in Northwest Indiana politics, and his leadership in pro-American activism has helped shift how the GOP is viewed within local communities.

He has brought together Hispanic and Latino conservatives in northwest Indiana’s conservative movement, pushing back against anti-American protests in typically liberal, Democrat-held areas. By leading counter-demonstration rallies against socialist and gender ideology groups brought in from nearby communities and Chicago, he has also supported local Republican candidates who champion an America First policy.

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?

"America First-jobs, borders, families. Not foreign handouts." I'll put NWI Indiana Hoosiers and the American people ahead of everyone else, No apologies."I'll end the elite game-bring power back home." I wont be playing in it, I'll be draining the swamp."Strong borders. Strong Economy for farmers and manufacturing especially where it counts right here in Northwest Indiana. A strong America is a Strong Indiana.. Period."

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about rebuilding our American Farming communities, along with Infrastructure and Manufacturing by starting right here in the Northwest Indiana Region, working to create strong family values and unity through policies that will benefit Hoosiers right here in the 1st district and across America.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Spencer England (Stark County, Knox, IN), Oscar Alvarez (Tippecanoe County, La Fayette, IN).

Campaign websiteRuiz's campaign website stated the following:Freedom of Speech & Expression I’m committed to making sure American families never have to worry about retaliation from the mainstream media, social media, or any local, state, or federal agencies just for exercising their First Amendment rights.American Energy IndependenceI plan to focus on legislation aimed at boosting national mineral production infrastructure in the oil, fusion, and nuclear industries, positioning Indiana as one of the key regional leaders in the country.Protecting the 2nd AmendmentWhether through a Convention of States or by Congress passing an amendment, Ben Ruiz plans to reaffirm the Constitutional right to bear arms, making sure no city or state can infringe on it by setting limits on a protected activity, while also cutting back on federal overreach from the ATF.Codifying LegislationI’ll work with President Trump and his accomplished administration through Congress to pass legislation that supports American prosperity, upholds national interests, and advances the President’s Executive Orders, all while safeguarding the Constitution from leftist Socialist Democrats aiming to impose Communism and undermine our nation’s foundations.Revitalizing American ManufacturingI plan to work with Congress to invest in American farmland communities by increasing subsidies directly for local farmers here in Indiana. I’ll also focus on expanding business ROI grants to boost manufacturing start-up growth of Made in America consumer goods for both national sales and exports, putting America first in consumer branding on a global scale, while supporting cities and towns with resources for growth and operations.Reducing Foreign SpendingI’ll work to make sure Congress ends foreign aid that doesn’t directly benefit the American people and that foreign nations are held accountable for covering the costs of their citizens who are in the U.S. illegally, rather than leaving hardworking American families to foot the bill.— David Ben Ruiz's campaign website (April 15, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

State House

David Ben Ruiz did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

U.S. House

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am married with five beautiful children who are home schooled and a small business owner operating out of NWI who knows the economic effects and hardships brought on by the current Biden Administrations policies that are affecting everyday American families with the highest inflation in recent history. I have been a lifelong conservative republican voter and someone who leads by example and prides myself in creating opportunities for others while always going above and beyond my own needs I strive to help as many folks in bad situations to be the voice of reason, patience and strength by being very forward. I am someone who is appalled by the failures of those currently in positions of power and have failed to keep their promises to the people of Northwest Indiana and the entire country. I am a proud supporter of President Trump and his successful policies and promises that helped Make America Great Again that benefited every American with economic stability and strength to thrive, by reigning in foreign trade and making Europe pay their fair share for security. As your candidate for Congress I promise to turn things around and make Hoosier lives better again by tackling infrastructure and employment growth while protecting our children's future.

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?

As I run for U.S. Congress in NWI Indiana, I will hold RINOs and Democrats alike accountable. I will fight for and to protect and defend American First policies for "We the People" by focusing on protecting our own border and contiued election integrity. I will never change my unwavering support for Presdient Trump and MAGA Republicans.Unlike other candidates running under the party platform my goal is to put the people of Northwest Indiana and American's across this nation before party and politics. The people of Northwest Indiana deserve the well overdue needed change and deserve to be heard by a leaders that won't stray, back down and betray the people' trust in order to hold onto to power, but instead to defend, fund and support growth right here at home in NWI Indiana.As an open outsider that can comes in as a MAGA Republican running my agenda is simple to protecting Hoosier American interests, such economic revitalization in the form of and recovery while protecting our most valuable assets...Our Children from the failures of both sides of the political spectrum being currently run by RINOs, The Establishment and the repeated failures of the Democratic Party.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a MAGA Republican running for office in the 1st Congressional District of Indiana, the most important policies I'm passionate about are policies that will actively promote and benefit Northwest Indiana Hoosiers, and the American People, American Families and the American Economy across the nation. We should all be tired of the increase in crime by social justice seekers who operate under the guise of socialism.

After several years of listening and watching the amount of damage that RINO, The Establishment & The Democratic Party have done to this country is appalling. Congress has time and time again failed to keep their promises to defend and protect the best interests of American's in Indiana and across this nation. American's have lost faith in a system built of a continuation of broken promises and policies that benefit radical leftist and leave our children inside a paradox of sexual exploitation, CRT victim-hood and self-victimization.

Open boarders leave American's behind and last, as on a daily basis we are invaded by Illegals who's so purpose is to destabilize our Republic form of Government. The astronomical impact is putting an economic strain on American Families that are losing their homes and livelihoods while the Washington Elites reroute tax payer dollars for housing, education and support over to every illegal, to foreign countries and wars that do not benefit Hoosiers in NWI and American's across the country.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

President Donald J. Trump. His courage, strength and persistence through every phony witch hunt and illegal persecution of him by the establishment RINOs and Socialist Democrats for the American people has been unprecedented and unmatched in history, yet he still wavers an undying love for this country which speaks volumes of his genuine loyalty for the American people.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Focus and attention to detail and preservation to bullying and intimidation tactics by other members who have questionable agendas that could impact hardworking American's.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Owing their service and duty to the American Voters, as the power that is given is by the people for the people to the right for representation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That good men do not sit idle by and watch the rights of their countrymen and American families be stripped while the country burns and falls from grace.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The opportunity to create legislation and/or amend and pass it before reaching the Senate and initiate investigations that would lead to accountability and oversight of Individuals or paties of power in Congress, The Senate, Executive Branch as well as Government Agency Oversight

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, I think the more experience that a representative has previously in government or politics the more likely you are to become part of the growing problem which exists in the current governing body which we currently have today. Where public trust of the institution is already currently at an all time low.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

If we cannot successfully as a nation of voters to join and get rid of the swamp that President Trump exposed while in office, the future will look very, very bleak. 2024 will be the opportunity to save what remains and help reverse the current damages done by the Biden Administration, If this fails or we fail, the entire country is doomed.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe that the term length should be extend to 3 yrs with a Maximum of 3 terms to equal more or less the Senate.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly believe in term limits and feel they are necessary in order to establish a balance of the power given to representatives by the voters. Most candidates will stand by and tell you that term limits are already in existence, yet that is truly not the case, especially when they for the same office every 2-6 years.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Matt Gaetz is definitely a firebrand willing to fight for the American People by holding members accountable for non actions and broken promises to the American people.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Many Northwest Indiana Hoosier residents I've spoken with are fed up with the pay to play politics between both parties Republicans and Democrats in the district area as well as throughout the state and want leadership to genuinely represent their best interests and want those politicians held to a standard and accountability.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Under normal circumstances a working government should be able to come together for necessary policy making, however these days nothing in the government is normal and compromise usually means alienating the constituency base of American's family's who have put their faith and trust behind the very same RINOs and Democrats who are now ruining the economy with their disastrous socialist and foreign agendas. The only solution to any compromise should be left up to the people to elect someone as myself to stand up in congress and get things done the right way by putting the American People First.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Any bill raising revenue would have to be heavily scrutinized before even being passed in the House and inclusive free of any other subjects or programs for funding. I would work to eliminate all pork spending bills altogether

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Power of the purse to subpoena and hold other non compliant democratic members and government agencies in contempt with prosecution; who refuse to provide any and all documentation or information requested by the investigative committee.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Spencer England, Small Business Owner

La Porte, Indiana

Campaign website

Ruiz's campaign website stated the following:

EDUCATION

Parents are the last line of defense for their children and nothing is more important then making sure that Parents have the rights to ensure their children are receiving the proper education that meets their expectation when it comes to curriculum and morals

FOREIGN POLICY

We must uphold the United States Constitution in making sure that foreign policy does not come before the rights of Americans to reject such policies proposed especially if those policies do not coincide or infringe on those rights by limiting executive branch authority without approval of the congress.

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare reform is needed to protect our Veterans as well as our American families right to choose not only their respective providers but the quality of the care they deserve as right throughout the nation. The right to try alternative procedures, methods and medications have for too long have been burdened every American with high costs.

IMMIGRATION REFORM

Pushing for Immigration reforms that protect our borders and put a focus on the benefits of American communities first. While passing legislation holding foreign governments accountable for willfully encouraging the encroachment of their citizens onto United States soil.

COMMUNITY

Establishing beneficial funding while cutting the heavy tax burdens for middle class and lower income Northwest Indiana Hoosier communities in order to flourish in the growth of business opportunities with a focus on employment expansion and increased area revenue growth & budgeting for local revitalization projects which are essential to our economic recovery as Hoosiers and our country.

VOTER INTEGRITY

Ensuring legislation is passed to build reliability and good faith in our electoral process on a national scale is key to effectively eliminating increased voter fraud, illegal tampering and meddling in our elections by foreign and domestic entities and parties.

[3]

—Ben Ruiz's campaign website (2023)[4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am no politician; I am a Proud 2nd Generation American, I am a father, a husband who prides himself on raising proud American children who will not be subjected to hate filled indoctrination schools of learning. I owe Allegiance only to the Constitution of the United States for which this nation stands, I am grateful to our forefathers for providing us with this great country to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These words in today's America seem all but faint today in this day and age, but everyday people still want to believe in it. My duty is not to represent my own interests nor myself but be the voice for the millions of Americans who cannot bare their voices for fear of retaliation. CRT, ANITFA, BLM is Communism and it has no place here in America the Beautiful!

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?

America First-Making America Great AgainU.S. Border Security and Restoring the Constitutional RepublicDraining the Swamp by punishing them for their high crimes of treason against American's

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My goals are to holding the Biden administration, Democrats and the MSM accountable for inciting rioting, looting, mayhem and destruction of City, State, Federal and Private property on a national level and terrorizing millions of Americans due to race and creed, for the simply for gain of power and for illegally using the Justice Department and FBI to conduct illegal monitoring, sweeps and raids on political conservative republican opponents and Americans and to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

I will hold them accountable for the private funding of illegal immigration in violation of U.S. Laws and National Security.

I will hold them accountable for the government's overreach of subjecting Americans into forced vaccinations that are still in a trial phase and have that have had little to no effect without proper authorization from congress and instead attempting to bypass the constitutional rights of American without concern for the safety of millions subjected to these mRNA vaccines in trial phases.

I will hold them accountable for secretly funding 2016 dossier against a sitting President Trump in an attempted Coup d'e tat before the end of his term, as well as currently attempting to bar President Trump from a 2nd Presidential Run in 2024.

Biden and the Democrats have failed American's as well as Liberty and instead given priority to outside influences and foreign entities as well as governments. No More!!!!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

President Donald J. Trump, He leads with strength like a lion for freedom because he stands in the way to protect every American from the dirty swamp of politicians in Washington D.C. without regard for himself and he is proud to give praise to our men and women throughout this nation that protect and serve.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

God and Country First

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Self-Sacrifice and the ability to never give into pressure

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I'm not a politician, I cannot be bought, my votes are not for sale

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Not to represent their own Interests for greed but instead to fulfill and complete interests that benefit every American from all walks of life

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be able to help rebuild this country as our great forefather's envisioned it to be by the people for the people most importantly in the name of Liberty to live our lives as we want, where we have no senseless wars because of meddling in foreign affairs which do not benefit America's future

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I witnessed the first televised event while in grammar school of the first female teacher to be launched into space that ended in disaster, and watch President Regan with a heavy heart inform the nation and the world that these brave men and women went to touch the face of God. I was 10 and to this very day President Regans words are etched into my heart for these men and women who gave up their lives for our country's progress.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

McDonald's, it was horrible, especially the pay and the fact that I worked for a family member who managed it, I was an employee for a few months.

What is your favorite book? Why?

A time to kill by John Grisham, because it reminds me of our history and how far we have come to grow from our errors.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Deadpool because he's not only a Canadian he looks stupid cool

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

If I didn't love you by Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Seeing other people struggle, American's left behind by the very government that was put in place to protect them

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The mere fact that important policy and legislation is first brought to the attention and for review and approval before moving forward to the Senate for compete passage

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, I do not just say this because I have no experience in government but simply because for so long, we the American people have entrusted our Representatives from both chambers of Congress to properly handle matters that affect millions across our nation and couldn't even for once agree on keeping additional unnecessary pork from bills that would negatively impact every citizen and who by far and large have some form experience in law due to their educational background which have enabled this very congress to circumvent current laws to benefit their pockets

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Restructuring and correcting all of the damage done to the economy that will affect millions of low and middle incomes Americans due to the severity of high inflation which is the cause from excessive spending and the bogus overreach of mandates used to against citizens to destroy their every livelihoods

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Although currently I am not a part of any particular committee yet, i would definitely be interested in the Save America Leadership PAC, American First Committee, Red Renaissance PAC and Great America PAC and National Republican Trust PAC

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe that the term length should be extended to half of the term of members of the U.S. Senate which is three years and should be limited to 2 terms

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits should be enacted by Congress to protect Americans from abuse of power by politicians who have remained in office and who eventually are bought and paid for by special interest groups in order to extend their rein in congress and who have absolutely no interest in benefiting everyday Americans

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Actually Matt Gaetz, he is witty, smart, quick and a shark at setting the facts straight and going after lawless Democrats and RINOs

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

They are tired, exhausted of the unnecessary mandates that continue not only to affect themselves but their families, especially their young child who go into school and wonder what else besides evil will they be called because of their fair skin, the harm that has come in the form of threats and loss of life of innocent white children being mowed down during a Christmas parade and witnessing it live on air. Those in the minority communities finally taking the gloves off and asking that democrats stop calling them stupid with their senseless calls to action and rally in favor of creating hatred racial issues that have increased because of their democratic policies.

Tell us your favorite joke.

"Thats what she said"

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

In a perfect political and civil environment where representatives actually represent their constituency Yes, however in the current atmosphere which is led by Communistic democratic policies of the Democratic Party it cannot be attainable as they currently are the party in complete and full power and every bill, legislation or mandates they solely have complete control over and are willing to even change the laws so that no legislation can be met with opposition from true Conservatives in the Republican Party

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Bills would be required to be fully read in open session and/or in their respective offices by every member being present and then quizzed about the bill before voting on a bill, while also setting up rules to eliminate pork from being secretly added through any bills which would bring more effective transparency and fiscal responsibility in the future

Campaign website

Ruiz's campaign website stated the following:

EDUCATION

Public school boards and administrations across the Hoosier State especially in Northwest Indiana and numerous cities around the country have failed to properly educate our children. Instead of focusing on teaching our history as Americans, and how to futher grow our nation economically, they show our children, that we as parents, grandparents and the founding fathers are all evil and that we represent a hate unlike no other and we should deny ourselves of the liberty and rights as free people to appease those groups with which they have turned into victims. A school board bent on eliminating the nuclear family and continuing to grow their socialist agendas. We cannot give into the madness and we must reform Public School system with Parents leading the educational construct of Americanism.

FOREIGN POLICY

An America First agenda has is and will always be whats best in the interests of our nation and our citizens on a national and international level; one where no other country will no longer be able to exploit our generousity, assistantance nor come before our own responsibilty here at home in the United States of America.

HEALTHCARE

I have signed a sworn oath that once elected to congress my first function and goal would be to eliminate all Covid-19 Vax, and Mask Mandates, protocols & policies enacted to eliminate the freedoms of Americans. I will work with the America First caucus to bring back to the table Presidents Trumps Healthcare Reform Act which failed to garner support among RINOs and the Democratic Party in Congress, yet one that would benefit not only Hoosiers but every American across the nation, by making coverage more competitive allowing public & private recipients to choose alternative treatment options outside of their state expanding the role of coverage.

IMMIGRATION REFORM

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

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