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Pennsylvania ballot

Brian Thomsen

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Business Consultant/Executive Coach

Brian Thomsen ran for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 17 in 2026. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Brian Thomsen was born in Erin, Tennessee. He earned a bachelor's degree from the American Intercontinental University in May 2007 and a master's degree from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in September 2013. His professional experience includes working as a business consultant and executive coach. Thomsen began serving in the United States Army on January 30, 1996.[1]

Graduate:
Duke Fuqua School of Business, 2013
Bachelor's:
American Intercontinental University, 2007

In their own words

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 24 year US Army Veteran, Green Beret, father, grandfather, and Duke University MBA program graduate.

Public service is more than just something we aspire to; it is a responsibility and a calling. We must act on it and serve our neighbors.

I push to confront our nation's problems with determination and resourcefulness, fueled by the founding principles of individual liberty, limited government, and economic empowerment. It is the people's county and the American citizens are the sovereigns of this great nation.

For me, people are the core of every aspect in life. Whether it is business or military operations, jobs and the economy, or law making and speaking, everything is founded, run by, and impacts people. God's most precious creation is at the pinnacle of value in the world and communities in which we live.

My thoughts and considerations always focus on the individual people involved and how my decisions and actions will impact their lives.

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?

People are the MOST important resource, it is what I fight for.Fighting to make the government the servant of the people, like it should be. Our people are hard workers and we need to ensure there are jobs available for them here locally.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Energy

America is now the world's leader in energy production and Pennsylvania is the second largest producer of natural gas and third largest producer of coal in the nation.

Healthcare

We must reduce the enormous cost burden and start putting free market principles in place, removing restrictive regulations, and repealing the Affordable Care Act "Obamacare".

Jobs & the Economy

Our economy is booming, we must continue to promote new job creation by cutting regulations and bureaucratic red tape, permanently lowering taxes, and demanding free and fair trade.

LEO's & 1st Responders

Our LEO's and 1st responders are out there every day. They deserve all the funding and support required to keep the peace and respond to emergencies as the happen.

Military & Veterans

America has the greatest military in the world because of its men and women in uniform. We must honor our nation's commitment to those who have served and to their families.

National Security

The federal government's primary constitutional responsibility is to provide national security; through strong trade agreements, economic leadership, military might, and border control.

Rights & Freedoms

The Constitution defines the rights of American citizens. We must be extremely vigilant in defending against those who'd take our God given rights & freedoms and/or erode our civil liberties.

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

Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Teddy Roosevelt, all men who stood up for their beliefs and fought for a better future for the people they served.

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

A multitude of the nations founding documents.

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

Servant Leadership and Empathy

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

Empathy, strength, self sacrificing dedication, hard work, drive, observant, quick learner, good translator of thoughts and ideas across ethnic, cultural, and academic divides

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

I believe that someone elected to this office is beholden to the people that elected them, not the party, not the special interests; the people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I worked hard and dedicated my life to the betterment of others.

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

The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. I was 12 years old and we were out of school for a snow day and I was watching the launch live.

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

Working in a McDonald's as a cook for a little over a year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Great by Choice, by Jim Collins

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

Superman. With all of his abilities and weakness, his focus is to help people; to defend those who need defending.

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

Trying to personally take on too much. There is never a limit of things needing to be done and it can be a challenge to scale down the focus onto a smaller number of objectives.

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

US Congressional Representatives are the voice for their district; the direct link to the federal government for the people.

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

Yes, I believe there is benefit in understanding how things operate and what is to be expected. However, that knowledge does not make a person a better representative.

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

Long term it is reducing the size of the federal government. It is oppressive to the people it is supposed to serve at the size it is now.

Reducing the size of government will reduce expenditures, help reduce our deficit, reduce the tax burden, and simplify the liberties and freedoms of the American people.

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

Armed Services

Foreign Affairs

Transportation and Infrastructure

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

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that there should be term limits and that career politicians are a liability to how America is governed and how the people are represented.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes. In whatever capacity possible.

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On the 2026 ballot

Links

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

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