Calvin Coleman

Calvin Coleman was born in Fairbury, Illinois. His career experience includes working as a mechanic.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in Fairbury, Illinois, Calvin was not born into the life you'd expect of a future candidate for Congress. Raised mostly by his single mother and grandmothers, life was tough, and the family had to rely on food stamps and low-income housing to survive. His mom worked hard at a local factory, determined to build a better life, but her stress fueled her alcoholism and unhealthy relationships, which often led to an abusive home life.

By eighth grade, Calvin was caught in his own battles, turning to alcohol and smoking to cope. Addiction gripped him, but in 2011, he broke free and has been sober ever since. Calvin turned his life around, building a strong marriage as a proud husband to Stephanie and becoming an active dad who coaches his son's baseball team and volunteers with his Boy Scout Troop. As an entrepreneur and business owner, he's ended the cycle of hardship in his family.

Calvin's childhood of poverty and addiction drives his run for Congress. Calvin is ready to fight for kids facing the same struggles he did. In Washington, Calvin will push for policies to lift families out of poverty and support healthy living through MAHA values, which helped him overcome anxiety and depression and maintain his sober lifestyle. He will draw from his experiences in the workforce and as an entrepreneur to champion economic policies for workers and small businesses.

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?

End corporate capture and corruption in government

When I am in Congress, I will work to stop giant corporations and financial institutions from controlling our government. I will fight the Washington bureaucracy that supports the elites and their global agenda. I strongly disagree with treating corporations like people who can influence elections with money. I also oppose corporate corruption in government decisions and the "revolving door" where government officials get high-paying jobs at the companies they once regulated. I stand against global organizations like the World Economic Forum and the World Health Organization overriding our nation's independence and forcing policies on us that we didn't choose.Heal the divide and promote civility

As someone who's seen division tear us apart, I strongly oppose "cancel culture" tactics. Instead, I will promote respect and open dialogue in our conversations. For too long, the Democratic and Republican parties have divided us into opposing teams, pushing conflict instead of listening to each other's concerns or considering new ideas to solve today's problems. Rather than arguing or turning us against one another along party lines, we should focus on our shared goals as Americans trying to succeed. In Congress, I will listen to all perspectives, find common ground, and work to unite us.National Debt & Fiscal Responsibility

Our government's spending is out of control, and it's causing inflation to rise. We can't keep spending money we don't have on programs we can't afford. Raising the debt ceiling without cutting wasteful spending is hurting our country. The federal government is too big and needs to be streamlined. I support reviewing which programs work better at the state level and make a smooth transition, while protecting Social Security. There's no "one-size-fits-all" solution for federal agencies, as rural Illinois has different needs than Chicago. As a father, I will push for smart budget policies that consider the future of our children.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about policies that make America fairer, stronger, and healthier. I want to stop corporations from controlling our government, making sure it works for regular people. I care about lifting struggling neighborhoods, by creating jobs and boosting the economy. I support laws that give workers better pay and help small businesses grow. I also believe in being smart with money, cutting wasteful government spending, and reducing our national debt so our kids have a bright future. Keeping our communities’ safe matters, so I’ll support the police and programs that help people who’ve made mistakes get back on track. I’m all in for cleaning up our food & fixing healthcare so everyone can get good care, including mental health support.

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

I greatly admire Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. I am inspired by his resilience and never stop fighting attitude. I cannot fathom the effect of losing an uncle and father both to assassinations as a developing child. While he went down dark paths in life learning to cope, including addiction, from the tragedies he endured, he ultimately found peace in his life and made healthy lifestyle changes giving himself a new life, with a new drive to use his talents and intelligence for the betterment of mankind through his run for president, the formation of MAHA, and his work as Secretary of HHS. He is a beacon of hope showing that mistakes and troubles of your past are not a life sentence if you're willing to step up and fight.

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

I recommend the book, The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the War on Democracy and Public Health. It shows how corporate capture harms our health and democracy, reflecting my belief in fighting for truth and the American people.

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

Honesty, integrity, and courage. Elected officials must tell the truth, stand up to corporate power, and serve the people, not special interests. They should listen to all Americans and work to heal division, as I’ve pledged to do by ending the corrupt merger of state and corporate power.

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

I have empathy and compassion for people, and I listen to understand, not to respond. I have an incredible work ethic, and I don't quit. I have a strong moral compass which guides my decision making. I have the right temperament and patience to reach across the aisle to work respectfully with legislators from all political affiliations.

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

A representative’s job is to protect our Constitution, fight for the middle class, and ensure government serves the people. This means securing clean water, reducing chronic disease, and stopping corporate control of agencies. I’d work to make government honest and transparent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as an inspirational leader and a hard worker. I hope that my underdog candidacy will inspire others to run for office and take a larger role in government.

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

The first major historical event I remember happening was the space shuttle Challenger explosion. I still remember sitting in the classroom watching the launch on television as a 7-year-old and trying to process what I had just witnessed. It deeply affected me as I loved the space program and badly wanted to be an astronaut. It was the first time I ever wrote a letter to a politician. I remember drawing a picture of the space shuttle and writing a letter to President Reagan begging him not to stop the space program and NASA.

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

My first job was for a company called Aurora Tile/Horizon environmental when I lived in Nebraska. I was 13 years old and worked as hard and as often as I could. I did anything from yard work, machine repairs, vehicle repairs, and more. It was a rewarding experience, and I learned many lessons. I worked for that company part time until I was 18.

What is your favorite book? Why?

There are many books that could make this list, but 1984 is probably my favorite book that involves society. It shows the effects of totalitarianism, censorship, propaganda, the surveillance state, and more. It shows what is possible if we let the government get too powerful, like during covid when many freedoms were put on hold, doctors and researchers were censored and ultimately subjected to the "two minutes hate".

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

I would be Captain America because, like Steve Rogers, I emerged from hardship, poverty, and a turbulent family life, to now running for Congress with the mission to champion truth, justice, and the American spirit. My campaign echoes my core values: transparency in government, fierce defense of individual liberties, and a relentless focus on the health and prosperity of every citizen. Like Captain America, I stand against corruption and corporate capture, vowing to dismantle cronyism, ensuring our institutions serve the people, not just the powerful. My battle with addiction, overcome through sobriety since 2011, reflects Captain America’s unyielding resilience, driving my pledge to expand mental health and recovery programs. Captain America protects the vulnerable while upholding freedom; I commit to defending free speech, advancing environmental justice, and fostering economic equity for all. With integrity as my shield, I’ll fight for a united America, where every voice matters, and hope prevails.

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

Two songs actually, The Show Must Go On by Queen and Build a Bridge by Dan Mackenzie

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

Health, both mental and physical, has been a struggle until I found healthy living through MAHA values. I also struggled with addiction to alcohol and tobacco. I proud to be sober since 2011.

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

The House is unique because it’s closest to the people, with members elected every two years to reflect voters’ needs. It has the power to start revenue bills and investigate government, making it a key check on corporate and executive overreach.

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

Experience in government can help, but it can also hinder by tying leaders to corrupt systems. What matters most is ethics, purpose, and a strong work ethic.

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

Our biggest challenges include the national debt, which burdens future generations, and the chronic health epidemic, with rising diseases in kids. Other issues are corporate control of government, crumbling infrastructure, and distrust in institutions.

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

No, two years is too short. It forces representatives to campaign constantly, splitting their focus from serving the people. Longer terms would let them work on real solutions, like reducing debt and fixing health, without endless fundraising.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Yes, I support term limits and have signed the Term Limits on Congress pledge. Long careers in Congress can lead to corruption and disconnect from voters. Term limits ensure fresh ideas and accountability to the people.

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

I admire Robert F. Kennedy, who served as a senator, not a representative, but showed courage and fought for the poor and middle class. His populism and honesty inspire me to stand up to powerful interests.

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?

As a candidate for Congress, I carry the stories of those I’ve met in our district as a reminder of why we must demand accountability and truth in our healthcare system. One story, shared by a close friend, resonates deeply and fuels my resolve to fight for the people. His father, a resilient man who had previously conquered cancer, faced an unimaginable battle with COVID-19. He endured 313 days in the hospital, 26 days intubated, and 161 days on a ventilator. His family, desperate to save him, poured every waking hour into researching potential treatments, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, even vitamin D, only to be dismissed by medical authorities. Yet, during his fragile recovery, they administered the COVID-19 vaccine. He returned home in September 2022, only to pass away from heart failure in March of 2023. This man was a fighter, living his best life until the end, but he and his family were failed by a system that stifled inquiry and innovation.

This story hits close to home for me. COVID struck my own family hard. I lost my uncle, a man I cherished deeply, to this virus. Like my friend’s father, he was denied alternative treatments, and his organs began shutting down from infection. As we now know, and some knew then, those treatments could have saved his life. The mismanagement and incompetence during the pandemic cost countless lives. These aren’t just statistics; they are people we knew and loved. The suppression of open discourse on treatments was a betrayal of trust. I carry these stories into this campaign with a fierce commitment to challenge the status quo and demand transparency within our government and healthcare system.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.

-Mark Twain

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

Yes, compromise is necessary. Our Founding Fathers designed three branches, checks and balances, and a slow-moving legislature to require compromise. This prevents tyranny and ensures laws reflect broad agreement, protecting our democracy.

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?

As a representative, I’d use this power to stop tax hikes that hurt the middle class and block spending that increases our national debt. I’m against growing the debt, which my campaign has stressed, and would push for fair taxes to support workers, not corporations.

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

The House should use its investigative powers to uncover corruption, like corporate control of health agencies. I’d probe the FDA and CDC to ensure they serve people, not big pharma, and expose waste in government spending to rebuild trust.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) PAC

What committees interest you?

I’d want to serve on committees like Energy and Commerce to tackle health and environmental issues, Oversight and Accountability to fight corruption, and Agriculture to reform food systems.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government must be open about its spending and actions. I’d push for clear budgets, audits of agencies, and laws to stop corporate influence. Accountability means leaders answer to the people, not big corporations.