Da'Shone Hughey

Da'Shone Hughey earned a graduate degree from Cambridge College, graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and graduated from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. His career experience includes working as a CEO.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a systems builder, innovator, entrepreneur, technology executive, educator, workforce-development strategist, author, and independent candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District. My mission is simple: turn potential into power—giving people the skills, tools, and opportunity to build the future, not struggle to survive it.

I founded CODEIT Institute of Technology and created AI City Robotics and Queriosity, working at the intersection of AI, robotics, education, and economic mobility. This work shaped the Hughey Plan—expanding apprenticeships, empowering small businesses, developing transit-connected affordable housing, and preparing Americans for the industries of tomorrow.

I studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, created operations in East Africa, and worked in Latin America. These experiences shaped the Hughey Foreign Doctrine, centered on American strategic independence, energy and technology security, domestic manufacturing, and a stronger congressional role in national security.

I have been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who in America and am the author of PhD Ready by 18, a blueprint for developing 22nd-century thinkers and leaders equipped with AI fluency, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills.

I am running as an independent because We the People, not political parties, PACs, special interests, or AIPAC, should set America’s agenda.

You cannot open new doors with old keys. America needs New Thinking. New Direction.

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?

Workforce & Economic Opportunity

What if opportunity didn't require everyone to take the same path?

The Hughey Plan believes every American deserves a pathway to economic independence. Some thrive in classrooms; others learn by doing. We expand opportunity through paid apprenticeships, hands-on training, next-generation manufacturing, skilled trades, advanced infrastructure, AI, robotics, entrepreneurship, and second-chance pathways.

Our goal is bigger than getting people jobs. We want Americans to build, manufacture, innovate, lead, and create businesses.

Why prepare Americans for yesterday's economy when we can prepare them to build tomorrow's? New Thinking. New Direction.Housing & Transit-Linked Development

The Hughey Plan connects four things government too often treats separately: housing, transportation, workforce development, and economic growth.

We will expand affordable and workforce housing near transit, bringing families closer to jobs, schools, healthcare, and opportunity while reducing commuting costs. New development should create more than housing; it should create pathways through paid apprenticeships, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics, and entrepreneurship.

With modular construction and modern technology, we can build faster, lower costs, and create careers.

Don't just build housing. Build communities where people can live, work, learn, and build wealth.Strategic Independence

America is strongest when we can power, protect, manufacture, and sustain ourselves. Conflict involving Iran showed how instability can disrupt energy flows, supply chains, and markets.

The Hughey Foreign Doctrine rebuilds American energy, manufacturing, technology, and industrial capacity at home.

I propose an Artificial Petroleum Program linked to workforce training to develop American-made synthetic fuels and alternatives for transportation, industry, and daily needs, creating careers in engineering, chemistry, advanced manufacturing, automation, and robotics.

This is more than energy policy. It is an industrial strategy to strengthen supply chains, build industries, and secure America.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My passion for public policy begins with one question: Are we giving families the tools to build a better future? My focus is education, workforce development, technology, housing, economic opportunity, and national security.

As a builder, innovator, entrepreneur, and technology executive, I have seen how skills, technology, and opportunity can change lives. I want to prepare people for tomorrow’s jobs, expand pathways to homeownership and economic stability, and give families the tools to move forward. That means AI and robotics education, apprenticeships, workforce development, small-business growth, and affordable housing.

My international experience has reinforced my belief that strong families and communities build a strong America.