Dylan Modarelli

Dylan Modarelli was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He graduated from North Bergen High School. He attended Hudson County Community College. His career experience includes working as a jeweler.[1]

State House

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U.S. House

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dylan Modarelli. I’m not a career politician—I’m a citizen who believes in action, accountability, and the power of common sense. I’ve lived simply, worked hard, and seen firsthand what happens when the government forgets the people it’s supposed to serve.

I’m running for Congress because I believe in less welfare and more prosperity—because people deserve opportunity, not dependency. I stand for the forgotten: working families, animal lovers, small business owners, and everyone tired of broken promises.

We need leaders who live like us, think like us, and fight for us.

I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to protect your rights, defend your freedom, and return power to the people. Let’s restore sanity, dignity, and real results to government.

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?

Opportunity Over Dependency

“We don’t need more handouts—we need more opportunity. I believe in lifting people up through jobs, education, and entrepreneurship, not keeping them trapped in a cycle of welfare.”Power Back to the People

“Career politicians have forgotten who they work for. I’m running to return power to the people—by cutting waste, ending corruption, and making government work for you, not for lobbyists and insiders.”Protect the Voiceless—Humans and Animals

“I will fight for the forgotten—including the animals we neglect and euthanize, and the working families struggling to be heard. Compassion and common sense can coexist.”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about protecting animals. I believe no animal should be killed just because it’s unwanted. I stand firmly against euthanizing healthy animals in shelters. We need real, compassionate policies that promote adoption, fund no-kill shelters, and punish cruelty. How we treat the voiceless says everything about our society. I believe in prosperity through hard work — not handouts.I’ve seen how government dependency can rob people of their drive and dignity. I support policies that create opportunity, not entitlement — more jobs, more support for small businesses, and fewer roadblocks for people chasing the American dream. I demand accountability from government.

I’m tired of the lies, the broken promises, and the waste.

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

I look up to Abraham Lincoln because he led with strength, humility, and conviction. He faced one of the most divided times in our nation’s history, and instead of backing down or playing politics, he stood firm on what was right — even when it was hard.

He believed in the power of the people, the importance of unity, and the idea that this country could live up to its highest ideals. Lincoln proved that leadership isn’t about power — it’s about purpose. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be.

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

If you want to understand how I think — not just politically, but personally — I’d recommend a mix of ideas, not just one book or film. I don’t follow a party line or any one ideology. I pull from real life, common sense, and a few key sources that have stuck with me.

First, the Bible. Whether you’re religious or not, the values in there — personal responsibility, compassion for the poor, respect for life, freedom, justice — they shaped how I see the world. “You reap what you sow.” That’s not just spiritual; that’s how life works.

Second, “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand. You don’t have to agree with every part of it to see the message: when government punishes hard work and rewards dependency, society falls apart. That book reminded me that freedom and productivity go hand in hand.

Third, “The Pursuit of Happyness” with Will Smith. It’s not a political film, but it’s about grit. It’s about not giving up, no matter how hard life gets. That’s the America I believe in — where anyone, even someone sleeping in a subway bathroom, can rise up with enough determination.

And finally, real life. I’ve seen what it’s like to live outside the system, to struggle, to survive. No book can teach you what living simply and seeing people struggle to get ahead teaches you. That’s where my philosophy comes from — the real world, not the ivory tower.

I believe in freedom, fairness, and fighting for those who’ve been forgotten. If that sounds like something you believe in too, then I’m your candidate.

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

To me, the most important thing for any elected official is to remember who they work for — the people, not the party, not the lobbyists, and definitely not themselves.

Integrity comes first.

If you’re not honest, you’ve got no business holding office. I believe in saying what I mean, doing what I say, and owning up when I fall short. The public deserves the truth — even when it’s not easy.

Accountability matters.

If I make a promise, I’ll keep it — or I’ll explain why I didn’t. Too many politicians disappear after election day. That’s not me. I’ll be visible, reachable, and responsible to the people who put me there.

Common sense should guide policy.

I believe in real-world solutions, not political games. If it doesn’t work in real life, it doesn’t belong in law. I trust regular people to make good choices when government gets out of the way and focuses on doing its actual job.

Compassion isn’t weakness.

You can fight for freedom and still care deeply for others — especially the most vulnerable. That includes the working poor, struggling families, and animals who can’t speak for themselves. A good leader has a strong back and a soft heart.

And finally — humility.

I don’t think I have all the answers. I believe in listening, learning, and growing. Leadership isn’t about ego; it’s about service. I’m not running to be someone — I’m running to do something.

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

I’m not a polished politician — I’m a grounded, hard-working citizen who speaks plainly and acts with purpose. I believe what sets me apart is my honesty, common sense, and unshakable work ethic. I’ve lived simply, worked with my hands, and faced real struggles — so I understand the people I want to represent.

I don’t make excuses. I don’t back down. And I don’t forget who I work for. I bring guts, grit, and a deep sense of responsibility — and that’s exactly what Washington needs more of.

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

If I’m elected to Congress, I know exactly what the job is — and what it’s not. It’s not about power, titles, or getting rich. It’s about representing the people who sent you there. Period. I believe the core responsibility of anyone in public office is to listen, serve, and fight for the everyday Americans who are too often ignored.

First and foremost, I believe in protecting your rights. Our Constitution isn’t just a document — it’s a promise. I’ll defend your freedom of speech, your right to self-defense, your right to live without government overreach, and your right to be left alone when you’re not hurting anyone.

Second, it’s about solving real problems. The job is to pass laws that actually make life better — safer communities, stronger schools, good-paying jobs, affordable living. That takes common sense, not partisan games or corporate loyalty.

Third, I believe in staying connected to the people. Too many politicians forget where they came from. I won’t. I’ll be visible, accessible, and accountable — holding town halls, answering calls, and staying grounded in the lives of the people I represent.

And finally, I believe in being a good steward of taxpayer money.

You work hard for what you earn. I’ll treat every dollar the government spends like it came out of my own pocket — because it did come out of yours. No waste, no nonsense. This isn’t about building a career in politics. It’s about doing the job right — and then stepping aside when it’s time for someone else to take the torch.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be remembered as someone who stood up when it mattered — not for power, but for people. I want to leave behind a legacy of honesty, courage, and action. Not just words, not just promises — real results for real people.

If I can help restore trust in government, give a voice to the forgotten, and inspire others to lead with integrity, that’s a legacy I’ll be proud of.

I don’t want a statue — I want a stronger country.

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 clearly remember was September 11, 2001. I was around 11 years old, and I can still feel the shock of that day. I didn’t fully understand everything at the time, but I knew the world had changed.

Watching the fear, the unity, and the strength that followed had a big impact on me. It made me realize that freedom is fragile, and that leaders matter most when everything’s on the line. That day planted a seed in me — one that’s still growing.

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

My very first job was at a hotel. I was young, working long hours doing whatever was needed — cleaning, running errands, helping guests. It taught me responsibility, how to deal with people, and the value of hard work. I kept that job for over a year, and it grounded me in the real world.

That experience didn’t just teach me a paycheck — it taught me humility, service, and grit.

What is your favorite book? Why?

One of my favorite books is “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. It’s powerful because it shows that even in the darkest circumstances, we can choose our attitude, our purpose, and our path forward.

Frankl’s message — that meaning comes from struggle, responsibility, and service to others — has always stuck with me. It reminds me that no matter how hard life gets, we’re here to do something that matters. That’s how I try to live, and that’s the mindset I’ll bring to public service.

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

If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Captain America. Not because of the superpowers — but because of what he stands for: honor, courage, standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or unpopular. He doesn’t chase power — he protects people. He questions authority when it goes too far. And he never forgets where he came from.

That kind of loyalty to principle is exactly how I want to lead in real life.

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

The last song that got stuck in my head was “God’s Country” by Blake Shelton. It’s one of those songs that hits you deep — about faith, roots, hard work, and pride in where you come from. It reminds me what I’m fighting for: the people, the land, and the values that make this country worth believing in.

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

One of the biggest struggles in my life has been starting from the bottom without a safety net. I’ve had to work hard for everything — no connections, no shortcuts, just grit and faith. There were times I didn’t know how I’d pay rent or keep going, but I never quit.

That struggle shaped me. It gave me empathy, strength, and the drive to fight for people who feel like the system isn’t built for them — because I’ve lived it. And that’s exactly who I’m running for.

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

The House is the people’s chamber — plain and simple. It’s fast-moving, directly accountable, and closest to everyday Americans. With elections every two years, it keeps Representatives on their toes and connected to the real world.

It’s where grassroots voices can rise, bold ideas can be introduced quickly, and change can start from the ground up. That direct connection to the people is what makes the House powerful — and why I want to be there.

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

I don’t believe you need to come from politics to serve the people — in fact, I think it’s often a benefit if you don’t. Real-life experience matters more than political games. We need more voices in Congress who’ve worked real jobs, paid real bills, and lived through what everyday Americans face.

Common sense, honesty, and backbone are more valuable than a lifetime in Washington.

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

Over the next decade, I believe our biggest challenges will be restoring trust in government, protecting our economy from collapse, securing our borders, and uniting a deeply divided country. We’re losing faith, control, and connection — and if we don’t fix that, nothing else will matter.

We need truth, strength, and unity — or we risk losing what makes America great.

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

Yes — I believe two years is the right length for a Representative’s term. It keeps us accountable and connected to the people we serve. If we’re not doing the job, voters shouldn’t have to wait long to replace us.

Short terms mean we work for you — not ourselves.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I fully support term limits. Public office should be about service, not a lifelong career. The longer politicians stay in power, the more disconnected they get from the people. We need fresh ideas, not career politicians clinging to influence.

Serve the people, then step aside. That’s how it should work.

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

I don’t want to be a copy of anyone — but I respect leaders who stood their ground, spoke the truth, and didn’t back down. People like Ron Paul, who fought for liberty even when it wasn’t popular, or Teddy Roosevelt, who took on corruption with bold action.

I’m not trying to follow in someone’s footsteps — I’m trying to cut a new path for the people who feel forgotten.

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?

One story that’s stayed with me was from a woman working two jobs who told me she had to choose between paying her rent or putting her dog down because she couldn’t afford the vet bill. She wasn’t lazy. She wasn’t looking for a handout. She was doing everything right — and still felt like she was losing.

That hit me hard. It reminded me that so many people are doing their best, but the system is stacked against them — and even the ones with the biggest hearts can’t catch a break. I’m running to fight for people like her — the forgotten, the overworked, and the ones who deserve better.

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

I believe compromise is necessary — but only when it serves the people, not the politicians. I’m not interested in backroom deals or watered-down nonsense. But if honest dialogue and common ground can move us forward without selling out our values, I’m all for it.

Real leadership means knowing when to stand firm and when to work together.

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?

The Constitution gives the House the power to start all bills that raise taxes or generate revenue — and I take that seriously. If elected, I’ll use that power to fight for responsible spending, lower taxes, and putting money back in the hands of the people, not bloated bureaucracies. We don’t need more ways to take your money — we need better ways to use the money we already have. If I have a say in where your dollars go, I’ll make sure it’s toward freedom, opportunity, and real results — not waste.

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

The House’s investigative powers should be used to hold government accountable — not score political points. If there’s corruption, waste, abuse of power, or agencies failing the people, the House has a duty to expose it.

This power should serve truth, transparency, and justice — not headlines or vendettas. As a Representative, I’d support investigations that protect your rights, your tax dollars, and your trust in government.

The goal isn’t drama — it’s accountability.

What committees interest you?

I’m interested in committees where I can fight for real change — like the Oversight and Accountability Committee, to expose waste and corruption, the Small Business Committee, to support entrepreneurs, and the Agriculture Committee, where I can advocate for animal welfare and rural communities.

I want to be where I can make the biggest impact for the people — not the politicians.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe every dollar the government spends should be traceable and justified. That’s your money — not theirs.

If elected, I’ll fight for full audits of government agencies, strict limits on lobbyist influence, and public access to how your tax dollars are used. I’ll lead by example and make my own finances transparent.

I support term limits, cutting waste, and removing politicians who stop serving the people. No more hiding. No more excuses.

If the people pay for it, they deserve to see it. Period.