Ethan Wechtaluk

Ethan Wechtaluk was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech in 2010 and a graduate degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2014. His career experience includes working in consulting.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Ethan Wechtaluk — a husband, father of three daughters, and a lifelong fighter for what matters. I’ve spent my career helping federal agencies deliver better services for the people they serve. As a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting, I know firsthand the consequences when government fails to act. I’m running for Congress because our district deserves someone who won’t back down from tough fights — whether it’s protecting democracy, defending reproductive freedom, or tackling the climate crisis.

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?

Fighting for What Matters: I will always stand up for working families, protect reproductive freedom, and defend our democracy against authoritarian threats.Delivering Results, Not Rhetoric: After 15 years in federal consulting, I know how government works — and how to make it work better. I’ll bring that same focus on outcomes to Congress.Grassroots, Not Corporate: I’m running a people-powered campaign. No corporate PACs, no strings attached — just the courage to put people first.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply committed to healthcare as a human right, ensuring access to affordable care and lowering costs for families; climate action, investing in clean energy and protecting Maryland’s natural beauty for future generations; gun safety reforms, as a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting, I’ll fight for universal background checks and practical reforms that save lives; and education and workforce development, because every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and every worker deserves dignity and fair pay.

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

I look up to my grandfathers. Both served our country in the military — one made a career of it, while the other returned home to work a union job in a steel factory. They taught me the values of service, sacrifice, and integrity. Their examples remind me that leadership isn’t about titles or power — it’s about courage, humility, and always putting others first. Those are the values I will carry with me to Congress.

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

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and courage. Voters deserve leaders who tell the truth, listen to their communities, and put people ahead of special interests. An elected official should have the humility to serve, the transparency to be held accountable, and the backbone to fight for what’s right even when it’s hard.

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

The core responsibility of a member of Congress is to represent the people — not corporations, not lobbyists, not party insiders. That means listening to constituents, fighting for their needs, and delivering results that improve their daily lives. It also means protecting our democracy, holding government accountable, and having the courage to take tough votes when the future of our country is on the line.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy my kids can be proud of — one defined by integrity, service, and the courage to fight for what matters. If my daughters can look back and see that I worked every day to make their future, and the future of all families, brighter and fairer, that will be enough.

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

The first event I remember was the O.J. Simpson case and the vehicle chase — I was just a kid, and I can still picture my dad watching it on TV. But the first historical event I can really recall was the Oklahoma City Bombing, which happened around the same time. That was the moment I began to truly grasp the reality of violence and tragedy in our country.

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

When I was a teenager, I started a lawn mowing business because I wanted to buy an iPod. I grew it to a number of clients and kept it going for several years, which not only paid for that iPod but also helped me save money for college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I’ve always been a fan of what many would refer to as classics — The Odyssey, Catcher in the Rye, Gulliver’s Travels, Tess of the D’Urbervilles all come to mind — and of course Harry Potter. But if I had to choose one, The Great Gatsby is my favorite. The arc of Jay Gatsby is more than a story about wealth and love; it’s a profound reflection on ambition, loss, and the human condition.

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

Harry Potter, for sure. His story is about resilience, friendship, and standing up to darkness with courage — values that resonate with me deeply.

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

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome has been one of the biggest struggles in my life. It’s a connective tissue disorder that affects me daily, but it has also given me resilience, perspective, and a determination to fight for people whose challenges aren’t always visible. It’s taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of building systems — in healthcare and beyond — that don’t leave anyone behind.

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

The House is the people’s chamber — the most direct reflection of our democracy. With shorter terms and smaller districts, members are closer to their constituents than any other federal officeholder. That design makes the House uniquely responsible for ensuring the voices of everyday Americans are heard, and for holding government accountable to the people it serves.

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

No. Experience in government can be useful, but it should never be a requirement. What matters most is integrity, courage, and a willingness to fight for the people — not years spent climbing the political ladder. Too often, ‘experience’ just means being entrenched in a broken system. Fresh voices and diverse backgrounds are what keep our democracy alive and responsive.

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

The greatest challenges we face over the next decade are protecting our democracy, addressing the climate crisis, and ensuring economic security for working families. Rising authoritarianism at home and abroad threatens our freedoms. The climate crisis is already disrupting lives and communities, and we can’t afford half measures. At the same time, too many families are struggling with rising costs, healthcare, and stagnant wages. Meeting these challenges will require courage, honesty, and leaders who put people first.

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

Yes, two years keeps members of the House accountable to the people — which is essential in a healthy democracy. But the downside is that too much time gets spent campaigning instead of governing. That’s why I believe reforms like term limits and campaign finance reform are just as important, to make sure those two years are focused on service, not fundraising.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Congress should be about service, not a career. I support term limits because we need to break the cycle of entrenched politicians who grow more loyal to special interests than to the people they represent. Fresh leadership brings accountability, new ideas, and keeps our democracy healthy.

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

I want to serve as myself, not as a copy of anyone else. But I draw inspiration from leaders like Shirley Chisholm, who broke barriers as the first African American woman in Congress and lived her motto — ‘Unbought and Unbossed.’ Her courage and independence remind me of the kind of representative I strive to be: accountable only to the 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?

I’m still early in this campaign, but what I hear again and again — from Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike — is that people feel government is failing them. They’re tired of representatives who serve corporations and party insiders instead of the people. That shared frustration is exactly why I’m running: to be a different kind of voice in Congress, one rooted in service, accountability, and real change.

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

Yes. Compromise is necessary for policymaking in a democracy, but only when it serves the people — not corporate lobbyists or political insiders. I believe in working across the aisle to get results on issues like infrastructure, healthcare, and veterans’ services, while never compromising on core rights like reproductive freedom, democracy, or equality.

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 House’s power over revenue is a responsibility to ensure our tax dollars serve the people, not special interests. If elected, I would prioritize using that power to invest in healthcare, education, clean energy, and infrastructure — while making sure the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share. Revenue bills should reflect our values, and mine are rooted in building an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

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

The House should use its investigative powers to hold government accountable and protect democracy — not for partisan theater. Oversight should focus on rooting out corruption, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, and defending the rights and freedoms of the American people. Investigations must serve the public interest, not political point-scoring.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is becoming a dad. Nothing compares to the responsibility and joy of raising my three daughters. They inspire me every day to be a better person and to fight for a future that gives them, and every child, the chance to thrive.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

The federal government must play an active role in shaping how artificial intelligence is developed and used. That means investing in innovation so the U.S. can lead globally, while also putting strong safeguards in place to protect jobs, privacy, and civil rights. AI should serve the public good — not just corporate profit — and government must ensure it strengthens, not undermines, our democracy and economy.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Congress must act boldly to safeguard our democracy and ensure every American has equal access to the ballot box. I support reforms like automatic and same-day registration, early voting, expanded vote-by-mail, and making Election Day a national holiday to strengthen participation for working families, young people, and rural communities.

We must also protect the security and integrity of our elections with paper ballot records, transparent audits, and independent redistricting commissions to end gerrymandering. The House has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead on these issues, and I will fight to ensure voting is always fair, secure, and accessible.