Gregg Sadwick

Gregg Sadwick was born in Rochester, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1988 to 1992. Sadwick earned a high school diploma from Hilton High School, a bachelor's degree from St. John Fisher College in 1988, and a bachelor's degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2004. His career experience includes working as a business owner and president. As of 2024, Sadwick was affiliated with the Rotary Club.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of Monroe County earning my BA from St John Fisher College, my MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology and served as an Officer in the United States Navy. Coming from the backbone of America, small business, I am a lifelong entrepreneur who owns two businesses that employ over 100 individuals. I am running for Congress because I believe the trend in current policies is making America weaker while the world is getting more dangerous, and because these policies are economically crushing the next generation of Americans as the American Dream becomes unaffordable

My Campaign Manager is a former Democrat City Councilman. It’s time for Americans to have representatives that work with each other and focus on the forgotten middle which includes independent (Blank) voters as well. I often say, “We have more in common with our ‘Blue Neighbors’, than we do with the extremes in our own party. And our ‘Blue Neighbors’ have more in common with us, than they do with the extremes in their party. Understanding that, it becomes more productive to build on our similarities than divide by our differences.”

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?

Economy-We need to restore affordability to housing, food, childcare and other basic necessities by restoring fiscal responsibility to Washington, where both parties have been poor stewards of taxpayers’ money. The trajectory of the national debt is not sustainable, and the American dollar is at risk of being replaced as the world’s currency by our global adversaries. Inflation is out of control as we try to print our way out of this mess, while knowing that too many dollars, chasing too few goods is what drives inflation. Despite knowing this, government continues to spend, spend, spend and print, print, print. Additionally, we shouldn’t be borrowing money only to send it overseas. We need to restore our fiscal health first.The Border - The intentional opening of our border, to quote Democrat NYC Mayor Eric Adams, “Is destroying our city,” and it is destroying our country as well. It impacts all aspects of American lives as the following comes across the border: sex trafficking, child trafficking, drugs (fentanyl), gang related activity, cartel related activity and bad actors from enemy nations who are here to do harm. FBI Director Christopher Wray himself has said, “its not a matter of if, it is a matter of when” something happens. In addition to crimes against Americans, this tragedy has hurt the most vulnerable, lower wage earners, unions and our young, causing an affordable housing shortage and medical shortage when we can least afford it.Term Limits-When Congress has an approval rating of less than 15%, yet 95% of incumbents get voted back, something is obviously broken. This is because the deck is stacked in favor of those that write the rules as they maintain their grip on power at the expense of doing what is right for Americans. Term limits and campaign finance are critical to returning power back to the people. Why should people and organizations outside of your district be able to contribute more money than someone living in that district. Why, because the incumbent politician benefits from the organization buying their vote, while you, the one that is actually being represented by the politician, now has reduced influence in determining who represents you.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The budgeting process is broke as we often see budgets being passed in the dark of night with no time for legislators to read it, or even share with those that they represent. Fiscal responsibility cures a lot of ills, however it requires prioritizing, tradeoffs, choices and honesty. We are often only given one choice, “we need to fund a continuing resolution, or the government will be shut down!” How about doing your job before it becomes a crisis that provides only one choice. Business and households have to operate within their means, and we should require government to do the same.

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

My father passed away from a stroke in 1986. Eight months later, my mother who was incredibly vibrant and independent, had a stroke that left her permanently disabled on the left side and now dependent on others, until the day she died in December 2019 right before Covid. 33 years she lived like that, yet she never lost her faith, her dignity, or her strength. For instance, she couldn’t exercise or be very active, yet she watched every calorie as she took pride in her appearance. Despite all her challenges, she never took the “whoa is me” attitude, always being positive. She had a good ending though dying before Covid as she was able to have all her family around her. Had she died a couple months later, it would have been a terrible ending to her difficult life as tyrants let people die alone (or with one visitor) during Covid. I’m thankful she didn’t have to endure the tragedy of that tyranny.

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

My business office has our founding documents in frames on each wall (Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and the Constitution). We should read these over and over to understand how profound they are. They were written by people who were breaking away from an oppressive government. We sometimes don’t understand how brilliant they are as we have life much better than they had it, however we can’t take our circumstances for granted as things could change quickly. The other two items of significant impact are the Bible and the Magna Carta. Although we like to think we are smarter than those that came before us, human nature doesn’t change much, and these books/documents are great ways to stay grounded with who we are.

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

Courage and honesty, or said differently, the courage to be honest. Right now, politicians cave to the will of the party they are a part of, instead of representing the will of the people they represent. Integrity also seems to be something that is lost in politics these days. We have a “political farm system” that requires most people to make compromises of integrity to get to the next rung on the ladder, remembering who they will eventually need to repay for that lift. Not being part of that system, I will be able make the people I represent, my priority.

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

I believe I possess two attributes that are missing in Washington these days. The first is the ability to see the other persons perspective. It is easier to build bridges when you understand and respect where the other person stands. The other is integrity. I know it’s easy to say you have integrity, but my record demonstrates it as well.

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

The primary roles of the federal government are national defense, national security, foreign policy, interstate issues and providing favorable economic conditions for the country. Understanding that, it would be helping to pass legislation favorable to each of those. Additional responsibilities include bringing the needs of the district to Washington for help or legislation that would positively impact our region.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As we are on the heels of celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the incredible America our grandparents gave us, I want to be able to leave our grandkids and incredible America too.

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

I was 8 when the Watergate scandal caused President Nixon resigning. My favorite historical memory though was when I was 14 and the US Olympic Team won the gold, and it seemed like every American loved America.

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

My first job was as a paperboy when I was 12. An incredible part of America's history teaching 1,000's of youngsters' responsibility and the value of a dollar earned. I have never stopped working since.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I've read a bunch of the Bill Riley's Killing series: Reagan, Kennedy, and Jesus. My two favorites though, reading them back-to-back were Killing Patton and Killing the Rising Sun as it gave more color to when the world was really on fire.

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

Indiana Jones

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

As I’ve typing this, I’ve been listening to music and the one that sticks in my head is Undivided by Tim McGraw.

I think it's time to come together

You and I can make a change

Maybe we can make a difference

Make the world a better place

Look around and love somebody

We've been hateful long enough

Let the Good Lord reunite us

'Til this country that we love's

Undivided

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

I have been very fortunate in life with the gifts that God has given me, so I can't say too much about struggles. When I feel I have struggles, I just think of my mother (see earlier comment) and it reminds me that my struggles are pretty minor.

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

Washington works best when it reflects the people it represents, which would mean political experience isn’t necessary, and arguably, that may even be an impediment to a government that works for the people, as it seems our elected representatives have forgotten what it was like to be “of the people.” It needs people from all walks of life: politics, business leadership, the private sector, education, etc.

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

Our greatest challenge is getting back to fundamentals and those things that made America the beacon of hope for the rest of the world. America worked best when we were a meritocracy. Frankly, after the first presidential debate (June ’24), it was obvious that the 25th Amendment should be invoked, however it won’t because the VP is viewed as even being less competent than the President. If that position was chosen on merit instead of by filling out a score card based on immutable characteristics, America would be in a less dangerous position than we are right now, wondering who is really running our country. We also need to get back to fundamentals when it comes to woke ideology. It appears there has been a decline in America since education turned from meritocracy and started focusing on woke ideology which has nothing to do with moving America forward, and arguable holds America back.

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

Given the way campaigning is in this century, it might be better to go to three years. Right now, legislators campaign for 1 year and then legislate for 1 year. It might be better to give them 2 years to legislate. This could also be set up like the senate, where 1/3 is turning over every year. Not tied to it, but it's worth a discussion.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

100% for it. In its purest sense, we shouldn't need them, however our government is not pure.

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

The best ones are the ones that unfortunately got out: Sean Duffy, Trey Goudey, Doug Collins, Devon Nunes and Harold Ford Jr to name a few. I also think Speaker Johnson is a man of character navigating a slim margin.

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?

There have been many stories I have heard, but I will share a personal one. There has been a lot of discussion about my stance on women’s reproductive rights within my party as I have stated I am personally pro-life but I would not legislate against a woman’s right to chose in the first trimester. I am opposed to late term and partial birth abortion, and frankly, I believe infanticide is blatant murder. My position is in stark contrast to my opponents who has stated he is for no restrictions on abortion.

After a hard labor a couple weeks ago, my precious granddaughter entered the world and I was able to hold her about an hour after delivery. As I’m holding her, it struck me that my opponent would have been OK killing this precious life just an hour earlier. Now that is radical!

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

With over 330,000,000 people in America, there can only be compromise.

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?

Congress is a co-equal branch of our 3 branch government and has power of the purse. I believe Congress needs to reassert that authority in raising and spending money. The Supreme Court tried to restrain this current administration when it tried relieving student debt, and yet the President has tried it a second time. The Legislative and Judicial branches need to keep the Executive branch in check to ensure that no one person has uncheck power.

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

Congress should use its legislative powers as little as possible and on those things that have a meaningful impact for the country. During the month of May, there were almost 40 bills that were voted on. If Congress is in session 6 months a year, that is 240 bills a year. If 240 new laws go on the books, then 240 old ones should come off. We don’t need government in every aspect of our life. Government works best when we push authority to the lowest level possible. At a federal level, your influence is 1 vote out of 330M. If authority is pushed to the State, you have far more influence as your vote is now 1 in 20M. Get’s better when authority is pushed to the metropolitan area where your influence is 1 in 1M. That’s why school boards are the best, where you influence is 1 in about 10,000.

What committees interest you?

Budget, Homeland Security, Armed Services and Veterans Affairs,

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

There's not enough of it (transparency). If they are hiding something, there is usually an inappropriate reason as to why.

Campaign website

Sadwick's campaign website stated the following:

Fostering Accountability

Gregg is committed to restoring accountability in government. He advocates for stringent oversight, enhanced transparency, term limits, and effective use of federal funds for local development.

Enhancing Affordability

Gregg promotes a multifaceted strategy to address housing affordability. His plan includes increasing housing supply, providing financial assistance to homeowners, and fostering public-private partnerships.

Strengthening Foreign Policy

Gregg believes in a foreign policy rooted in "peace through strength." He supports strategic military readiness, smart foreign aid, and robust national security measures to deter conflicts.

Reforming Immigration

Gregg supports a balanced approach to immigration that upholds American values and ensures national security. He proposes comprehensive border security measures, rigorous vetting processes, and policies that leverage the economic contributions of immigrants.

Combating Inflation

Addressing inflation is a priority for Gregg. He proposes tax relief, strategic infrastructure investments, and support for small businesses to ease financial pressures on American families.

Championing Women's Rights

Gregg is a staunch advocate for women's rights, promoting equal opportunities and reproductive rights. He supports measures against gender-based violence and initiatives that empower women to make informed decisions about their lives.

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—Gregg Sadwick's campaign website (2024)[3]