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James Hayes

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Businessman

James Hayes is a businessman running for office for the first time for U.S. House Pennsylvania District 12. James Hayes emphasizes we must support industries that create jobs.

From the candidate’s published profile

Background

James Hayes was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in 1983, a graduate degree from Princeton University in 1985, and a graduate degree from the University of Chicago in 1989. Hayes' career experience includes working with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and as a businessman. [1]

Graduate:
University of Chicago, 1989
Bachelor's:
Georgetown University, 1983

Campaign money

Raised
$40K
From individuals
$23K
From PACs & party
$5K
Own money
—

FEC filings through June 30, 2026.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

Campaign themes

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

James Hayes is a successful businessman and economist. He knows that the government is here to serve the people -- not the other way around. After attending Georgetown University, he went on to earn advanced degrees in economics, finance and accounting and business administration from Princeton, the University of Chicago and Case Western, respectively. In addition to his experience in industry and finance, Dr. Hayes also spent six years working for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. He will support ending the overregulation that is costing our region valuable jobs and causing industry to flee. James supports our law enforcement and will work to ensure they have the tools they need to keep our communities safe. He supports American values and fair treatment for all Americans regardless of race, religion or national origin. He supports Israel and its right to defend itself, opposes excessive government spending and will work to restore balance, accountability and civility to our 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?

We must support industries that create jobs and economic vitality while remaining faithful stewards of the environment.Public safety is paramount to the success of any viable community and it must be vigorously safeguarded.Children should not be condemned to a poor education because of their zip code and we must implement school choice to provide the incentives to improve outcomes across the educational spectrum.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic growth and energy independence

Border security

Access to quality education

Public safety and support of law enforcement

Development programs and activity for young people

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

Great power competition with China

Achieving energy independence again

Restoring pride in American values

Creating jobs and a vibrant economy

Ensuring a strong legacy for future generations

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I have signed the U.S. Term Limits Amendment Pledge of the U.S. Term Limits organization.

Campaign website

Hayes’s campaign website stated the following:

Economic Development

James Hayes knows economics, he knows business, and he know that the economy is here to serve the people – not the other way around. That’s why he supports an end to the kinds of overregulation that has cost our region good-paying, union jobs. He’ll confront the anti-job radicals in Congress that have worked to shut down our manufacturing plants and end family sustaining jobs.

Crime

After his own life was upended by the death of his son, James Hayes made it his mission to make certain other families don’t face the same agony. That’s why he supports law enforcement, won’t tie the hands of our public safety workers, and he’ll work to make certain that violent criminals end up where they belong: prison. Hayes will take on and defeat the “squad” members in DC who want to defund the police.

Values

As a young, Black man, James Hayes knew what racism was and that understanding shaped him into someone who appreciates tolerance, acceptance, and the rights of the underdog. That’s why he believes in democracy – and he won’t walk away from our ally, Israel. He knows that a weakened America abroad becomes a less-safe America at home. He’ll support American values and fair treatment for all Americans regardless of race, religion or national origin.[2]

—James Hayes’s campaign website (2024)[3]

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

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