James Hemphill

James Hemphill was born in Chicago, Illinois.[1] His career experience includes working in the cable industry and as a general contractor, real estate investor, and consultant. Hemphill founded and served as chairman and CEO of the organization Color of Conservatism (COC).[2]

James Hemphill did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteHemphill's campaign website stated the following:Border SecurityBorder security is fundamental to protecting our nation, preserving the rule of law, and ensuring a fair immigration system. James knows that we must secure our borders through a combination of modern technology, effective physical barriers where appropriate, and strong support for law enforcement on the front lines. At the same time, we need to enforce existing laws, eliminate incentives for illegal entry, and promote a legal, merit-based immigration process that works for America. A secure border strengthens our communities, protects American jobs, and ensures that our immigration system serves the interests of citizens first.Energy IndependenceWe must unleash American energy by expanding responsible domestic production of oil, natural gas, and clean coal, while continuing to support innovation in nuclear and renewable technologies. By reducing reliance on foreign energy sources, we keep jobs and investment here at home, stabilize energy prices, and ensure a reliable supply that powers our industries and communities. A strong, independent energy policy puts America first and secures long-term prosperity.EconomyA strong economy starts with empowering American workers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to thrive. That means lowering taxes, cutting unnecessary regulations, and promoting policies that encourage job creation and investment in our communities. We must rein in reckless spending, combat inflation, and restore fiscal responsibility to protect the value of every dollar Americans earn. By prioritizing domestic growth, fair trade, and economic opportunity, we can build a stable, prosperous future where hard work is rewarded and every family has a path to success.EducationJames Hemphill understands that education is the foundation of opportunity and believes decisions about a child’s future belong with parents, not distant bureaucracies. As a conservative candidate, he supports school choice, strong academic standards, and a renewed focus on core subjects like reading, math, and practical skills that prepare students for real-world success. Hemphill is committed to empowering teachers, expanding vocational and career pathways, and ensuring accountability in the classroom so every student—regardless of background—has access to a quality education and a clear path forward.Criminal Justice ReformJames Hemphill believes criminal justice reform must balance accountability with opportunity, ensuring safer communities while offering pathways to rehabilitation. As a conservative candidate, he supports strong law enforcement, tough penalties for violent offenders, and policies that restore law and order. At the same time, Hemphill advocates for second chances—expanding job training, reentry programs, and rehabilitation efforts that reduce repeat offenses and help individuals become productive members of society. His approach prioritizes public safety, fairness, and practical solutions that strengthen both communities and the justice system.James Hemphill believes criminal justice reform must balance accountability with opportunity, ensuring safer communities while offering pathways to rehabilitation. As a conservative candidate, he supports strong law enforcement, tough penalties for violent offenders, and policies that restore law and order. At the same time, Hemphill advocates for second chances—expanding job training, reentry programs, and rehabilitation efforts that reduce repeat offenses and help individuals become productive members of society. His approach prioritizes public safety, fairness, and practical solutions that strengthen both communities and the justice system.— James Hemphill's campaign website (April 23, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

James Hemphill did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Hemphill’s campaign website stated the following:

Issues

James Hemphill is a person who is dedicated to conservative values with a unique compassion for diversity in solutions to solving real American problems and he is not afraid of going out of his comfort zone to speak up for something he believes will benefit our nation as a whole. James is passionate about creating policies that work in the 11th Congressional District, Cuyahoga County, The State of Ohio, and the United States of America. His focus is on strengthening the American society in three important ways.

First by rebuilding the Economy, expanding the middle class through job creation, home ownership and corporate/community partnerships that don’t require increased taxes or government spending by proposing policies that put both America and Americans first.

Next, a comprehensive Criminal Justice Reform that gets non-violent offenders back into society faster and smarter with low recidivism, while ensuring that violent criminals are off the streets for good.

Finally, James believes strongly in a parent’s right to decide which school is best for their child. As a proponent of School Choice he stands firm against radical Teacher’s unions and failed standardized schools that produce sub-par students that are indoctrinated in progressive left, woke mob mentality completely void of reality. James understands that the left knows that a divided America is weak and that’s why he will combat them with policies that are based in the constitutional promise of one nation, under God with liberty and justice for all (AMERICANS). He is ready for the fight to win back the heart of America and will move the next Congress forward from day one.

Economy

As a Republican congressional candidate, I believe in the power of free markets and individual responsibility to drive economic growth and prosperity. I will work to reduce government regulations and taxes that stifle business growth and innovation. I will also support policies that promote job creation and entrepreneurship, so that every American has the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

I understand that a strong economy is essential for the well-being of our families and communities. That's why I will fight for policies that put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans and create an environment where businesses can thrive.

In Congress, I will work to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and families, so that they can keep more of their hard-earned money. I will also support efforts to simplify the tax code and make it easier for businesses to comply with regulations.

I believe that free trade is essential for a strong economy. I will work to encourage the next administration to negotiate fair trade deals that benefit American workers and businesses, while also promoting economic growth and job creation.

I will also support policies that promote energy independence and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. This will not only strengthen our economy, but also improve our national security.

Additionally, I am committed to building an economy that works for all Americans, most notably the African American community. I will support policies that promote equal access to education, job training, and capital, so that African Americans have the same opportunities to succeed as anyone else. I will also release before the general election my plans to propose legislation that will allow up to $300 Billion in direct investments to start new businesses in minority neighborhoods without additional government spending or tax increases.

One of my top priorities will be to expand access to job training programs. This includes supporting initiatives that provide on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and other forms of skills development. By investing in our workforce, we can ensure that American workers have the skills they need to compete in the global economy.

In order to compete with countries like China, we must also invest in research and development. This means supporting initiatives that promote innovation in fields like technology, medicine, and energy. By staying at the forefront of these industries, we can maintain our competitive edge and continue to grow our economy.

Furthermore, I believe it is important to strengthen the dollar as the world's currency of choice. This means pursuing sound monetary policies that promote stability and confidence in our currency. By maintaining low inflation and a strong dollar, we can attract investment from around the world and continue to grow our economy.

Criminal Justice Reform

As Republicans, I believe in the rule of law and the importance of public safety. I, respect the men and women who serve in law enforcement and risk their lives to protect our communities. I wholeheartedly support their efforts to uphold justice and maintain order.

But as someone who grew up on the south side of Chicago, I also recognize that our criminal justice system is not perfect. It is not always fair, efficient, or effective. It sometimes fails to protect the innocent, punish the guilty, or rehabilitate the offenders. It sometimes imposes excessive costs on taxpayers, families, and society. It sometimes undermines the values and principles that we cherish as Americans.

That is why I support criminal justice reform. I support reform that is based on common sense, compassion, and conservatism. I support reform that balances the need for public safety with the need for the very individual liberties that the constitution promises us all. I support reform that promotes accountability, responsibility, and opportunity.

I support reform that:

Reduces crime and recidivism by providing offenders with the skills, education, and treatment they need to become productive citizens.

Saves taxpayer money by prioritizing prison space for violent and dangerous criminals and expanding alternatives to incarceration for low-level and nonviolent offenders.

Restores fairness and integrity by ensuring that sentences are proportional to the crimes committed, and that due process and equal protection are guaranteed for all.

Strengthens families and communities by removing unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and education for those who have paid their debt to society.

Upholds human dignity and respect by treating offenders as individuals with potential, not as irredeemable failures.

I believe that these reforms are consistent with our conservative values. They uphold the principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual freedom. They advance the goals of public safety, personal responsibility, and human potential. They reflect the ideals of justice, mercy, and redemption.

I also believe that these reforms have bipartisan support. They have been endorsed by leaders from across the political spectrum, from President Trump to former President Obama, from Senator Grassley to Senator Booker, from Governor Abbott to Governor Newsom. They have been enacted by states from Texas to California, from Georgia to New Jersey. They have been proven by evidence and experience to work.

I will urge my fellow Republicans to join us in supporting criminal justice reform. I will urge them to put aside partisan politics and ideological differences, and work with us for the common good. I will urge them to remember that we are not only a party of law and order, but also a party of liberty and justice.

I believe that criminal justice reform is not only a good policy, but also good politics. I believe that it will help us win the hearts and minds of the American people, especially those who have been marginalized or disenfranchised by the current system. I know that it will help us expand our base and grow our party when we show people who have misled to believe that we don’t understand or care that we do understand and will actually do something about it.

I believe that criminal justice reform is the right thing to do for our country. As I move from the primaries to the general election, I will release an outlined version of the bill I will propose from day one in congress. I will look for input from the communities and organizations most affected by the disparities in criminal justice so that the republican party gets it right.

School Choice

America is a land of opportunity and freedom, where every child deserves a quality education that prepares them for success in life. But under the current system, too many children are trapped in failing schools that do not meet their needs, interests, or potential. Too many parents are denied the right to choose the best educational option for their children, whether it is a public, private, charter, magnet, online, or homeschool.

I believe that we need to empower parents and students with school choice by giving them more control over their education dollars and decisions. That means:

- Supporting the expansion of charter schools, which are public schools that operate with more flexibility and accountability than traditional public schools.

- Supporting the creation of education savings accounts, which are tax-free accounts that parents can use to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other educational expenses at any accredited school of their choice.

- Supporting the implementation of tax credits and scholarships, which are programs that provide financial assistance to low-income and special-needs students who want to attend private schools or other educational alternatives.

- Supporting the protection of homeschooling rights, which are the rights of parents to educate their children at home without undue government interference or regulation.

- Supporting the improvement of public schools, which are the schools that serve the majority of students and should be held to high standards of performance and accountability. Free from the control of partisan special interest teacher unions.

By pursuing these policies, we can create a more diverse and competitive education system that benefits all students, regardless of their background, ability, or zip code. We can give parents and students more freedom and flexibility to choose the best learning environment for their individual needs and goals. We can improve educational outcomes and opportunities for millions of children across our nation.

As your representative, I will fight for your educational interests and ensure that America remains the world's leader in education. I will stand up to the radical agenda of the current administration that wants to impose a one-size-fits-all approach to education and undermine parental rights and school choice. I will work with anyone who shares my vision of a prosperous and educated America where every child can achieve their dreams.

Energy Independence

America is blessed with abundant and diverse energy resources that can power our economy, secure our national interests, and protect our environment. But under the current administration, we have seen our energy security and sovereignty threatened by misguided policies that have raised our energy costs, reduced our energy production, and weakened our global competitiveness.

I believe that we need to restore and expand our energy independence by unleashing the full potential of American energy. That means:

- Supporting the development of all forms of energy, including oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, and biofuels.

- Streamlining the permitting process and removing unnecessary regulations that hinder energy exploration, extraction, transportation, and innovation.

- Expanding our energy infrastructure, such as pipelines, refineries, power plants, transmission lines, and storage facilities.

- Promoting free and fair trade in energy markets and expanding our energy exports to our allies and partners around the world.

- Investing in research and development of new and advanced energy technologies that can improve efficiency, reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

- Encouraging the adoption of smart and clean energy practices by consumers, businesses, and communities.

By pursuing these policies, we can create millions of good-paying jobs in the energy sector, lower energy bills for hardworking families and small businesses, enhance our national security and global leadership, and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts.

As your representative, I will fight for your energy interests and ensure that America remains the world's energy superpower. I will stand up to the radical agenda of the current administration that wants to destroy our energy industry and make us dependent on foreign oil. I will work with anyone who shares my vision of a prosperous and secure America powered by American energy.

Join me in supporting energy independence for America. Together, we can help the next administration make America great again. Read More

Border Security

The current administration's policies have led to a humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Our response needs to be a multi-faceted solution to secure the borders and prioritize the safety of Americans. As the district's next congressman, I would require that the federal government secure our nation's international borders through the renewal of border wall construction contracts, investments in advance technologies including high tech drones and bolstering support for law enforcement officers and specialists.

There are several key components that I would require in any proposals that I support these include renewing border wall construction contracts, increased pay for hardworking border patrol agents, as well as other strategies to strengthen border security, and remove pull factors by fixing our broken asylum process including banning any person that does not enter the country by legal passageways. I would also support increase funding for the immediate deportation of every illegal immigrant that entered the country during the weak Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border and eliminate the immigration parole system for future persons that illegally cross the border. Another factor that contributes to the problem that has to be eliminated is the incentive of illegal migrants that give birth within our borders to have children that are US citizens.[3]

—James Hemphill’s campaign website (2024)[4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born December 18, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois, James is the second eldest of nine children. In 1999 he began his career in telecommunications as a technician for TCI Cable which was bought out by AT&T and later Comcast in 2003. In 2011, James relocated permanently to Cleveland, Ohio to continue his career in the cable TV industry working as a subcontractor for Time Warner Cable. After retiring from the cable Tv industry in 2017 he began to build the home renovation company that he founded a year earlier and continues to operate. James is married with a blended family that includes four children. He recently began attending the New Spirit Revival Center, a church led and founded by Dr. Darrell Scott a member of the executive transition team for President Donald Trump.

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?

Criminal Justice ReformRepublican principal based congressional caucusUrban economic development

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Urban development, energy independence

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

The people I most admire that are not my family are Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, President Ronald Reagan, Malcolm X and President Donald Trump. Each of these men have a unique quality and/or personal belief that embody the views that I have on the world as a whole and humanity in particular.

Dr. King's dream of a unified human race, Ronald Reagan's understanding that America is at its best globally with peace through strength, Malcolm X's foresight on urban Black America's need to bear some responsibility for its own destiny and Donald Trump's belief that America First is a necessity in the preservation of this nation. All of these position's whether one believes they are societal or political have in some way shaped my view of the world, this nation and my community.

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

Convict to Congress expected to be released late 2022.

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

The ability to navigate people with self interest as well as the ability to get laws past.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as someone who actually cared about race relations and economic for the communities I serve.

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

Superman. Because I want to save the world.

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

The ability along with the Senate to create legislation independently and free of interference by the executive branch.

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

No. In fact often it is to the detriment on the constituency as the representative has certain obligations to a party and necessarily the people. Which is why we need to pay close attention to each representative voting records and how the relate to us individually.

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

I believe the greatest challenges that we face as a nation are energy independence, inflation/weak dollar, global security and a declining education system. We are dependent on foreign energy and we continuously align ourselves with partners that do not necessarily have America's best interest. This also directly affects our positioning and global security. As inflation continues to ravage this country any financial gains made in wage equality is only a smoke and mirrors solution that doesn't even hide the fact that we have more money in our pockets but can buy less with it year over year. We have a serious crisis on our hands when we pump 3/4 of a trillion dollars into our public school system, 80 % goes to salary and benefits and our kids are testing further and further behind. This shows three things pretty clear 1.) there is no consequence for poor test performance 2.) there is not enough focus on education and less on social engineering 3.)not enough of those funds go into the classrooms.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

committees for education and urban development.

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

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that there are inherent term limits built into the system. We as a people have to learn the vote each term for a politician based on what we expect a new elected official to do and evaluate those expectation being met or advanced by that person each election cycle. Much too often many people vote for an incumbent based on familiarity and without checking something as simple as a voting record on the issues that matter most to him/her.

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

No

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

I believe that you can and should sometimes trade off personal wants for constituents needs. You should also have the knowledge to know the difference, especially since they should be aligned.