Jasen Cartwright

Jasen Cartwright was born in Detroit, Michigan. He earned a high school diploma from the Lutheran High School North, a degree from Baker College in 2008, and an associate degree from Macomb Community College in 2010. His career experience includes working as an activist. Cartwright also has experience working in retail, customer service, and information technology.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Jasen Cartwright, an Independent candidate running for Congress in Michigan’s 9th District (MI-09) in 2026. I’m not a career politician, and I don’t answer to parties, PACs, or billionaires—I answer to you. Our system isn’t broken because of the Constitution; it’s broken because the people in power have abandoned its purpose. The House of Representatives was meant to be the voice of the people, not a stage for politicians serving their donors and special interests.

I love America. I love Michigan. And I know exactly what we are—a constitutional republic. Our Founding Fathers built something beautiful: a government that balances democracy with republican principles. But they never intended for us to be locked into just two political ideas. The extremes on both sides have hijacked the conversation, and it’s time we take it back.

That’s why I’m running on a simple but radical idea—actual representation. I will only vote based on what the people of the 9th District decide, not what a party tells me to do. I’ll hold monthly town halls, use verified polling to guide my votes, and be 100% transparent about my finances. No stock trading. No billionaire donations. No backroom deals.

It’s time to stop electing politicians who serve themselves and start electing representatives who serve the people. No PACs. No Parties. No BS.

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?

A Voice for the People

Congress is broken because politicians serve parties and donors instead of their constituents. I refuse to be part of that system. As an Independent, I will vote based on your input, not a party’s agenda. With monthly town halls, verified polling, and full transparency, I’ll ensure MI-09 has a real voice in Washington. No PACs. No Parties. No BS.End Corruption in Washington

Money controls politics, and it’s time to change that. I won’t take PAC money, billionaire donations, or trade stocks. Politicians shouldn’t get rich off public service. I’ll fight to ban congressional insider trading, increase transparency, and put people before profits.Policy Over Partisanship

Both parties put power over solutions, leaving Americans behind. I’ll work with anyone to fix real issues—protecting jobs, securing elections, and defending constitutional rights. We need better ideas, not party loyalty.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fighting Political Corruption

I’m committed to eliminating PAC money, congressional insider trading, and lobbyist control over our government. Politicians should work for the people—not corporations or special interests.

Restoring True Representation

I will vote based on verified polling from MI-09, not party agendas. Monthly town halls and full transparency will ensure the people—not politicians—make the decisions.

Economic Growth & Job Protection

I’ll fight for fair trade policies, domestic manufacturing, and protections for small businesses to keep Michigan’s economy strong.

Election Integrity & Voting Access

Every legal vote should count, and elections should be secure, transparent, and accessible.

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

I look up to my grandpa, Potts. He passed about a decade ago, but his example has always stuck with me. He was always positive, always put others first, and never let anything bring him down. No matter what life threw at him, he handled it with grace and kindness. That’s the kind of person I try to be.

And, well… I’m a nerd, so I have to say Master Chief. Not just because he’s a badass, but because he does what needs to be done, no ego, no nonsense—just a commitment to the mission and the people counting on him. That’s the kind of mindset I want to bring to Congress—selfless service, no excuses, and a focus on getting the job done.

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

If someone wants to understand my political philosophy, I’d recommend a mix of history, sci-fi, and music that challenge power structures and emphasize true representation:

"A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn – A raw, unfiltered look at how power and money shape America, told from the perspective of the people, not the elites.

"The Federalist Papers" by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay – A deep dive into the original intent behind our constitutional system and why representation matters.

The Bible – Setting aside religious aspects, it’s a book filled with lessons on justice, integrity, and standing up for the oppressed. It teaches that leaders should serve the people, not themselves, and that greed and corruption lead to destruction.

Rage Against the Machine’s Lyrics – Their music isn’t just sound; it’s a manifesto against corruption, corporate control, and government overreach.

The Mass Effect Franchise – A sci-fi take on leadership, difficult choices, and how power should be wielded for the people—not for personal or political gain. The Paragon path? That’s real representation.

Halo: Reach – A story about sacrifice, duty, and fighting for something bigger than yourself, even when the odds are against you. It’s about standing your ground, even when no one will remember your name.

Star Wars – A timeless story of rebellion against tyranny, proving that a small group of determined individuals can change the course of history. It’s a reminder that power unchecked will always lead to oppression.

Star Trek – A vision of a future where diplomacy, exploration, and unity define leadership rather than war and division. It represents a society where progress is driven by reason, not corruption.

All of these works have a common theme: The fight against corruption, the importance of standing up for what’s right, and the power of the people when they refuse to be controlled. That’s what real representation is all about.

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

Integrity & Transparency

Elected officials should serve the people, not themselves. That means no PAC money, no billionaire donations, and no backroom deals. I will provide full financial transparency—my constituents will know exactly where my money comes from and where I stand. Politicians shouldn’t get rich off public service, and I will fight to ban congressional insider trading and close the loopholes that allow elected officials to profit from their positions. Voters deserve honesty, not political theater.

Accountability to Constituents

A representative’s duty is to listen to the people, not parties or special interests. Too many politicians show up during election season and disappear once they’re in office. That’s unacceptable. I will hold monthly town halls, provide verified polling, and be fully transparent about my votes and decisions. I won’t just talk about representation—I’ll prove it by letting MI-09 guide my votes in Congress. If I can’t justify a vote to the people of my district, I won’t cast it.

Commitment to the Constitution

The Constitution isn’t the problem—career politicians ignoring it are. Our country was built on a balance between democracy and republican principles, but today’s politicians have abandoned that foundation in favor of party loyalty and personal gain. I will ensure every law I support aligns with constitutional values and the will of the people. I will fight against government overreach, protect individual liberties, and ensure Congress works for the people—not itself.

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

I’m a nerd at heart, and my love for all things tech has shaped how I think and how I approach the world. Logic guides computers, and logic guides me. That means I believe in reason over rhetoric, facts over fear, and solutions over soundbites. Too many politicians make decisions based on emotion, party loyalty, or whatever gets the most media attention. That’s not how I operate. I look at the facts, listen to the people, and find the best possible path forward.

I also believe that everyone should challenge themselves. Step outside your comfort zone. Build Linux From Scratch—because when you truly understand how something works, you appreciate it more. Play an extremely hard video game—because struggling, failing, and improving teaches patience and perseverance. Change careers completely and take a risk doing something you truly believe in—because life is too short to waste on things that don’t matter to you.

Growth only happens when we’re willing to push ourselves past what’s easy and comfortable. That’s true for individuals, and it’s true for our country. Right now, we’re stuck in a cycle of tribalism and division, where 10% on each side push hate and lies to keep us fighting. They want us to believe the worst about each other, to think our neighbors are enemies just because of how they vote. But I don’t buy it.

I believe we are better than this division. The vast majority of Americans—whether they vote red, blue, or neither—are good people who love this country and want to see it thrive. The problem isn’t the average citizen—it’s the politicians, the media, and the special interests that profit off keeping us divided.

We don’t have to play their game anymore. We can build something better. We can reject the hate, reject the lies, and focus on real solutions that help real people. That’s what I believe in, and that’s why I’m running.

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

A Representative, Not a Leader

I’m not running to be a leader—I’m running to be a megaphone for the people of Michigan’s 9th District. The House of Representatives was never meant to be a stage for politicians pushing their personal beliefs. It was designed to give the people a voice in government. My job isn’t to decide what’s best for you—it’s to listen, amplify your voice, and vote the way MI-09 wants me to.

Money Corrupts—That’s Why I Won’t Be Bought

I believe that every person has worth and a voice, no matter how much money they have. But I also believe money corrupts. That’s why I will not accept donations over $999 per year. No PACs. No billionaire donations. No backroom deals. Politicians should serve the people—not their donors.

Lobbyists Shouldn’t Have More Access Than You

Lobbying is legalized bribery. If a lobbyist wants to take me to dinner, they have to take every voter in MI-09 too. Special interests shouldn’t have more influence than the people who actually live and work in this district. Voters—not politicians, not corporations, not billionaires—know what’s best for their communities.

Legislating Based on the Will of MI-09

What I personally believe doesn’t matter. My votes in Congress will be based on what the people of my district want—not party agendas, not lobbyists, not my own opinions. I will hold monthly town halls and use verified polling to ensure that every decision I make is guided by the voices of MI-09. If the people support a bill, I’ll vote for it. If they oppose it, I’ll vote against it.

Real Representation, Not Political Theater

This seat in Congress doesn’t belong to me—it belongs to the people of MI-09. Politicians love to make big speeches, but representation isn’t about what I believe—it’s about what you believe. I’m here to give you a direct line to Washington.

No PACs. No Parties. No BS. Just real representation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I don’t need a statue, a building named after me, or a lifetime in politics. I just want the people of Michigan to try a better way forward.

For too long, we’ve accepted that politics has to be corrupt, broken, and divided. We’ve let parties, corporations, and career politicians take control of a system that was meant to serve us. But what if we actually tried real representation? What if we ignored the noise, rejected the influence of money and power, and just let the people decide?

I don’t know if it’ll work—but I can’t stop thinking that it might. And if it does, maybe Michigan can prove that we don’t have to settle for the way things have always been. Maybe we can set an example for the rest of the country.

As for me? I don’t need power, I don’t need fame. When my time in Congress is done—six years, no questions asked—I just want a little cottage on a lake up north. My dogs, a boat to go fishing, and some trails to ride my motorcycle on. That’s it.

I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing it because I believe in something bigger than myself.

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

The first historical event I remember was the Challenger explosion. I was just a kid at the time, and like a lot of kids with big imaginations, I was convinced it was aliens.

Of course, as I got older, I understood the real tragedy of what happened—the loss of the crew, including teacher Christa McAuliffe, and how it impacted the space program. But that moment stuck with me, not just because of the shock, but because it showed how even the biggest dreams come with real risks.

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

My first few gigs as a kid were just small jobs, but my first real job was at Toys R Us near Lakeside Mall during high school. I worked there through my sophomore year at Oakland University, so about four years in total.

I did just about everything—running the register, stocking shelves, assembling pedal bikes and Power Wheels, and even becoming a key holder after high school. I think I held every job title in that store at some point.

But my favorite role? Christmas season. I’d throw on that goofy orange smock and just help people find the perfect gifts. Seeing parents light up when I found what they needed for their kids—that was the best part of the job.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia—it’s a toss-up. Both are incredible stories about perseverance, hope, and the battle between good and evil. LOTR is a masterclass in world-building, showing how even the smallest person can change the course of history. Narnia blends adventure with deeper themes of sacrifice and redemption. Plus, let’s be honest—I’m a nerd, and these books shaped my love for storytelling, strategy, and thinking beyond the surface.

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

If I had to choose just one fictional character, I couldn’t—because different aspects of several characters reflect my views on life, leadership, and the fight against corruption. Also, I’m a nerd, so picking just one is impossible.

Hughie Campbell (The Boys) – Hughie is an ordinary guy who finds himself up against an unstoppable system of corruption. He knows he’s outmatched, but he refuses to back down. Running an independent campaign feels the same way—going up against massive political machines with nothing but determination and a belief in doing what’s right.

Invincible (Mark Grayson) – He learns that doing the right thing isn’t easy and often comes with sacrifices. But he never stops fighting for the people who depend on him. That’s how I see representation—it’s not about personal gain or power, but standing up for those who put their trust in you.

Master Chief (Halo) – He isn’t in it for glory or recognition; he follows logic, stays focused, and protects people without letting politics cloud his judgment. That’s how I approach representation—cut through the noise, focus on what actually matters, and do the job without being swayed by party pressure or special interests.

Doom Slayer (Doom) – He doesn’t negotiate with evil—he eliminates it. While I won’t be kicking down doors with a shotgun, I will fight just as relentlessly to remove corruption from politics. Special interests, PAC money, backroom deals—those are the real demons in Washington, and they need to go.

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

"Wake Up" by Rage Against the Machine. It’s a song that cuts through the noise, exposing corruption and calling out those in power who manipulate the system. Given my campaign’s focus on breaking the influence of PACs, lobbyists, and party loyalty, it hits home. Plus, that riff is impossible to get out of your head.

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

I’m running for Congress because Michigan deserves real representation. The House of Representatives was meant to be the People’s House, but too many politicians treat it like a career move, serving donors instead of districts. That needs to change.

I know what it’s like to feel unheard. I’ve seen how broken the system can be—not because of the people working in it, but because of red tape, inefficiency, and political games. Years ago, I was misdiagnosed with mental health issues and overmedicated. It knocked my life off course, and I had to fight my way back. During that time, I experienced firsthand what it’s like to rely on SSDI and state aid, and I saw the flaws in our system from a perspective most politicians never will. But I also saw something else—people who truly wanted to help, who believed in the promise of a system designed to support those in need. The system isn’t broken because of the Constitution; it’s broken because those in power have abandoned its purpose.

That’s why I refuse to take big money or sell out to special interests. I won’t accept donations over $999 per year because money corrupts, and I won’t be bought. Lobbying is another problem—if a lobbyist wants to take me to dinner, they should have to take every voter in my district. My only priority will be the voices of Michigan’s 9th District, and I will prove that true representation is still possible.

We can do better. We don’t have to settle for a system that serves politicians instead of the people. The tools exist today to bring real transparency, accountability, and direct representation to Congress—we just need to demand it. I’m not running for power, a title, or a political career—I’m running to prove that the people of Michigan can lead themselves. I’m here to make sure their voices are heard.

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

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it was designed to be the People’s House. Unlike the Senate, which was meant to be more deliberative and insulated, the House was built to be closer to the people—both physically and politically.

What Makes the House Unique?

It was built near the ground—literally. Unlike the Senate chamber, which sits higher, the House was intentionally placed at a lower level in the Capitol to symbolize its connection to the people.

It was meant to change frequently. With two-year terms, House members are supposed to be directly accountable to their districts, not entrenched in long-term political careers.

It’s supposed to reflect the will of the people. The House was designed to be the most democratic part of government, where representatives fight for their districts, not their party.

The problem? Career politicians have turned the House into just another extension of party control. Instead of being a true voice for the people, it’s become a stage for partisan battles and corporate influence.

I believe the Senate is where the politicians should be. The House should be what it was always meant to be—a megaphone for the people. That’s why I won’t push my own agenda. I will only vote based on the will of MI-09. No party loyalty. No backroom deals. Just actual representation.

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

Obviously not. Career politicians are the root of corruption in Washington. Government should be run by representatives, not rulers. That said, having party cheerleaders with no experience is even worse. We don’t need more people in Congress who just vote how their party tells them—we need actual representatives who listen to the people.

My Approach:

I will spend all my time communicating with MI-09. My job isn’t to play politics—it’s to represent my district.

My staff will be focused entirely on community outreach. I won’t waste taxpayer dollars on political consultants or party strategists. My team will be built to listen, engage, and present facts.

I will hire two constitutional scholars—one Republican, one Democrat. Their job will be to analyze legislation purely through the lens of the Constitution, not partisan talking points.

I will present the facts to the people. Before any major vote, I will lay out exactly what the bill does, how it affects MI-09, and what the trade-offs are—then let the district decide.

Experience in government doesn’t matter if you’re just another pawn for a party. What matters is honest, direct representation—and that’s exactly what I’m bringing to Congress.

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

I believe the greatest challenge facing the United States over the next decade is ending political tribalism and restoring a government that actually represents the people. Right now, our country is being ripped apart by hyper-partisanship, where politicians and media push division instead of solutions. This isn't by accident—it's a strategy. When we’re fighting each other, we’re not holding them accountable.

The Problem: Tribalism Over Solutions

Both parties prioritize power over people. They care more about defeating the “other side” than actually fixing the problems we face.

Americans are more divided than ever. Social media and cable news fuel outrage, making us see fellow citizens as enemies instead of neighbors.

Important issues get ignored. Instead of focusing on things like economic security, infrastructure, and government accountability, politicians stir up culture wars to keep us distracted.

The Solution: Representation, Not Party Loyalty

Elected officials must represent their districts, not a party. That’s why I will only vote based on what MI-09 wants, not what a party tells me.

We need to talk to each other, not past each other. The extreme 10% on both sides get the most attention, but 80% of Americans just want common-sense solutions.

End corporate and PAC influence. Tribalism is fueled by big money interests that profit from division. That’s why I won’t take more than $999 per year from any donor—money should not buy influence.

America’s strength has always been our ability to come together, despite differences, to solve big problems. If we don’t end this cycle of division, nothing else will get fixed. It’s time to stop choosing sides and start choosing solutions.

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

Yes, two years is the right term length. If I don’t follow the plan—fire me. That’s the whole point of the House of Representatives. It was designed for accountability and to ensure that the people’s voice is always represented.

If a representative isn’t listening to their district, they should be replaced. If they are truly representing the people, then re-elect them. The system breaks when politicians stop being accountable and start serving their own interests, their party, or their donors instead of their constituents.

I genuinely believe we’ve lost our way. The House was supposed to be the People’s House. Instead, it has become a career stepping stone, a fundraising machine, and a stage for partisan grandstanding. I’m running to restore what the House was meant to be—a direct voice of the people. Every two years, the voters should have the power to decide if their representative is doing the job or if it’s time to send them home.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly support strict term limits for Congress. Career politicians are the root of corruption in Washington. The longer someone stays in office, the more disconnected they become from the people and the more they serve lobbyists, donors, and their own bank accounts instead of their constituents.

My Stance on Term Limits:

House: 3 terms (6 years) max – I will retire after 6 years, no questions asked.

Senate: 2 terms (12 years) max

No lifetime politicians—public service should be a duty, not a career.

Why Term Limits Are Critical:

Power corrupts. The longer someone stays in office, the more they prioritize re-election and personal wealth over serving the people.

Fresh perspectives matter. We need new voices, not the same politicians clinging to power for decades.

Less influence from lobbyists. Career politicians build networks of corporate donors who keep them in power. Term limits disrupt this cycle.

Congress was never meant to be a lifelong job. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators who served their time and returned home. Now, we have representatives who stay in power for 30+ years, amassing wealth and influence at our expense.

If elected, I will serve no more than 6 years—then I’m done. No excuses, no extensions, no backtracking. I will fight to make term limits law because politicians shouldn’t have careers, they should have term limits.

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

I don’t look to model myself after any past or present representative because what I’m trying to do hasn’t really been done before. If anything, I look to Athens, where civic participation wasn’t a career—it was a duty.

I believe in the Constitution, and I also believe that if the Founding Fathers had access to today’s technology, they may have designed the House of Representatives for more direct representation. In their time, it could take weeks for messages to travel between districts and Washington, D.C. Representatives had to make decisions without real-time input from their constituents. That’s no longer the case.

Now, we have instant communication, verified polling, and digital tools that make it possible to hear directly from the people before every vote. The technology exists to make Congress more accountable, but politicians refuse to use it because it threatens their control.

I’m running to change that. I won’t push my own agenda—I will bring the will of MI-09 to Washington, not the other way around.

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 don’t have a political sob story or some fake person with a generic name to tug at your emotions. What I find most disturbing isn’t a single story—it’s the refusal of both Republicans and Democrats in power to actually listen to the people.

What’s truly impactful to me is seeing how deeply tribalism has poisoned our politics. Both parties have built their entire platforms on demonizing and dehumanizing the other side.

Republicans scream that Democrats hate America. That’s a lie. Wanting to improve something doesn’t mean you hate it.

Democrats claim that every MAGA voter is a villain. That’s also a lie. Wanting to protect your home and family doesn’t make you evil.

Look—Americans are good people. Michiganders are good people. If a house were on fire and a child was trapped behind a cracked bay window, every single person I know would run in to save them. No one would stop and ask, “Who did your parents vote for?” That’s the America I know. That’s the Michigan I know.

It’s time to cut the BS. The real fight isn’t left vs. right—it’s the people vs. the corrupt system that keeps us divided. I’m running to break that cycle and give the people an actual voice.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Alright, here’s a super nerdy one for the Linux crowd:

Why did the Linux user break up with their girlfriend?

Because she had too many Windows!

But if you really want deep-cut nerd humor—yeah, Linux is not Unix (but try explaining that to someone who doesn’t know what a recursive acronym is). 😆

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

Compromise is essential for policymaking, but only when it reflects the will of the people—not the demands of political parties, lobbyists, or career politicians. I will only compromise on what the voters of MI-09 are willing to, because my job isn’t to push my own agenda—it’s to represent the district.

I’m trying something that has never truly been done before: actual representation. Every vote I take will be based on verified polling and direct input from MI-09. This approach wouldn’t have been possible at any other point in U.S. history, but with modern technology, we now have the tools to ensure every voice in the district is heard.

Compromise should never mean selling out or making backroom deals. It should mean finding solutions that work for the majority of the people. If MI-09 believes a middle ground is the best path forward, I will fight for it. If the district refuses to budge on an issue, neither will I. I’m not here to lead—I’m here to amplify the voice of the people.

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 makes it clear—all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House because the H