Joe Mackey

Joe Mackey was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Mackey's career experience includes working as a machinist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a native of Lafayette, Indiana, a husband and a father. As a retired machinist I have lived the issues I am running on. I ran in 2018 and 2020, and I am running again because I believe that public service begins with respect for people, honesty in decision-making, and the determination to keep showing up for the community.

I was deeply troubled seeing children and seniors struggle to get enough to eat during the 2025 government shutdown. I'm also concerned about Hoosiers who could lose access to affordable healthcare if ACA tax breaks are eliminated

Because my wife and I lost two children to cancer within 30 months, healthcare is a particularly compelling concern for me. We took that grief and turned it into purpose by creating a nonprofit to support families whose children are fighting cancer.

I am told I am a man of integrity, compassion and resilience. My life experiences have shaped those attributes, as well as my commitment to being a strong voice for Hoosiers in Washington.

I believe Congress has a responsibility to serve the people and provide real oversight and balance in government. I'm committed to working with anyone — from either party — to make sure Americans get the support and stability they deserve.

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?

Affordable Healthcare: fighting cuts to Medicare, ACA protections, and fair drug pricingAffordable Education: ending predatory student loans, supporting teachers and public schoolsAffordable Housing: first-time buyer programs, cost-cutting reforms, community partnerships

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am committed to practical solutions that strengthen communities and support working families across my district - primarily affordable healthcare, education and housing

Joe Mackey did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1) Healthcare

2) Education

3) Infrastructure Development[3][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Healthcare today is the single largest threat to the American people. Having lost two children to two distinctly different cancers I understand fully the fact that healthcare for millions of Americans has grown beyond our affordability. Managing an all volunteer pediatric cancer foundation has motivated me to run for congress. today, our congress holds the American people in contempt. Congress now treats the American people like Oliver Twist with porridge bowl in hand asking "Please sir may we not die in our homes due to lack of adequate and accessible healthcare", "Please sir may we not be forced to bankrupt ourselves and our children future due to the ever increasing cost of education. "please sir may we as a nation rebuild our country and by this action provide for the creation of millions of new jobs"!Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Joseph Mackey answered the following:

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

In my youth our Congressional district was represented in Congress by Floyd Fithian (Democrat). Representative Fithian went to work every day to see to it the working people of his district had a voice at the table of government. We no longer have that voice at the tale. Our elected officials have sold us away to their own interest, believing that a lucrative relationship with business is far better than a secure constituent. I will bring back Congressman Fithian's perogatives.[4]

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

John Growley's book "Four Freedoms". This essentially covers Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union speech in which Roosevelt outlined the 4 freedoms of the American people.1). Freedom of speech. 2). Freedom of worship. 3). Freedom from want. 4). Freedom from fear.[4]

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

Honesty, Integrity, dignity! When these three principles are tied to the dream of a better, more inclusive country the American people grow stronger, the nation grows stronger and the future is better for all of us and not just some of us.[4]

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

Unlike the cookie cutter candidates of the past I am a blue collar American. Working people are far too often spoken about in Washington, I will speak for them![4]

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

The primary responsibility of elected officials is to secure for their constituents the best possible future. To actively agitate, to debate, to listen, to support those ideas and ideals they believe are in the best interest of their districts and the country.[4]

What legacy would you like to leave?

Joe Macke, a working man, went to Congress and fought for those who's voice in government had been lost, who's voice in government had been ignored for far too long.[4]

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

The assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Just eight days later Robert Kennedy. I was seven years old. I remember my mother sitting on our sofa, her face locked in shock, fixed on our television. I remember her words to this day. "My God they've killed them all"![4]

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

I delivered morning and evening news papers in my home town. I did this through most of my junior high and high school years.[4]

What happened on your most awkward date?

I proposed to my wife and then realized I had left my wallet at home. She paid for dinner and I the ring.[4]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

I love them all. Holidays are a time for family to come together and celebrate. I hail from a large family. I am the youngest of 8 children. Seven siblings and so many progeny, each generation different from the prior coming together to talk, laugh, and renew our bonds.[4]

What is your favorite book? Why?

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Twain manages to capture not only the leading social and political issues of the day and to tie them together with the youthful insight of a child.[4]

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

Mr. Smith as in Mr. Smith goes to Washington.[4]

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

I'm not much for material objects. I love my wife and family because they sustain me through all our life events.[4]

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

Free bird by Leonard Skynerd.[4]

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

Having lost two teenagers to cancer I struggle with grief. I have learned to use my grief in positive ways in order to build a better tomorrow for those whom I serve.[4]

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

Open debate. The "Lower" house is obligated to responds to the needs of the American people. their job is to investigate driving issues and to formulate an adequate response through legislation.[4]

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

NO![4]

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

Healthcare, Education and Infrastructure needs.[4]

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

House Energy and Commerce sub committee on Health. House Ways and Means sub committee on Social Security, House ways and Means sub committee on Trade.[4]

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

I would like to see the terms extended to 4 years with a limit on the number of terms served to 4 full terms.[4]

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I would like to see the terms extended to 4 years with a limit on the number of terms served to 4 full terms.[4]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I believe a fair and impartial redistricting map can best be drawn using Artificial Intelligence (AI).[4]

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

Representative Floyd Fithian of Indiana[4]

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 received a call one night from a mother of three. Her oldest son was battling Leukemia. She was so desperate. She told me she had fallen two months behind in rent, two months behind in her car payment, she had no food in the home and no gas in her car despite the fact that she worked full time. I clearly hear the shakiness in her voice. The overwhelming desperation in her plea for help. We MUST do better by our people.[4]

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1) Healthcare

2) Education

3) Infrastructure[3][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Healthcare! Everyone uses the healthcare system. Healthcare is an issue that affects all of us and not just some of us.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Joseph Mackey answered the following:

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

Congressman Floyd Fithian of Indiana. Congressman Fythian Workers for the average person. He fought for them and he worked to improve their lives.[4]

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

Integrity in pursuing legislation which protects the American people.[4]

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

I listen and I work hard to understand the perspectives of others. These two qualities I use to build consensus.[4]

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

The primary responsibility of an elected official is to work for the betterment of their hone district.[4]

What legacy would you like to leave?

When mentioned I would want people to say “I’m proud I voted for Joe Mackey”![4]

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

The assasination of MLK. I was 7years old.[4]

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

I worked the Pizza counter for Arni’s in my home town of Lafayette, Indiana. I worked for Aaron all four years I was in high school.[4]

What happened on your most awkward date?

I fell asleep in a movie theater.[4]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Easter is my favorite holiday. The season of renewal and hope.[4]

What is your favorite book? Why?

Earnest Hemingway’s The old man and the sea. Pride in what you do coupled with a force conviction to never quit are remarkable qualities when they are combined.[4]

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

Huckleberry Finn.[4]

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

Our dog Minnie the wonder pooch. She knows us better than we know ourselves.[4]

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

Billy Joel “We didn’t lite the fire”.[4]

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

The loss of two of our children to cancer.[4]

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

The House is the one institution where the needs of the nation meet the finances of the nation. Through debate the nation moves into the future.[4]

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

No![4]

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

Healthcare is the single greatest threat to the long term well being of the American people.[4]

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

Farming, Science, Ways and M, Financeeans[4]

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

No, the terms should be based on 4year terms.[4]

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I’d rather see and end to Citizens United before term limits.[4]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Bipartisan redistricting by computer based boundaries.[4]

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

As a first time candidate I’m not yet considering a leadership role.[4]

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

Congressman Floyd Fithian.[4]

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 is a young man in my district. He’s been battling cancer since high school. He has battled the disease on and off for 5 years. He never quits and he never gives up the fight.[4]