John-Paul McBride

John-Paul McBride was born in Duluth, Minnesota. He earned a high school diploma from Marshall School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 2007.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For as long as I can remember, I have had a burning passion for politics and math. I am smart, creative, dedicated to making America a better place. At a time when Democratic voters demand outside the box thinking, I was born outside the box, and I have no desire to find a way in. As an autistic man, I can’t rely on an intuitive sense of how other minds should work; I have to do it the hard way through conversational interaction. I think that’s why I’ve been able to find friendships across ideological boundaries. Which isn’t to say that I’m willing, or if I’m going to be completely honest, capable of backing down from a worthwhile fight.

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?

Americans need universal healthcare. Healthcare that covers everything from eyeglasses to elder care to dental care and everything else. Healthcare without signup windows or marketplaces or other administratve complexities that are legible only to senior citizens. Healthcare that’s there for the type of young men that jump off of stuff to impress their friends.Climate change is an existential danger to humanity as a whole. Too many Democrats have taken an incoherent position, touting green investments and bragging about increasing fossil fuel prodution at the same time. Meanwhile, Republicans have embraced the total nihilism of climate denial. We are on the verge of an apocalypse, and we need to act like it.Finally, Congress needs a security force that can protect its members while they conduct oversight and to prevent another 1/6 attack. We can no longer rely on a corrupt, partisan Supreme Court to keep our fascist president in check. The Department of Homeland Security must be broken up.

Furthermore, ICE must be destroyed.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

All forms of individual rights. Women’s rights. Reproductive rights. Racial justice. Trans rights. LGBTQ rights. Native rights. Immigrant rights. Disability rights. Everyone should be free from discrimination and oppression, everywhere and always.

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

Kindness, thoughtfulness, sincerity, and humility.

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

Constituent service. I think it’s important toassist the public in resolving problems with government agencies by acting as a liaison and helping constituents navigate the bureaucratic process.

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

When I was 16, I spent a summer mopping floors in the food service department at St Lukes. It was my first union job. I didn’t truly appreciate that I needed a union at the time, but the following three decades of my life have been one lesson after another in the absolute necessity of worker representation

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

Lady Eboshi, from Princess Mononoke.

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

The House has the shortest terms and most proportional representation of all the branches of government. It also has the power of the purse, although that power has been usurped first by the Senate via the Byrd rule and the filibuster, and secondly by an autocratic executive branch and its servile Supreme Court.

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

I don’t believe that previous experience is necessary. Legislating is a collaborative endeavor, and new voices can bring fresh perspectives to the table.

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

Our greatest challenge over the next decade will be to repair our international relations.

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

It doesn’t matter whether or not I think it’s right; it’s the law.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I oppose term limits. Short political careers would only incentivize corrupt politicians to cash in while they can.

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

I deeply admire the way Illan Omar drafted articles of impeachment against Donald Trump even as the insurrectionists were still storming the Capitol.

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?

Yes, but it's not my story to tell.

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

No truce with tyrants, no compromise with kings, no negotiation with Nazis.

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?

I would take action to see that this Constitutional power is restored.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

I'm pretty sure I answered this question elsewhere.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

I would impose high tax rates on AI energy and water usage. Ordinary users should not have to pay for the fantasies of tech billionaires.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

I would pass a bill invoking the Exceptions Clause to overturn Citizens United vs Federal Elections Commission and Buckley vs Valeo. Political donations should never have been ruled a form of protected speech, and should be strictly regulated by Congress.