Background
John Fosdick III was born in Albany, Oregon. His professional experience includes working in customer service. Fosdick served in the United States Army from 2004 to 2012.[1]
In their own words
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Full Name: John Leonard Fosdick III. Born:01/23/1988. Hometown: Albany, OR. 8yrs- National Guard(OR,WY,GA). Tour: Iraq/Kuwait 2009-2010. MOS 19D Cavalry Scout. Basic/AIT Fort Knox, KY. Father-2 sons.
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?
I will support & defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign & domestic. I may of taken off the uniform, but in my soul I still have an oath to uphold. I wish to continue fulfilling my oath by serving my state as governor.I am not a politician. I'm a young American unwilling to be silent and stand by any longer. I stand with the overwhelming number of Americans that are done with this evil and tyrannical agenda. Oregon is falling behind in many fields. As a Father of two boy, I understand the importance of critical thinking and competitiveness. Education is only the foundation of a Childs future, but without a solid foundation the child will not withstand the test of time...The rich have far to much control in government. Its time for someone that has lived through poverty, and truly understand the struggles of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Strengths and weaknesses of our state. The problems that have been plaguing our school systems, the mental and physical health of our homeless and veterans, getting our local businesses and workforce back to a stable and profitable workweek, getting support and representation to the parts of Oregon that have been ignored by our current lethargic state administration. We need more comprehensive training for all emergency services personnel for natural disasters, public wellness, and looking to repair the damage from the pandemic. With the Bootleg wildfires raging on, the state's power grid problems, finding out the firefighters out there protecting us are only making 13.45 an hour, and the Police are being shamed and defunded while their own personal safety risk rises. CPS & DHS have to much power & have become jaded treating people as guilty until proven innocent.
Portland must be saved from itself. A lot of People have given up on the city of Roses but I refuse to leave anyone behind.
My platform will never silence or censor anyone. Right or wrong, EVERYONE should have a voice & be heard. I also will open the doors to the public. Everything going on during my administration will be available to anyone. No closed sessions. The Governor enforces the will of the people nothing more. Spending and Earnings. 2nd amendment protection. Parents are the authority on their children not the Government. Inform the public long before the choice.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Mark Hatfield: 29th Governor of Oregon. He was 36 when he became our Governor. served for 30 years as a senator for Oregon. WW2 Vet. Teacher. This man gave his whole life to us, I wish to honor his sacrifice and pay it forward.
Stan Lee: Co-created Spider-Man, The X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Ant-Man, The Wasp, The Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, The Black Widow, and Captain Marvel. All of these hero's have one thing in common. Destiny was thrusting into their faces and they answered the call. Excelsior!
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage, to keep your word, to uphold the will of the people, and to never silence anyone.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I want people all over the world to know that financial status doesn't define our capabilities. There are many people all over the world unable to move forward due to poverty. I want to give a voice to all, telling them when you stand for the constitution and for the people. When you are willing to fight and struggle for what you believe in. When personal feelings and desires get in the way of logic. These are the few moments in life that define who we are. It is time to stop focusing on entertainers and athletes. It is time for the common person to be heard and respected. These people are the true hero's in America.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
Gulf war: I remember going to Washington DC with my father. He had to report to the Pentagon. We still talk today about our visits to Bull Run Park today. I was 2 years old.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
Taxi cab Co-pilot. Growing up my father drove cab. I would help by writing down addresses, connecting to dispatch, helping people in and out of the car with belongings, helping set up time calls and drop offs. from age 6- age 21.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
I'm Ready by Jaden
A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?
It means I must uphold my Oath to my statesmen. It means my purpose is to the Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every Oregonian. To keep safe and protect their rights and wellbeing. To inform, to lead by example, to put aside my personal feelings for the good of the many. To be accountable for my actions. To leave the office better then I found it.
Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?
The safety and wellbeing of everyone to which I gave my oath. Constitutionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?
I think a governor should take lead and propose his/her budget to the legislative assembly. I would look to fund programs to send to the legislature with a budget message. This would include all departments. My goal would be to refocus our efforts towards repair and preparing for the future.
In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?
Oregon does have line-item vetoes.
Only should be used if the subject is: Unconstitutional, endangers the health and safety of someone, was added into something it doesn't apply too, or needs to be researched and proven better.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?
The focus should be making sure both party always keep the other honest and focused on the rights and safety of Oregonians. Never for personal or political gain.
What do you love most about your state?
The natural beauty that graces our lands. After my tour in Iraq. Traveling around hiking and camping helped me recover. The sense of peace I felt due to the environment around me. The beauty of our state reminded me of why I had to fight in the first place.
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On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
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