John Hancock

John Hancock earned an associate degree from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, where he was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society. Hancock's career experience includes working in engineering.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm John Hancock, a Cincinnati native running for Congress in Ohio’s First District as a Libertarian. Since joining the Libertarian Party in 2022, I’ve served as a county officer and national delegate for Ohio. In 2024, I was named to the All-Ohio Academic Team. This recognition is directly linked to my honors society membership in Phi Theta Kappa. Awarding students for academic excellence and leadership, earning recognition from the Ohio Senate as "one of Ohio's finest citizens."

As a working-class American, I’m an Engineering Technician and part-time engineering student, balancing a full-time job with my studies. I’m a Christian with ink on my skin, a passion for fitness, music, and travel, and a commitment to serving my community through volunteering at organizations like BLOC Ministries which help the homeless and victims of human trafficking. My name means liberty, and I believe politicians should reflect the people they serve. I bring real-world experience to the table, understanding the challenges everyday Americans face.

My campaign is about cutting government waste, fighting overreach, and bringing power back to the people.

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?

Taxes and Overspending: The Left wants taxes for big social programs, often ignoring waste. The Right funnels your money into defense and subsidies, despite talk of fiscal discipline. Both rely on your paycheck to push their agendas. As a Libertarian, I believe Taxation is Theft. If the government needs funds, let them make their case and raise funds through crowdfunding. I'll fight to cut taxes, slash bloated budgets, and let you control your future.Government Transparency: You deserve to know what your government’s doing. Americans are fed up with secrets, especially after scandals like Epstein, where hidden deals and elite cover-ups mock our trust. I’ll fight for a government that hides nothing—every dollar, every decision, fully exposed. I’ll push for open records, end backroom deals, and declassify documents without bias, no matter who they expose. Unlike those who thrive in the shadows, I’m here to bring light—transparency is the core of a free America.Liberty, Not Lobbyists: This is my promise to never cave to special interests. I’m here for you, not them, with every deal and dollar wide open for all to see. I’ll push for crystal-clear records, end backroom schemes, and make sure your voice, not big money, calls the shots. Unlike the sellouts hiding their bought loyalty, I stand firm—liberty, not lobbyists, keeps America free.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I was made aware of the broken justice system and promise to advocate for Criminal Justice Reform on behalf of my dear friend, Kenneth Hodge. Though an unlikely friendship, given that he and three others robbed me at gunpoint. Kenneth had made significant changes enough to be picked by the Ohio Justice and Policy Center. They are a nonprofit law firm that helped Kenneth get released early from his unfair sentencing (see State v. Kenneth Hodge). I promise to fight for fairness in the justice system.

I also stand for Libertarian Party policies like ending unconstitutional restrictions on the freedom of speech, self-defense, and civil liberties.

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

I look up to very few people, except for one because of my Christian faith, which points to only one person to follow.

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

Each candidate should embody the common values of the people they represent. That should include traits like being compassionate, driven, and integrity.

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

Simply put, a representative should represent the people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be a person that people can look to and see hope in themselves to grow, no matter what. My family origins were messy, and it became a challenge to my formative years and into adulthood.

I've battled obesity and lost over 100 lbs when it looked like an impossible task. Mental health and lacking a sense of purpose to now being thankful and treating my neurodivergence. And watching a two-year relationship/ engagement fall apart, and I didn't know how to move on at first.

These things made me a better person, more diligent, optimistic, and persistent. I hope others may hear my story and take away something from it to carry them to the next level.

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

I first remember Sept 11, 2001. I was in 1st grade at the time and was honestly confused seeing planes crash into giant buildings.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a favorite. The title is more for shock factor, but it targets the point of the book to learn how not to take things so personally.

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

I would love to be Anakin Skywalker, specifically in the Clone Wars.

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

I'll keep this one light-hearted. I think any guy can relate to this when you find someone you have a crush on. You could have fought in a war, gunfire all around you, and you prevailed through with courage. But for some reason, talking to your crush became the most frightening thing in the world.

I don't know how many times I lose all courage when I just wanted to say hello. Part of me thinks running for US Congress might help me build more courage.

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

It's the balance of powers that makes our government great for accountability while remaining hard for absolute power to go unchecked. Congress is one piece of the puzzle, and it remains a cornerstone of American governance.

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

If it is not a requirement, then no. Anyone can and should feel empowered to run for any office. Let the people decide if you're fit to lead.

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

The national debt, cost of living, and the never-ending divide between the political factions.

At 30 years old, I've watched the alarms when the national debt reached 10, 20, and 37 trillion dollars at the time of writing.

It's directly related to our overspending. This also perpetuates the cost-of-living crisis in America. At the time of writing, studies revealed that none of the 50 states' median income can afford an independent living condition. It is too expensive to live on your own in an apartment, and the housing market has only gotten worse, too.

None of this is being addressed because the division in America is too hot. Politicians are too worried about getting gotcha points for their side. We have a crisis of political apathy. There needs to be a change and more options, why I'm running as a Libertarian.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

My stance is that Congress should continue to remain without term limits. People typically don’t know about their Congressperson except for their party status.

In a free and fair election, anyone can run, given they meet the requirements for the office. It is the duty of all voters to know who is running, but few care to know in reality. Let them have their way until things change. It would be more valid to talk about term limits when people pay attention.

Why should we demand term limits when the majority of voters don’t even bother to understand the candidates? It’s like telling someone they can eat whatever they want, but they also don’t understand what a proper diet looks like.

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

Rand Paul and Thomas Massie are two current leaders I lean toward.

President Calvin Coolidge as well. He championed tax cuts, reductions in federal spending, and a balanced budget, successfully cutting the national debt.

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

We are a country with a lot of opinions. Compromises should be made to promote agreed-upon policy, but not at the expense of the Bill of Rights or the Constitution.

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?

It is the duty of the government to figure out how to raise funds, but we have an unlimited printing press called the Federal Reserve. This Creature from Jekyll Island is an insult to how the federal government raises funds. It is one major factor why we have the out-of-control spending and 37 trillion in debt.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Libertarian Party of Ohio

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

I go to college as a 30-year-old, with most of my classmates closer to just out of high school than my age.

I always hear their complaints about how hard it is to balance life with the cost of living. In particular, my friend Liv, who really opened my eyes to her life always being a juggle in school, work, hobbies, and relationships. It's not easy for most young people; they're not all that enthusiastic about the way things are going.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I can name a few from my weight loss journey of losing over 100 lbs, going back to school later in my 20s, or even the 2024 All Ohio Academic Team and recognition from the Ohio Senate.

What I'm proud of most was standing up against the judicial system, the state of Ohio, family and friends who thought I was crazy to fight for the early release of Kenneth Hodge, the victim doesn't tend to become friends with the guy that robs you.

I'm proud of that the most.

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

I support using AI to streamline processes. The federal government is not like the private industry that must constantly innovate to stay afloat. Agencies have too much overhead in administrative costs. They have no motivation to innovate and become more efficient. AI could eliminate waste, which ties to my issue of addressing overspending.

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

One thing the GOP and Dems have in common is complaining about a rigged election process. I would work to raise awareness of these concerns and build a bipartisan bill to tackle these issues.

Campaign websiteHancock's campaign website stated the following:Taxes and OverspendingThe Left wants taxes for big social programs, often ignoring waste. The Right funnels your money into defense and subsidies, despite talk of fiscal discipline. Both rely on your paycheck to push their agendas. As a Libertarian, I believe Taxation is Theft. If the government needs funds, we have to stop increasing our national debt. I'll fight to cut taxes, slash bloated budgets, and let you control your future. That’s freedom. That’s America.Government TransparencyYou deserve to know what your government’s doing. Americans are fed up with secrets, especially after scandals like Epstein, where hidden deals and elite cover-ups mocked our trust. I’ll fight for a government that hides nothing. Every dollar, every decision, fully exposed. I’ll push for open records, end backroom deals, and declassify documents without bias, no matter who they expose. Unlike those who thrive in the shadows, I’m here to bring light and transparency because it’s the core of a free America.Liberty, Not Lobbyists“Liberty Not Lobbyists” is my promise to never cave to special interests. Endorsed by AZAPAC in the fight against foreign lobbying, I’m here for you, not them, with every deal and dollar wide open for all to see. I’ll push for crystal-clear records, end backroom schemes, and make sure your voice, not big money, calls the shots. Unlike the sellouts hiding their bought loyalty, I stand firm on liberty, not lobbyists, which keeps America free.Criminal Justice ReformImagine surviving a 2007 armed robbery at a Cincinnati Boy Scout Christmas tree sale. It was gunpoint terror leading to 19-year sentences for perpetrators like Kenneth Hodge under Ohio's rigid system. Fast-forward: I befriended Kenneth post his 2019 early release via the Ohio Justice & Policy Center (OJPC). We were honored guests at Yale with OJPC Director David Singleton on restorative justice, proving forgiveness and reform heal. Kenneth tragically passed in 2021, but his story fuels me. As a Libertarian candidate for Ohio's 1st District, I'll vote to end mandatory minimums, bolster work like OJPC's, and push reform aligned with the ACLU for fairer justice. This isn't policy, it's my life experience.Privacy RightsAs a staunch advocate for individual liberties, I'm deeply concerned about the widespread use of Flock Safety camera systems. These ALPR devices conduct mass surveillance, capturing and storing vehicle data on millions without warrants, building profiles of our movements that can be shared with law enforcement and misused. Beyond traffic enforcement, they threaten our Fourth Amendment rights, transforming public spaces into monitored zones and eroding privacy in a free society. We must raise awareness, demand transparency from local governments, and advocate for policies protecting personal freedom from unchecked data collection. Join me in opposing this Orwellian overreach.— John Hancock's campaign website (April 21, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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