John Holtz

John Holtz served in the United States military from 1973 to 1975. He attended the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany for undergraduate study. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming in 1972. He earned a J.D. from St. Mary's University in 1977. Holtz worked in the electro-optical and space division of the Hughes Aircraft Company, where he worked on developing a new fire control system for the U.S. Army's M60A3 main battle tank. Holtz's other professional experience includes work as an attorney and a judge. He has been affiliated with the Christian Legal Society.[1]

John Holtz did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

John Holtz did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Questionnaire with WyoFile

Holtz highlighted the following themes in an questionnaire with WyoFile. The questions from WyoFile are bolded and Holtz's responses follow below.[2]

How as a federal lawmaker would you address the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Wyoming today? What legislation is needed to address them?

Government is best that governs least. I will strengthen America's defense and reduce the deficit. I would make Social Security non-taxable once again. I would export our resources to Europe and Israel through the Straits of Gibraltar to broaden our opportunities. Wyoming is an energy treasure trove in an energy short world. Our natural resources should help our friends, not our enemies.

Nearly half of the land in Wyoming is managed by the federal government. How as a member of Congress do you plan to ensure that land is managed in the best interest of the people of Wyoming?

We must follow the Constitution. I would introduce novel concepts, coupled with the courage to do what it takes to solve the problems of America today. I am willing to risk my career to do the right thing. More and more will result in less and less. We must have the courage to stop hyperinflation.

Wyoming has wrestled for years with issues of housing, health care, education and economic development. What do you believe the state's role should be in supporting the well-being of Wyoming citizens and their families?

Minimal.

How willing are you to compromise with legislators and other officials with different perspectives?

Somewhat.

How does immigration affect Wyoming and how can Congress improve immigration policy for the benefit of Wyoming citizens?

We must secure the border.

Would you support federal legislation that either restricts abortions or guarantees access on a national basis? What about contraceptives?

Restrict abortion.

How do you balance the often competing demands of wildlife and open spaces versus energy, industrial and real estate development?

Carefully.[3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an Eagle Scout and a member of the Christian Legal Society since law school. I obtained the first double-digit firm fixed-price contract in the history of the Hughes Aircraft Company; and I was the head of the team to redesign the fire control system; consisting of the laser range finder, ballistic computer and thermal imaging system of the Army's main battle tank, the M60A3. I was in the Electro Optical and Space Division of the Hughes Aircraft Company. When I was at Hughes, they would tease me about the horse on my Wyoming license plates.

My grandmother met my grandfather in Gillette in 1919 and her brothers had the livery stable.

I was one of the youngest judges in Wyoming history and helped establish the Circuit Court system of today. I was president of my college fraternity and the president of the Alumni Association of the Delta Gamma chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Wyoming from 1988 to 1992.

I was instrumental in placing the carrying of concealed weapon without a permit for Wyoming residents on the Wyoming Republican platform in 2010. I am a life member of the NRA.

I still drive the car I had as a judge in 1992, it has over 600,000 miles on the original engine and transmission.

I was class president at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, where the Japanese first developed kamikaze tactics as a mass weapon of war. I was on the Bataan Death March 20th anniversary march with three of the original survivors.

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?

Government is best that governs least. I will strengthen America's defense and reduce the deficit. I would make Social Security non-taxable once again.I will strengthen America's defense and reduce the deficit and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.More of the same will result in less and less.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I was a Space Systems Operations Officer in the United States Air Force. I am passionate about strengthening America's defense and reducing the deficit before we experience hyperinflation.

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

Abraham Lincoln. He had the courage to act in a crisis.

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

The Bible.

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

Honesty.

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

Most people break down during a crisis, my skills improve.

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

The courage to employ a gyroscopic analysis.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A strong defense and no deficit.

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

The Bataan Death March 20th anniversary march. There were still bullet holes on the trail. I was 12 years old in 1962.

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

A summer job at the Golden Spike drive-in in Omaha.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible.

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

None.

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

None.

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

No.

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

Defense and the deficit.

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

100 members.

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

Yes, I do.