John Kerns

John Kerns (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Nevada's 2nd Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 9, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

1. I'm a successful retired homicide investigator and author

2. I have over 20 years experience in government, both elected and appointed

3. I'm the right expert to solve our 39 trillion dollar deficit with a ten year plan

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?

Deficit reduction and the economyRestoring Congressional oversight of the Executive BranchSolving generational issues through economic means

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Issues of economics, law and society. National Security, Foreign policy and trade and infrastructure are Issues I'd pursue in committee.

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

John F. Kennedy, because we're both from the same area and share many of the same ideals

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

Integrity, Intelligence, Empathy, Communication skills, Leadership.

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

To fulfill your mandate by pursuing Congressional oversight and legislation to make the lives of Nevadans better because of your work

What legacy would you like to leave?

Public service

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

Volunteen in the Emergency Department at Catholic Medical Center. I had it for a few years.

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

Getting people to pay better attention to political issues

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

Representative democracy in number of seats and its overall apportionment

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

Climate change and energy independence

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

Necessary, Desirable and Preferable to the opposite.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The Challenger explosion in 1986. I remember it even though we were in first grade. We watched it on television.