John Myrick

John Myrick was born in Havelock, North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1985 to 2008. He earned a bachelor's degree from Excelsior College in 2021 and a bachelor's degree from Buxton University. His career experience includes working as a consultant and government contractor. Myrick has been a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am not a politician, I am a public servant. I am an ordinary Marylander looking to make a difference. I have no interest in making politics a career.

I have spent my entire adult life defending Maryland and our Nation. Early in my career, I served as a Harford County Deputy Sheriff - the only Maryland Candidate for Governor from either Party to have ever worn a badge. I served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves before retiring in 2008. I am a highly decorated combat veteran and continued the tradition of military service that dates back in my family to the founding of the Nation. While serving in the Air Force Reserves, I was a highly decorated and highly respected Civilian Senior Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Intelligence Community and was considered an expert in asymmetric threats such as terrorism, drugs, and weapons of mass destruction. I have lectured at a number of major universities throughout the country on National Security policy issues. I have presented briefings on dozens of occasions to Congressional Committees and individual Members, and have briefed National-level Decision-makers. Throughout my career, I have mastered the skills necessary to examine difficult problems from a variety of perspectives, and to seek solutions to these issues from whomever had the best answer. I can and will work with anyone for the benefit of Marylanders.

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?

We will bring accountability to Maryland government - never forgetting for whom we work - the people of Maryland. We will exercise fiscal restraint, cut taxes and fees, bring down the cost of energy by 50%, and will make Maryland a business-friendly environment in order to provide economic opportunities to all Marylanders. We will eliminate State income tax for retirement income and will abolish State property taxes on the primary residence of any Maryland homeowner over the age of 65. We will always remember that the money spent by our government is hard-earned taxpayer funds, and those taxpayers have an absolute right to know that their money is being spent wisely and on projects that benefit Maryland.We will rebuild our failed public school system and will ensure that our children are being provided an education that will prepare them for success after graduation. We will return our dedicated Teachers to teaching the basics - reading, math, science, social studies - and will restore order to our classrooms. We favor School Choice and will work to see the money spend on education follow the child. We will protect Parental Rights. We will offer tax credits to parents who choose to homeschool or to place their children on private schools. We will work to repeal the Blueprint for Maryland's Future - a law that will bankrupt our State and that does not affect educational outcomes.We will ensure that Marylanders feel safe in their homes, schools, places of worship, and on their streets. We will fully fund our public safety officers (Police, Fire, EMS). We will work with our federal partners in all areas, including public safety, transportation, and healthcare. We will tackle affordability issues and affordable housing through public-private partnerships and will work to leave no Marylander behind. We will be the voice for EVERY Marylander - regardless of political affiliation, social status, or location. EVERY Marylander matters.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We are passionate about serving Maryland. Both I and my Lt. Governor running mate, Dr. Brenda J. Thiam, are public servants who have dedicated our lives to serving our communities. We will bring a common-sense, logical approach to solving the problems faced by Marylanders with integrity, honesty, and accountability.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

1) Veterans for America First

2) Former Maryland State Senator Gail Bates

3) Maryland House of Delegates Deputy Minority Whip LaToya Nkongolo

4) Carroll County State's Attorney Haven Shoemaker

5) Carroll County Sheriff James T. DeWees

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm not a politician; I'm a public servant; an ordinary Marylander looking to make a difference. For far too long, career politicians have been more interested in protecting their own positions and blaming each other for the way things are. Our country deserves better - you deserve better. I have no interest in making politics a career and pledge to serve only one term in the U.S. Senate. The founding Fathers never envisioned serving in Congress as a lifetime job.

I have spent my entire adult life defending Maryland and our Nation. I served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves before retiring as a highly decorated combat veteran. While serving in the Reserves, I was a highly decorated and respected Civilian Senior Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Intelligence Community; considered an expert in asymmetric threats. I have lectured at major universities on National Security Policy Issues, presented testimony on dozens of occasions to Congressional Committees and individual Members, briefed NATO leadership, and served as a keynote speaker for an international conference on counterterrorism hosted by the Australian Federal Police. my experience has given me a unique perspective of how National-level Decision-makers approach issues. Since leaving Federal Civil Service, I have been a Contract Senior Advisor for the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security.

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?

Our Nation’s problems are not going to be solved through partisan politics. As your U.S. Senator, I would work with any and all like-minded people - regardless of political party or affiliation.

The lack of effective border control has allowed illegal drugs and millions of undocumented migrants to flow freely into our country; causing a grave risk to National security. Maryland one of the highest rates of fentanyl overdoses in the country. I will work to secure our borders, to enforce immigration and customs laws, and to hold those responsible for flooding our streets with illegal drugs accountable.Our country is far less safe than at any point in modern history - facing threats from terrorists, rouge states, and near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. Our military is no longer in a position to defend our global interests. We cannot afford to continue to allow declining recruitment, social experimentation, ineffective leadership, and defense contractors whose major interest is profits, to impact our military readiness. I will work to improve the quality of life issues plaguing our military that effect are ability to recruit qualified volunteers; to hold the leadership of the Department of Defense accountable for every dime of YOUR tax money that is spent; and seek to improve how we procure and purchase weapon systems.Far too many of our legislators have spent decades in office. Has this longevity solved any of the issues effecting the average American? I think not. I will only serve one term in the U.S. Senate. I would work with the Maryland Governor and leaders in the State House to promote your priorities - not those of a particular political party or special interest. I will introduce legislation for term limits for Congress - limiting time in Congress to 12 years. I will work with other like-minded Members to hold Members accountable for their conduct.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The opportunity to continue giving back to Maryland as a U.S. Senator would be a great honor. The concept of public service has been missing from our representatives for far too long. Maryland deserves a Senator who truly represents them, not a political party or other special interests.

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

I always looked up to my Mother and Grandmother above all others. I was raised primarily by them and marvel at the love and sacrifices that they made in order for us to have the essentials.

I admire several historical figures such ad George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln. These leaders understood the importance of duty and service before self.

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

I haven't patterned my political philosophy on any one individual or party. I would recommend a book, though, entitled, "Lincoln on Leadership." I have always found it to be enlightening.

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

Integrity matter. Our representatives need to be held to the highest ethical standards. They represent us - and should conduct themselves with our best interests above all else.

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

I understand the importance of public service, and of putting the interests of those we serve above our own. I think that this has been missing from our representatives for a very long time.

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

I believe that our Senator must be willing to work with anyone - regardless of party affiliation or political views - to accomplish the business of the people of this Nation. Representing the views and interest of their constituents is their only responsibility.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to be remembered as a man of integrity; a man who served; and as a loving Husband and Father.

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

I clearly remember watching Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969. I was 5 years old at the time.

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

My very first job was as a Attendant at a go-cart track in White Marsh, MD. I worked there for over a year while in high school.

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

I feel that competition from China is perhaps our biggest challenge; militarily, economically, and strategically.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I fully support a Constitutional Amendment setting term limits on members of Congress at a total of 12 years. I will work to make this a reality.

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

Originally, Senators were appointed by Governors to represent the interests of the states at the Federal level. It wasn't until the 20th century that Senators were elected. The Senate was designed to be a source of continuity for legislative affairs. Additionally, its role as giving advice and consent to the Executive Branch for everything from Treaties to Executive Appointments makes it a unique body.

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

No. I believe that Senators need to have a firm understanding of their responsibility to represent their respective state in the best way that they can. They also need to understand the need to work with others that do not necessarily share the same political views to accomplish the work of the people.

What do you think of the filibuster?

The filibuster has a very long and storied tradition. It has a use, though like other tools of government, it has been abused from time to time.

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

I am my own man and choose not to pattern myself after any one individual. I have a great deal of respect for a number of former Senators, including Senators John McCain and Charles "Mac" Mathias.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

I would ask that any Judicial Nominee have a record of fairly and impartially evaluating the evidence put before them and rule accordingly. Our country does not need judges that attempt to legislate from the bench or try to push their own personal agendas.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

I would be willing to work with any and all other Senators in order to accomplish the work of the people.

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

Compromise is absolutely essential to policymaking. One can never get everything they want every time. Understanding the art of compromise is essential to anyone serving in a position within our government.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

The Senate should use its investigative powers sparingly - only when absolutely necessary to reach the truth.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

I would require that Cabinet Nominees have appreciable experience in the area for which they have been nominated. Far too often, nominees are novices in the subject matter for which they are seeking to lead.

What committees interest you?

As a career Intelligence Officer, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is of great interest. Also, Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees are desirable.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government needs to be fully accountable to the people. With some notable exceptions of classified programs and operations, financial transparency is a necessity. All of the money spend by our government comes from the people - it's our money, not the governments. They need to be good stewards of the public trust.

Campaign website

Myrick’s campaign website stated the following:

Proposing Real Solutions for Real Problems

Our Nation is facing several major issues that negatively impact Marylanders every day. These problems need real solutions and are not going to be solved through partisan politics. As your U.S. Senator, I would work with any and all like-minded people - regardless of political party or affiliation - focusing on these major issues:

Our Southern Border Crisis

Our Southern Border Crisis is a catastrophe. Let me say that I fully support legal immigration - NOT illegal immigration. The border crisis can be fixed, but it will take bi-partisan agreement.

I will work to secure our borders by supporting policies that end the “Catch & Release” policy of the current Administration.

I will see that our immigration and customs laws are enforced and will hold responsible any official who refuses to do so.

I will introduce legislation requiring State and Local authorities to cooperate in the enforcement of Federal laws.

I will work to strengthen criminal penalties for drug and human trafficking and will hold those responsible for committing these heinous acts accountable.

I will seek to introduce legislation easing the restrictions on those seeking to emigrate to the U.S. who have lawful U.S. relatives willing to sponsor them.

A More Dangerous World

Our country is far less safe than at any point in modern history - facing threats from terrorists, rouge states, and near-peer adversaries like China and Russia.

I will work to improve the quality of life issues plaguing our military that affect our ability to recruit and retain qualified volunteers.

Increase pay and benefits so that no Service Member will ever need apply for Food Stamps to feed their family.

Ensure that issues plaguing military housing are corrected; providing decent housing to our Service Members and their families.

Establish incentive programs to retain highly qualified experts in critical skillsets needed to defend our nation.

I will work to end the practice of social experimentation within our military and ensure that the focus is returned to developing warfighting skills.

I will work to repeal programs within our military that are aligned with any political positions.

I will seek to hold the leadership of the Department of Defense accountable for every dime of YOUR tax money that is spent and seek to improve the way in which we procure and purchase weapon systems.

Returning Congress to You

The Founding Fathers never envisioned service in Congress as a career. They understood that representatives needed to be rotated from time to time in order to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to deal with the Nation's business. Far too many of our Representatives and Senators have spent decades in office. Has this longevity solved any of the issues effecting the average American? I think not.

I will introduce legislation for a 12 year total term limit for Congress.

I will only serve one (1) term in the U.S. Senate.

I will work with the Maryland Governor and leaders in the State House to promote your priorities - not those of a particular political party or special interest.

I will work with other like-minded Members to hold Members accountable for their conduct.

Working to Control Inflation

Prices of everything from food, to housing, to fuel have skyrocketed over the past several years. Congress' so-called solutions to this have only made things for the average American worse.

I will work to restore America's energy independence, because it all starts with the cost of moving products from point A to point B. I believe that this can be done while still protecting the environment.

I will seek to repeal any legislation that further damages the economy and makes things for us more expensive.

I will serve as a advocate for Maryland products and services to be included in any proposed economic legislation.[3]

—John Myrick’s campaign website (2024)[4]