Jon Kenworthy

Jon Kenworthy was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kenworthy served in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2011. He earned a high school diploma from Concordia Lutheran High School and a bachelor's degree from Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne in 2011. His career experience includes working as a legislative staffer.[1]

Jon Kenworthy did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteKenworthy's campaign website stated the following:National DebtThe national debt is approaching $40 trillion. At this level, particularly in relation to GDP, it raises long-term sustainability concerns and shifts financial burdens to future generations.Many states, including Indiana, operate under balanced budget requirements, and families and businesses must manage spending to remain financially stable. While the federal government operates differently, persistent deficits still require careful management and long-term planning.A portion of U.S. debt is held by foreign entities, including countries that may not share our strategic interests. This creates additional considerations related to economic stability and national security.Sustained deficit spending can also contribute to inflation over time. Inflation reduces purchasing power and increases the cost of everyday goods and services, functioning in many ways like a broad-based, indirect cost that affects households across all income levels.Addressing the debt will require reducing spending growth and making decisions about priorities. Some expenditures, particularly in response to emergencies or essential national needs, may be necessary. At the same time, ongoing spending should be evaluated to ensure it is effective and aligned with long-term fiscal goals.Recent changes in interest rates have demonstrated that low-cost borrowing cannot be assumed indefinitely. These conditions highlight the importance of planning for sustainable fiscal policy and working toward a more balanced federal budget over time.EconomyEconomic growth is strongest when markets are competitive and predictable. Government policy should aim to create a stable environment rather than favoring specific companies or industries.Taxpayers should not bear the cost of private business decisions. A consistent regulatory framework, applied fairly, allows businesses of all sizes to plan, invest, and grow. That includes working with employers, workers, and industry groups to ensure regulations are clear, effective, and not unnecessarily burdensome.Businesses also play a central role in long-term economic stability. Decisions that prioritize short-term gains without considering employees or communities can have broader impacts. Sustainable growth depends on balancing profitability with workforce stability and long-term investment.In recent years, changes in regulatory policy contributed to increased business activity, job growth, and wage gains in many sectors. A competitive labor market can provide workers with greater opportunities and upward mobility, while also supporting business expansion.Maintaining that type of environment requires a focus on consistency, accountability, and policies that support both economic growth and long-term stability.ImmigrationMy wife immigrated to the United States legally from Germany, and I have seen firsthand how complex and costly that process can be. When I returned from active duty, I sponsored her through the legal immigration system, which required medical exams, interviews, translated documents, and significant financial cost. It is a process that requires time and commitment.I support legal immigration and believe it continues to play an important role in the country’s growth and development. A system that works effectively should recognize those who follow the law and provide clear, consistent pathways for individuals and families.At the same time, immigration policy depends on consistent enforcement of existing laws. That includes maintaining border security, addressing visa overstays, and ensuring that agencies have the tools needed to enforce current policies.Global conditions also play a role in migration patterns. Instability, including conflicts where the United States has been involved, can contribute to displacement and increased migration pressures. These factors should be considered when evaluating both foreign policy and immigration policy.The United States has a long history of immigration, and a functional system should support legal pathways, apply laws consistently, and provide clarity for those seeking to come here the right way.National DefenseI served as a Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army with the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment and deployed to Iraq twice, first in 2004 during Iraq’s initial post-Saddam election, and again in 2007 during the troop surge. During those deployments, my unit lost more than 30 soldiers, and others continue to carry the lasting effects of their service.That experience shaped my view that service members must be properly equipped, supported, and cared for. They should have the best equipment available and not be placed in avoidable risk. It also means ensuring safe housing, clean water, and compensation that reflects their responsibilities and cost of living.Military readiness depends not only on equipment, but on the people who serve. Recruitment, retention, and overall force readiness are directly tied to how service members and their families are treated.The United States must remain prepared to address potential threats from near-peer competitors such as China and Russia, as well as ongoing challenges posed by countries like North Korea. These nations maintain significant military capabilities and, in some cases, rely on force as a primary tool of state power. Maintaining readiness requires continued investment in modernization, including cyber capabilities, joint command and control systems, and the nuclear triad.The war in Iran highlights the complexity of modern conflict. Military action, particularly when it involves critical infrastructure or risks broader escalation, carries long-term strategic consequences. Decisions involving the use of force should be made with clear objectives, defined limits, and an understanding of how they affect both regional stability and the safety of U.S. personnel.The role of the U.S. military should remain focused on its core mission: defending the nation and, when necessary, fighting and winning wars. Extended operations without clearly defined objectives can place additional strain on service members and resources.The Constitution assigns Congress a central role in decisions related to war. Maintaining that balance is important to ensure accountability and clarity when the nation commits its forces.The United States should remain engaged globally and maintain strong alliances, while also recognizing that not every conflict requires direct military involvement. Strategic engagement, combined with readiness and restraint, remains essential to long-term national security.VeteransThe cost of war does not end when the last bullet is fired or the last bomb is dropped. For many veterans, it continues for the rest of their lives, and long-term support remains an ongoing responsibility.That support includes access to education programs such as the GI Bill, disability compensation for service-related injuries, and reliable access to healthcare and other services.The Department of Veterans Affairs, including the Veterans Health Administration, has faced longstanding challenges in delivering timely and consistent care. Many veterans continue to experience delays, administrative barriers, and difficulty navigating the system.Addressing these issues requires consistent oversight and accountability. This includes reviewing how programs are implemented, identifying where regulations create unnecessary obstacles, and ensuring that policies remain focused on serving veterans effectively.HealthcareHealthcare costs continue to rise each year, placing increasing pressure on individuals and families. In some cases, premiums and out-of-pocket expenses can rival major household costs, making long-term affordability a concern.Several factors contribute to these costs, including market concentration among large healthcare systems, insurance providers, and pharmaceutical companies. Addressing anti-competitive practices and improving transparency can help create a more balanced and accessible system.Regulatory requirements also play a role. When healthcare providers spend significant time on administrative tasks rather than patient care, it can affect both efficiency and outcomes. Reviewing and streamlining these requirements may help providers focus more on delivering care.Improving affordability and access will require a combination of oversight, competition, and policies that support both patients and providers.2nd AmendmentI am a gun owner and exercise my Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.The Second Amendment is a constitutional protection, and any policies affecting it should be carefully evaluated with respect for individual rights and due process. Legislative and regulatory actions should be consistent with constitutional limits.I have concerns about regulatory overreach by federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), particularly when rules are expanded without clear legislative authority.I also have concerns about policies such as red flag laws that may restrict access to firearms without sufficient due process protections. Any approach to public safety should ensure that constitutional rights are preserved while addressing legitimate concerns.The unbornMy views on this issue are shaped by my faith and by the principles of protecting life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.I am pro-life and support policies that protect unborn life while also providing support to women during pregnancy. This includes access to resources, healthcare, and assistance that help families navigate difficult circumstances.I grew up in a family where my father, brother, and sister were adopted. That experience has given me a personal understanding of the role adoption can play in providing stability and opportunity. I support policies that expand and strengthen adoption options.I also support appropriate oversight to ensure that public funds are never used for abortions.EducationEducation is best directed at the state and local level, where parents, teachers, and school boards have a direct understanding of students’ needs.Expanding federal involvement can reduce flexibility and create uniform policies that may not reflect local priorities. Returning greater control to states and communities allows for more responsive decision-making and accountability.Parents should have a central role in their children’s education, and local school boards should have the authority to make decisions on curriculum, funding, and school policies.The federal role should be limited and focused, with greater responsibility placed on states and local communities to manage education systems.Law enforcementLaw enforcement officers serve their communities every day, often in unpredictable and high-risk situations. Routine calls can quickly become dangerous, and these risks are part of the job throughout an officer’s career.Public safety depends on maintaining a professional and effective law enforcement workforce. That includes ensuring officers have the training, resources, and support needed to do their jobs safely and responsibly.At the same time, accountability is an important part of maintaining public trust. When misconduct occurs, it should be addressed appropriately. This includes improving information sharing between departments when officers are removed for cause, so that patterns of behavior are not overlooked.Policies affecting law enforcement should balance support for those who serve with clear standards for accountability. Stable funding and well-defined protections help ensure departments can operate effectively while maintaining public confidence.Limited governmentThe federal government should have a limited and clearly defined role. Many of the challenges facing the country are better addressed at the state, local, or individual level, where accountability is more direct and solutions can reflect the needs of each community.Local governments are closer to the people they serve and are often better equipped to respond effectively. Expanding federal involvement can reduce flexibility and create one-size-fits-all policies that do not work across diverse regions.Personal responsibility and self-sufficiency have long been central to economic stability and community strength. Public policy should reinforce those principles rather than replace them.The Constitution establishes clear limits on federal authority, and those limits should guide how laws are written and applied.Faith and familyFaith and family play an important role in many communities and have long been a foundation for personal responsibility and civic life.I was raised in the Christian faith, and my family attends Concordia Lutheran Church. My wife, Madeleine, and I have been married for 18 years, and we are raising our three children here in Northeast Indiana.I believe religious liberty is a fundamental constitutional protection. Individuals and families should be free to practice their faith without unnecessary interference, and policies should respect that freedom while remaining consistent with the law.At the same time, the Constitution establishes a clear distinction between church and state. Government should not establish or favor a particular religion, and public policy decisions, including those related to national security and military action, should be made based on constitutional authority, strategic considerations, and the rule of law.Recent global events have highlighted the importance of maintaining that balance. Faith can inform personal values, but government decisions must remain grounded in constitutional principles and clearly defined objectives.Maintaining both religious liberty and the separation of church and state is essential to preserving the rights of all Americans.— Jon Kenworthy's campaign website (April 15, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Jon is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran and former political staffer that advised, conducted oversite, and crafted policy for U.S. Senators Dan Coats and Mike Braun. Jon was born and raised in Fort Wayne and currently lives there with his wife of 15 years Madeleine and 3 children, Matthew, Delilah, and David and 2 dogs.

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?

The federal government has become a leviathan intruding into many facets of our lives, there are some things it is supposed to do though. Things like defense, foreign affairs, homeland security, and caring for our veterans. In a dangerous world it is imperative to be ready on day 1 in office, Jon won't need to be brought up to speed because he has spent most of his adult life working in these areas.The National Debt currently sits at over $31 Trillion. Maintaining such a high debt is not sustainable and puts the burden of repayment on our children and grandchildren. Such high debt is also a national security threat, we must cut our spending and streamline our government to put us back on a path to a balanced budget.Indiana's 3rd Congressional district deserves more than canned conservative talking points, they deserve leadership and productivity in Congress. Jon is the only candidate that has experience getting substantive legislation passed on the federal level and that was as a staffer. Send Jon to Washington and you will not just get votes the right way, but also bills introduced, oversite conducted, and constituents being served from day 1.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Jon believes strongly in the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility. His top priorities will be: tackling the national debt, supporting a strong military, protecting the 2nd amendment, limiting the size of the federal government, and protecting the unborn.