Jonathan Wagoner

Jonathan Wagoner was born in Burbank, California. His career experience includes working as a business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Jonathan Wagoner, a husband, father, small business owner, and proud resident of Ventura County. I wasn’t born into politics. I was raised by a single mother who taught me the value of hard work, faith, and community.

I started working right out of high school, cleaning carpets and later working in management at a large retail chain, before launching my own restoration company and eventually co-founding a digital marketing business to help other local service businesses grow.

I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is to build something from nothing, how broken our systems can be, and how out of touch many of our elected officials are. I’m not running for Congress to become part of the political machine. I’m running because I believe Ventura County deserves a representative who’s been in the trenches, understands real-world struggles, and is ready to bring people together to find real solutions.

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?

I’m not a career politician. I’m just a regular guy who has lived the challenges Ventura County families face every day. I’m running for Congress to bring common-sense leadership, restore trust, and focus on real solutions instead of party politics. It’s time to put people over partisanship and elect someone who has been in the trenches and understands what it means to work hard, listen, and lead with integrity.I believe leadership means showing up, listening, and getting things done. Ventura County deserves a representative who will put the community first, not party agendas. I’ll work across the aisle to protect working families, support small businesses, and bring accountability back to government. I’m here to make a real difference for the people who call this place home.I’m running to bring Ventura County the kind of leadership it deserves, grounded in real-life experience, not political ambition. I’ve built businesses, faced challenges, and worked hard to create opportunities for others. In Congress, I’ll bring that same drive to fight for working families, protect our local economy, and deliver solutions that actually improve lives. This campaign is about service, not status.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policy that strengthens working families, supports small businesses, and restores trust in government. I care deeply about economic opportunity, lowering the cost of living, and reducing the red tape that holds entrepreneurs back. I believe in term limits, improving public safety, and protecting our seniors by ensuring they have access to quality care, financial security, and the respect they’ve earned. Above all, I want policies that put people over politics and deliver real results for Ventura County.

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

I look up to my mom more than anyone. She raised me and my brother as a single mother, worked hard every day, and never gave up even when things were tough. She beat cancer, kept our family together, and showed me what real strength, faith, and resilience look like. Her example taught me to work hard, stay grounded, and always put people first. If I can lead with even a fraction of her courage and heart, I will be doing something right.

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

The most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a willingness to listen. We need leaders who show up, tell the truth, and follow through. An official should serve the people, not a party or personal ambition. They should lead with humility, make decisions based on what is right rather than what is politically convenient, and always remember they work for the community.

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

I bring a strong work ethic, real-life experience, and a deep commitment to serving others. I have built businesses from the ground up, led teams, and navigated challenges that many families and small business owners face every day. I listen before I speak, I lead with integrity, and I follow through on what I say. I believe these qualities, combined with my passion for our community, would make me an effective and accountable representative.

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

The core responsibilities of a member of Congress are to represent the people, protect the Constitution, and deliver real results for their district. That means listening to the community, writing and voting on legislation that improves lives, and holding the federal government accountable. It also means being accessible, transparent, and always putting the interests of the people above politics or party lines.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I’m not focused on leaving a legacy. Focusing too much on legacy can become a distraction from serving others. I want to stay present, do the work, and make decisions based on what is right for the people I represent. If anything is remembered, I hope it is that I showed up, listened, and did everything I could to make life better for my community.

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

The first historical event I clearly remember is September 11th. I was 12 years old at the time. Even at that young age, I knew the world had changed. I remember the fear, the confusion, and the deep sense of unity that followed.

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

My very first job was working as a janitor at my church. I was just a teenager, and I held that job for a little over two years. It taught me the value of hard work, showing up on time, and taking pride in every task, no matter how small. That experience shaped a lot of how I approach work and service today.

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

Beyond by Leon Bridges

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

The House of Representatives is unique because it is the chamber closest to the people. With two-year terms and smaller districts, members of the House are held accountable more frequently and are expected to stay closely connected to their communities. It was designed to reflect the voice of the people, and when it functions as intended, it ensures that everyday Americans have a seat at the table in shaping the direction of our country.

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

Experience in government can be helpful, but it should not be a requirement. What matters most is integrity, leadership, and a willingness to serve the people, not a political agenda. In many cases, career politicians become disconnected from the real world. I believe bringing in people with real-life experience in business, family, and community can lead to better, more practical decision-making. Washington needs more common sense and fewer career insiders.

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

One of our greatest challenges over the next decade will be restoring trust in our institutions and bridging the divide between Americans. We’re facing rising costs of living, a struggling middle class, a broken immigration system, and increasing threats to national security. At the same time, we need to address government overreach, protect individual freedoms, and get serious about fiscal responsibility. Meeting these challenges will take real leadership, common sense, and the courage to put country before politics.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe two-year terms keep representatives accountable, which is important. They are a reminder that elected officials work for the people and must stay connected to their communities. However, the short term also means constant campaigning, which can distract from doing the job. I support exploring reforms that maintain accountability while allowing more time to focus on results. Ultimately, what matters most is how a representative uses their time in office to serve the people with integrity and purpose.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I fully support term limits. Public service should never become a lifelong career. When politicians stay in office too long, they lose touch with the people they’re supposed to represent. Term limits bring fresh ideas, new energy, and real accountability. They help prevent corruption, reduce influence from lobbyists, and ensure that elected officials stay focused on serving the people not holding onto power.

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

Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable in policymaking, as long as it does not require sacrificing core values. In a country as diverse as ours, we will not agree on everything, but that should not stop us from finding common ground. Good leadership means listening, negotiating in good faith, and delivering results that move us forward. We need less political grandstanding and more real solutions. Compromise, when done right, is not a sign of weakness but a sign of a functioning democracy.

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?

The power to originate revenue bills is a critical responsibility, and I would take that role seriously. If elected, I would prioritize using this authority to push for fiscally responsible policies that ease the burden on working families, support small businesses, and reduce wasteful spending. Every dollar raised and spent by the federal government should be accountable to the people. I would focus on making sure tax and spending policies reflect the needs of Ventura County, not special interests in Washington.

What committees interest you?

I’m interested in serving on committees that focus on the real challenges facing everyday Americans. The Small Business Committee stands out because I know firsthand how hard it is to build and sustain a business. I’m also interested in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is critical for Ventura County’s growth and safety, and the Oversight and Accountability Committee to help restore trust in government. I want to be where I can make the biggest impact for the people I serve.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayers deserve to know how every dollar is being spent and why. We need to eliminate waste, expose backroom deals, and make sure elected officials are held to the same standards as the people they represent. I support strict oversight and public access to spending and voting records. Trust in government starts with telling the truth and leading by example.