Malcolm Ritchie

Malcolm Ritchie served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1981 to 2013. He graduated from GlenOak High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Kent State University in 1985. His career experience includes working as a railroad conductor and locomotive engineer. He has been affiliated with the American Red Cross and Veterans of Foreign Wars.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve Civil Affairs Branch and Retired Locomotive Engineer in civilian life. I’m am a Constitutionalist candidate in the Democratic Party. I have only held public office as a village councilman and then had to deploy to multiple combat tours in Iraq. I have adopted a platform much similar to Senator Sanders and will propose legislation and vote for legislation similar to what Senator Sanders proposes.

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?

Free healthcare for all US CitizensImpeach and Convict Donald Trump for treason against the Constitution.Due process of law under the Constitution

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Due process of law under the Constitution.

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

My father, two fathers in law I had ( deceased) and Jerry Jacobson (deceased) who established and owned the Ohio Central Railroad.

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

The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine

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

Adherence to the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

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

Honesty. Working man. 32 Military Career. Leadership experience. Loyal. Empathy. I don’t love money. I love people.

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

To participate in House Committees, sponsor bills, and vote for bills to serve the citizens of the 6th Ohio House District and the United States at Large that provide services to support the working poor, the veterans, and marginalized groups in our society, and to establish a fair taxation system that requires the ultra wealthy citizens and corporations to pay a fair share of taxes to provide a free healthcare system for All citizens and to rebuild the electric and railroad infrastructure of the United States.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I loved humanity.

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

Vietnam War, 1970

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

Gas Station Attendant, 2 years

What is your favorite book? Why?

The War of the Worlds by HG Wells. 1st Adult book I ever read at about age 8.

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

Luke Skywalker

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

Cult of Personality by Living Color.

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

Family illnesses and death of loved ones has been the greatest struggles I’ve ever dealt with. Leading soldiers in Combat in Iraq and seeing soldiers and civilians be killed was also a difficult time.

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

This is the people’s house and is the direct link from the people to the federal government. It is critical that it, partnered with the Senate remains a co equal branch of government with the executive and Judicial branches as a check and balance to prevent fascism.

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

It is, but not a requirement. The House should be open to all that want to serve the citizens of their district, regardless of experience in politics or government.

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

Preventing a fascist takeover of our country, patenting nuclear war, providing universal healthcare, and protecting the civil rights of marginalized Americans.

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

That could be up for debate. There is a good argument for 4 year terms. This would require an amendment to the Constitution of course.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I advocate term limits for the Congress. 12 years for the House. 24 years for Senate.

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

I admire the efforts of a number of past and present Representatives, but wouldn’t model myself after any necessarily.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

There are so many related to healthcare and seniors struggling to survive and rely on Medicare and Medicaid there is no particular story.

Tell us your favorite joke.

No

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

Yes. After the fascist problem within the Republican Party is resolved.

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?

Everything associated with raising revenue must originate there. The executive has no authority in this, period.

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

To keep a check on the Weather Executive Branch and The Defense Department in ALL matters.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None yet

What committees interest you?

Armed Services, Foreign Relations, Intelligence, and Transportation.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Total Transparency and role of Congress to oversee.

Campaign websiteRitchie's campaign website stated the following:Malcolm is running for Congress to fight for economic opportunity, affordable healthcare, strong unions, quality public schools, and clean air and water. These are not political talking points. They are basic rights.He supports:Establishing free healthcare for all American citizensExpanding access to college and trade school education for all American citizensRepealing the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Patriot Act, and drafting a new Defense Reorganization ActRepealing the 2025 Budget ActUpholding the Constitution and protecting the rights guaranteed to all citizens, including women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groupsInitiating impeachment hearings for Trump, Vance, and the entire cabinetAbolishing private prisonsIncreasing the number of immigration courts and judgesReestablishing nationwide mental health facilitiesRebuilding the electric grid using nuclear fusion reactors and underground power linesExpand the high-speed rail system— Malcolm Ritchie's campaign website (May 1, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.