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Michele Botelho

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Paralegal

Michele Botelho ran for U.S. House Connecticut District 5 in 2026. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Michele Botelho earned a high school diploma from Everett High School, a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University in 1992, and a degree from Boston University in 2020. Her career experience includes working as a paraprofessional and paralegal. She has worked for the Massachusetts Department of Labor and for law firms.[1] Botelho has been affiliated with the CT Taxpayers Coalition and MAMAS (Mothers Allied to Make America Strong).[2][3][4]

Bachelor's:
Northeastern University, 1992
High school:
Everett High School

Campaign money

Raised
—
From individuals
$0
From PACs & party
$0
Own money
—

FEC filings.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

In their own words

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a wife, a mother, and a caregiver.

I received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Northeastern University. I received my Paralegal Certification from Boston University. I worked for the MA Dept. of Labor, the IRS, and law firms. I also worked for the Public School system tutoring children and as a CNA caring for the elderly. I homeschooled my children until they were ready for college.

I ran a small business.

I am and have always been committed to public service. I volunteer at food shelters and help single mothers and low-income families.

I volunteer at church to instill humility and integrity into our young children.

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 pledge to help continue to restore America's integrity to what it was intended to be by our Founding Fathers. A government that protects and ensures individual rights.I pledge to help make America energy independent and bring back manufacturing jobs to bring the costs of goods and services down.I pledge to help to lower taxes and bring down the costs for health care.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about ensuring the integrity and freedoms of America. Bringing back the American Dream. Protecting the most vulnerable of our society, the elderly and children.

Truth, Justice, and Liberty for all.

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

I first follow the teachings of Christ.

I also, look up to my parents, who came to this country with nothing, and raised a family by working hard and instilling a good work ethic in us.

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

Honesty, Integrity, Compassion, and Strength.

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

To make laws to protect and enhance the life of its citizens.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A legacy that helped bring America back to its greatness and power back to the people

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

Becoming a child of God!

Visiting the UN and its leaders and being chosen, along with schoolmates to represent a country.

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

My very first jobs, at the age of 14 was working in a mail room factory sorting mail and a sewing factory sorting clothes.

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

A congressional representative represents his/her constituents more than the state.

Congress is the purse of the nation and should vote to allow funds to be allocated like they are spending their own money and only to benefit the country.

Congress has the power to impeach corrupt leaders.

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

If experience is any indication of some of our leadership than no.

Experiencing the same issues as your constituents gives a representative the ability to lead with humility and integrity.

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

To bring down inflation, the costs of goods and services.

Make healthcare affordable.

Drug addiction and crime.

Bring about patriotic unity.

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

Alot can be accomplished in two years. I believe it is an appropriate amount of time for the constituents to get to know how they are being represented.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I'm open to them. I believe it is not the age but the effectiveness to legislate and represent.

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 actually many that I have heard. I'm actually helping a single mother of 7 who is currently living in section 8 housing, and she is trying to restore her life and her kids' lives by going back to school and doing what is necessary to get off of welfare.

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

Yes, but only when it does not compromise the quality of life of its citizens.

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?

Government cannot generate wealth; the American people work hard to do that. They should have a say in all spending. I know what it is to live paycheck to paycheck and to provide for a family. I would do my best to protect and serve while keeping taxes and inflation low.

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

The House of Representatives should use its investigative power to enforce accountability, transparency, and legislation and not for personal agendas.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Manufacturing companies in the district.

BlacPac

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

A single mom trying to help her son get off of drugs. Her struggles and hardship.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Raising children who are productive, compassionate and caring. Helping others in their time of need with money, food, and shelter.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

To inform with truth and evidence. To monitor any harm and difficulties that it may bring about.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

To vote in elections: need to a be a citizen with an ID. No ballot boxes but many places/choices with monitors a person can go and vote.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am NOT a politician! I want to see the restoration of this great country! I received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Northeastern University. I received a Paralegal Certificate from Boston University.

I worked for the MA Dept. of Labor, the IRS and the Public School System. I cared for the elderly and homeschooled my children.

I have volunteered at a food shelter and at church. I am part of the CT Taxpayers Coalition. I am also committed to MAMAS (Mothers Allied to Make America Strong), an organization that helps parents find alternatives to the public school system.

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 pledge to vote to pass a balanced budget amendment that gives accountability needed for out of control government spending.I pledge to vote to implement school choice which will give parents the choice and funding they need to decide how their children should be educated. I also worked in the public school system with wonderful teachers whose hands were tied due to federal funding and the teacher's unions. I will vote for Congress to fund schools to bring back classical learning without the wokeness.I pledge to vote to make America energy independent along with working to bring back manufacturing jobs back to our nation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about saving the integrity and freedoms of this great country of ours! We are allowing compromised politicians to spread harmful ideologies. Government must do its job to uphold our laws and to start working for the American people again.

The Constitution, Law and Order, our Military and our Police are what keeps a civilized and comfortable life for the American people. Not too much to ask!

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

I always look to Christ and His Word. I also look up to my parents who came here from Italy, learned the language, and worked hard to raise a family. They instilled in us a good work ethic and contentment for what we had.

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

Books by Thomas Sowell

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

Honesty, Integrity, Compassion, and Strength

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

Honesty, integrity, humility, and good discernment

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

Make laws to protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Appropriate funds to enhance the life of its citizens.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of a representative who helped America come back to its roots and greatness. One who fought against the woke ideology.

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

I chose to believe on Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior!

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

When I was 14, I worked in a sewing factory and a mail room.

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

A congressional representative represents the people more than the state.

Congress is the purse of the nation, and they should vote for funds to be allocated like they are spending their own money. Only spend to benefit the good of the people.

Congress has the power to impeach corrupt leaders.

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

If experience is any indication of the leadership we currently have than that's an easy answer.

Representatives are the voice of their constituents. Humility, Integrity, and Respect are needed.

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

America is facing many challenges; division, compromised leadership, China and Russia, as well as other countries that want to see us fall, a devalued dollar and a failing economy.

Children's innocence is being violated. Children are not learning to read pass the 3rd grade and young adults are more confused and depressed than ever.

We are allowing our country to be invaded by design.

The American people feel let down.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits keep power in check.

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?

Children being trafficked at the border.

Children's innocence being taken away.

Homelessness

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

Compromise is good but only when both parties represent the good of the country. When one party wants to see the country decline than there is no room for compromise.

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?

Government doesn't make money, but it sure knows how to spend it.

Money belongs to the American people and there should be more accountability of how it is spent.

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

U.S House should investigate compromised leaders and the head of compromised agencies.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Manufacturing Companies in the district.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Northeastern University. I received a Paralegal Certificate from Boston University. I worked for the MA Dept. of Labor, the IRS, and law firms. I also worked for the Danbury Public School system tutoring children and as a CNA helping the elderly. I homeschooled my children until they were ready for college.

I am committed to public service by volunteering at a food shelter helping low-income families. I also volunteer at a church, instilling humility and integrity into our young children.

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 pledge to vote to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment that will give the accountability needed for how tax money is being spent. Government spending is out of control and our current leaders are deliberately destroying our economy and our way of life.I pledge to vote to implement school choice which will give parents the choice and funding they need to decide how their children should be educated. I homeschooled my own children and I still had to pay for a school system I did not use. I want to promote excellence in our school systems.I pledge to vote for completion of the wall on our Southern border and stopping illegal immigration. My parents were immigrants who came here legally and worked hard to become American citizens.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about saving the integrity and freedoms of this great country of ours! Our corrupt politicians are allowing NGO's and anti-American ideologies to run our lives with out-of-control spending, social welfare programs, and incentives not to work nor produce. Government needs to do its job and start working for the needs of its people again.

We need, I repeat, we need to get back to the Constitution, Law and Order, building up our military and police, infrastructure, manufacturing, and pride in America again.

No more mandates!

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

My guide is Jesus and his Word. I look up to my parents who came here from another country, learned the language, worked hard and raised 4 children. We lived paycheck to paycheck and always seemed to have food on the table and clothes on our back.

They instilled great work ethic in us and taught us to be content with what we had.

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

humility, integrity, and honesty

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

I'm first accountable to GOD and I will be accountable to my constituents. I am trustworthy and honest.

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

Make laws that protect and enhance the life of its citizens. Propose bills that protect the freedoms of its citizens.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be a member of Congress that helped America come back and away from all the anti-American ideologies. To take America out of the hands of these corrupt NGOs and compromised leaders.

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

I chose to believe on Jesus Christ as my savior, and HE was gracious enough to save me from my sin! Visiting the United Nations and representing a country with my schoolmates. Traveling to Europe.

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

My very first job, when I was 14 years old, was working in a mail room factory, sorting mail. I worked there for 2 summers during high school.

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

A congressional representative represents the people more than the state.

Congress is the purse of the nation, and they should vote and allow for funds to be allocated like they are spending their own money. It should only be for the benefit of the country.

Congress has the power to impeach corrupt leaders.

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

If experience is any indication of the leaders we currently have, that is an easy answer.

Representatives are to represent their voters. They need to be humble and have integrity. They need to care and show respect for the country and its people.

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

Illegal immigration, indoctrination of our children, and getting our economy strong again.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Appropriations Committee

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are needed to prevent representatives and leaders gaining too much power and losing site of why they were sent to Congress in the first place.

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?

children being abused

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

Compromise is necessary but only when both parties represent the good of the country. When you have one party that wants to see the country decline, then there is absolutely no room for compromise.

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 money belongs to the voters, and they should know how their money is being spent.

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

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