Paul Davis

Paul Davis was born in Illinois. He earned a high school diploma from Highland High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in 1990, and a degree from the University of Illinois in 1992.

His career experience includes working as a veterinarian. As of 2025, Davis was affiliated with the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, and the Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a veterinarian, not a politician. I've been a practicing veterinarian for over 33 years. 10 years of which, my wife and I owned our own veterinary practice(Davis Pet Hospital). We both still work full time and are managers at Davis Pet Hospital. I'm an avid bass tournament fisherman in my spare time. I'm the Vice President of the Steel City Bassmasters, a large B.A.S.S. Nation club in the metro east area of St. Louis.

My father is a retired Air Force Colonel and my late mother was the Executive Director of the Glen/Ed Food Pantry for over 30 years. My wife Karin Crocker and I live in the 15the District with our 2 rescue German Shepherds and a feral cat.

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 concerned that we've lost our center. Politics has become too extreme, divisive and disconnected from the people whom it is supposed to serve.As a veterinarian, I'm a scientist. I'm very concerned about the anti science culture. Public health is not partisan, it affects all of us. Scientific and Medical Research is not political.Our inner cities and rural communities need help with infrastructure, affordable(and available healthcare) and education.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Health, scientific research, Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security and Renewable energy.

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

Professionally, I look up to Dr. Michael Diesen - my first boss and mentor. My goal as a professional and a human being was to be a combination of him and "Hawkeye" Pierce - the M.A.S.H. television character. Mike was a smart, quiet and giving person. I couldn't have asked for a better role model. Alan Alda's character of Hawkeye was a flawed/but passionate professional who cared very deeply about people.

Dr. Gary Gass, was another veterinarian that I worked for. He helped me build my own confidence both personally and professionally. He expressed confidence in me but also helped me develop life perspective.

My late mother, Judith Moody was my greatest influence. Her lives mission was public service, she ran a food pantry for over thirty years. She instilled in me the obligation that will all have to serve or community and fellow human beings.

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

The Garth Brooks song - We Shall be free.

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

Honesty and Integrity. We need honest individuals with a passion for public service.

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

I will represent my constituents in the 15th district and advocate for them. It is very important that we remain true to our constitution an support every individuals right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

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

I remember my mother and I meeting my father at the airport when he came home from being stationed in Korea. I was 3 years old.

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

I worked at Highland Veterinary Clinic in Highland Illinois. I began working there between my junior and senior year of high school. I continued to work there on breaks in high school, undergraduate school and veterinary school. When I graduated from veterinary school, I went to work there as their first full time associate veterinarian. I worked there for over two years post graduation from veterinary school. So added up, I worked at my first job for over ten years. I am very grateful to Dr. Michael Diesen and his wife Dolores for showing me what it means to run and small business and to serve a community. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about both of them.

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

It is the most direct connection of the federal government to each individual citizen.

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

No, I think the most important qualification is that of citizen and the willingness to listen to the concerns of all of the citizens of the district.

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

I think our greatest challenge is preserving our democracy and finding common ground.

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

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am for term limits.

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

Yes on many issues - including infrastructure, improving access to affordable access to healthcare, energy policy to name a few. But I will never compromise anyone's human rights, voting rights or reproductive rights.

What committees interest you?

Agriculture, Education and Labor, Ethics, Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Science, Space and Technology, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure and Veterans' Affairs

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe one of the major problems with or representatives in government is the lack of financial transparency. I would advocate for full financial transparency.