Rob Ruszkowski

Rob Ruszkowski was born in Plainview, New York. He earned a high school diploma from Plainview Old Bethpage High School and a bachelor's degree in finance from Hofstra University in 1988. His career experience includes working as an entrepreneur and an outreach coordinator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Rush Congress

Who is Robert Anthony Joseph Ruszkowski ( Rush )

Meet Rob Rush: A Fighter for Justice, Peace, and the People!

Rob Rush is running for Congress to restore honesty, compassion, and courage to Georgia’s 14th District. As a proud member of the Gaia Knights Movement, Rob is dedicated to inspiring others to join in the fight for Democracy and Justice.

Born and raised in Plainview, New York, Rob is a second-generation American with Sicilian and Austrian/Hungarian Polish/Ukrainian heritage. His Grandfather worked as a Coal Miner in West Virginia where his father was raised. His father worked as a bookkeeper for over 40 years for the same company in New York while his mother was a devoted homemaker. Growing up in a stable and loving family instilled in Rob the values of integrity, hard work, and service.

After obtaining his finance degree from Hofstra University, Rob launched a successful career in sales, eventually founding Hi-Tech Paging Inc. in Atlanta in 1991. With just $5,000 in savings and a $5,000 gift from his father, he transformed it into five thriving locations in Gwinnett County, GA, generating over $1 million in annual sales. However, Rob understands the challenges faced by small business owners, having personally navigated bankruptcy and the demands of starting over.

Rob’s journey has also been one of personal and spiritual growth. Caring for his parents during their final years (2005 - 2018)

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?

Restoring the American Dream Through Human Rights

The American Dream has been hollowed out for working families across GA-14. I’m running to transform that dream into reality by establishing a new Human Rights Bill that guarantees clean air and water, a living wage, fair healthcare, equal justice, and the right to build a secure future. This campaign is about delivering—not promising—dignity, opportunity, and freedom for every person, regardless of background or income.Ending Corruption and Returning Power to the People

Washington is controlled by billionaires, lobbyists, and special interests who profit while our communities struggle. I will fight to end dark-money influence, protect voting rights, and rebuild a government that works for everyday Americans. My platform includes strict anti-corruption reforms, transparency requirements, and policies that redirect wealth and power back into the hands of workers, families, and local communities.A New Economy That Works for Everyone

Our district has suffered from rising costs, shrinking wages, and broken systems designed to benefit the wealthy few. I’m proposing bold but common-sense solutions: a Thriving Wage, AI-era economic protections, clean-energy jobs, revitalized rural infrastructure, and fair healthcare that doesn’t bankrupt families. My goal is simple—make GA-14 a place where people can live free, build prosperity, and raise their families with security and hope.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about building a country where every person has real freedom, dignity, and opportunity. My focus includes human rights protections, anti-corruption reforms, clean air and water, affordable healthcare, and a thriving-wage economy that supports working families. I’m committed to rural revitalization, renewable energy independence, strengthening democracy, and ensuring that emerging technologies like AI benefit people—not just corporations or billionaires.

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

I look up to several people whose character, courage, and compassion have shaped the person I strive to be—beginning with my parents. My father was the embodiment of integrity, humility, and quiet strength. My mother brought warmth, stability, and unconditional love into our home. Together, they taught me service, kindness, perseverance, and the importance of treating every person with dignity. Their guidance is the moral compass I carry into public service.

I also admire individuals whose lives reflect empathy, resilience, and courage. Keanu Reeves inspires me with his humility, generosity, and ability to stay grounded while using his success to help others. Sean Penn has shown a willingness to confront crises head-on and use his platform to defend the vulnerable around the world. Stephen Colbert, through humor and honesty, demonstrates how truth and compassion can cut through misinformation and division.

Above all, I look up to Jesus Christ, whose teachings about love, forgiveness, justice, and caring for the poor form the spiritual foundation of my values. His example guides how I aim to lead—with compassion, courage, and a commitment to uplifting those who have been ignored or left behind.

These influences come from different worlds—family, faith, art, activism, and storytelling—but together they shape my vision for public service. They remind me to be humble, to listen, to act with integrity, and to stand up for what is right even when it’s difficult. I don’t aim to follow just one example—I aim to carry the best lessons from all of them into a politics grounded in humanity, dignity, and hope.

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

Integrity, accountability, and courage are essential. An elected official must put people above party, truth above ideology, and compassion above personal gain. They should listen more than they speak, lead with humility, and fight corruption wherever it hides. Real leadership requires moral courage—standing up for working families, protecting human rights, and making decisions that reflect the long-term well-being of the community, not the interests of donors or political insiders.

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

A member of Congress must protect the Constitution, defend the rights of the people, and ensure government works for every family—not just the wealthy and well-connected. The role requires creating laws that improve daily life, overseeing federal agencies, securing resources for the district, and holding both parties accountable. Most importantly, a representative must listen to constituents, solve real problems, and act with honesty, transparency, and unwavering dedication to the people they serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and courage—a legacy that proves one person can rise from hardship, choose compassion over fear, and help shift the direction of an entire country. My goal is not to be remembered as a politician, but as someone who helped restore faith in American democracy and gave power back to the people who felt unseen, unheard, and left behind.

I want to help establish a new Human Rights Bill that guarantees every American clean water, clean air, healthcare, a thriving wage, and the freedom to build a secure future. If I can play a role in creating a government that values human dignity above corporate profit or political power, that will be the legacy that matters.

I hope to be remembered as someone who brought honesty, empathy, and moral courage back into public life. Someone who refused to bow to corruption, who fought for working families, and who believed that the measure of a nation is how it treats its most vulnerable people. I want future generations to inherit a democracy stronger than the one we have today—one rooted in fairness, justice, and shared purpose.

On a personal level, I want my legacy to honor my parents, who taught me love, resilience, and compassion; to honor my daughter, whose future has guided my decisions; and to honor the people I’ve met across GA-14 who shared their struggles and inspired me to fight harder.

Ultimately, I want to leave behind a simple truth:

that we chose hope over fear, dignity over division, and humanity over the machinery of corruption—and because of that choice, America became a better, freer, more compassionate nation.

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

It was the oil embargo in 1973-74 when I was seven years old

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

My very first job was a paper route which I had for a couple of years.

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

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Luke Skywalker. His journey reflects many of the values I believe in: courage, compassion, humility, and the determination to stand up against overwhelming darkness. Luke started as an ordinary person from a small, overlooked place — much like so many towns in our district — yet he rose to challenge tyranny, protect the vulnerable, and restore hope where it had been lost.

What inspires me most is that his strength didn’t come from power or anger, but from empathy, self-discipline, and a belief that even in the darkest times, light can return. He fought not to conquer, but to redeem. That message, and his refusal to give up on people, resonate deeply with me and guide how I try to lead in my own life.

Luke also represents transformation — the idea that anyone, no matter their past struggles or circumstances, can grow into someone who brings healing, justice, and balance to the world. That’s the essence of why I’m running: to help restore balance, protect human dignity, and give people hope again.

(Optionally) I’ve also always admired characters like Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings — leaders who rise reluctantly, guided not by ambition but by honor and responsibility. But Luke Skywalker remains the character who most captures the type of courage and moral clarity I aspire to bring into public service.

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

One of the greatest struggles in my life has been navigating profound personal loss and rebuilding myself after moments that shook my foundation. I’ve faced the collapse of businesses, financial hardship, the end of my marriage, and long periods of emotional exhaustion while caring for aging parents and trying to be a strong father through difficult circumstances. These experiences tested my spirit, challenged my identity, and forced me to confront who I was — and who I wanted to become.

I also struggled for years with people-pleasing and carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations. I spent too much time trying to hold everything together for others while neglecting my own wellbeing. That pattern led me into burnout, unhealthy relationships, and moments where I felt completely lost. The hardest battles were the internal ones — learning to value myself, set boundaries, heal old wounds, and rise with a stronger sense of purpose.

But these struggles shaped me in essential ways. They taught me humility, empathy, and resilience. They gave me a deeper understanding of what so many people in our district face — financial stress, family conflict, loneliness, fear, and the feeling that life can hit harder than you ever imagined. They also helped me discover my moral compass and my commitment to service.

I’m not running for Congress to appear perfect. I’m running because I know what it’s like to fall, get back up, and choose growth over bitterness. My struggles made me stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to fight for a government that actually stands with people during their hardest moments. They shaped the policies I champion today — policies built on dignity, stability, and human rights.

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

The U.S. House of Representatives is the most immediate and responsive body in our federal government. Its design reflects the belief that the people deserve a chamber that reacts quickly to their needs, voices, and changing circumstances. With shorter two-year terms, the House stays closely tied to public sentiment and community realities—especially in rapidly evolving areas like the economy, healthcare, technology, and civil rights.

The House is also unique because representation is based on population. This ensures that every district, regardless of wealth or political influence, has an equal voice in shaping national policy. It is the chamber closest to everyday life—where rural towns, working families, and diverse communities all send someone directly accountable to them.

The House holds the exclusive power of the purse, giving it primary responsibility for federal spending, budgeting, and financial oversight. This makes it the key institution for shaping economic fairness and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. It also has the sole authority to initiate impeachment, reinforcing the House’s role as the first line of defense against abuses of power.

As an institution, the House is built to be dynamic and generational. It is meant to evolve with the nation, bringing in new leaders, new perspectives, and new ideas far more frequently than any other branch. This structure aligns with my belief in term limits and generational renewal—ensuring Congress never becomes disconnected from the people it serves.

In short, the House is unique because it is the people’s chamber: fast-moving, diverse, accountable, and rooted in the principle that a government must stay in touch with those who live under its laws.

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 isn’t the most important factor—and it certainly shouldn’t be a requirement. What matters far more is integrity, real-world experience, moral courage, and a genuine commitment to serving people rather than political parties or special interests.

Political experience can sometimes help a representative navigate the system, build coalitions, and understand legislative processes. But too often, long-time political insiders become disconnected from the daily struggles of working families. They learn how to survive in Washington instead of how to change Washington. That’s why I believe strongly in term limits and generational renewal—so Congress continually benefits from new leaders shaped by the realities of their time, not the habits of the political class.

Some of America’s most transformative leaders came from outside the traditional political pipeline. People with backgrounds in business, community service, technology, healthcare, education, the military, or advocacy bring fresh perspectives that career politicians often lack. They understand what’s happening on the ground—what families are facing, what small businesses are struggling with, and how federal policies actually impact real life.

I believe the ideal Congress is a mix:

• Some members with practical legislative experience to help drive complex policy forward

• Many members with strong real-world backgrounds who represent the lived experience of their communities

• All members accountable to the people, not the system

Government should look like America—not like a permanent professional political class. The goal isn’t to elect politicians—it’s to elect public servants who can think independently, listen deeply, and fight for a future where every American has dignity, opportunity, and a voice.

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

Over the next decade, the United States faces a crossroads that will determine whether we rise together or fall into deeper division. Our greatest challenge is the erosion of democracy through corruption, dark-money influence, and political extremism that places power in the hands of billionaires, corporations, and special interests instead of the American people. If we don’t confront this, nothing else can be solved.

Economically, we are entering an era where automation and artificial intelligence will transform nearly every job. Without bold new protections—like a thriving wage, AI-era worker security, and a modern social contract—millions of Americans risk being left behind. Rising costs for housing, healthcare, childcare, and energy continue to destabilize families while corporate profits soar.

We must also address the growing crises of mental health, addiction, and community fragmentation that have taken a toll on people across all backgrounds. These struggles are often symptoms of a system that has stopped valuing human dignity.

Environmentally, we face increasing threats from pollution, PFAS contamination, climate-driven weather events, and the decline of clean water and clean air—especially in rural communities that have been ignored for decades. Protecting natural resources is no longer optional; it is a human rights issue.

Finally, our nation must confront the rise of disinformation and political violence. We need leaders who will calm the temperature, restore trust, and rebuild a sense of shared purpose.

If we meet these challenges with courage, integrity, and a renewed commitment to human rights, we can build a future where every American has real freedom, real opportunity, and a government that works for them—not against them.

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

Yes—the two-year term length for members of the House of Representatives is essential, and I fully support keeping it. The House was designed to be the most responsive and accountable body in our government. With two-year terms, representatives must stay closely connected to the people they serve and cannot drift into the insulated world of Washington politics.

A shorter term forces elected officials to listen, engage, and deliver results. It prevents them from becoming complacent or insulated, and it ensures that the public has frequent opportunities to replace leaders who stop serving their communities. In a fast-changing world—shaped by rapid technological shifts, economic challenges, and evolving social needs—this direct accountability matters more than ever.

However, two-year terms alone are not enough to protect democracy. That’s why I pair this belief with my term limits proposal of five terms (ten years) for House members. This combination keeps the House dynamic and grounded in real life while still giving representatives enough time to gain experience, build coalitions, and pass meaningful legislation.

The Founders intended the House to be the “people’s chamber”—quick to respond, quick to adapt, and quick to course-correct when politicians lose their way. The two-year term is exactly what ensures that. It empowers voters, prevents entrenched power, and keeps the U.S. House aligned with the needs and values of each generation.

In short:

Two years keeps representatives accountable. Term limits keep them humble. Together, they keep Congress honest and responsive to the people—exactly as it should be.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly support term limits for members of Congress, and my position is rooted in both principle and practicality. Our democracy cannot thrive when elected officials hold power for decades, becoming disconnected from the daily realities their constituents face. Long-term incumbency often leads to entrenched political machines, loyalty to donors over voters, and policymaking driven by self-preservation rather than public service. Term limits restore balance by ensuring representatives stay grounded, accountable, and focused on the people—not on building personal empires in Washington.

My proposal is designed around generational renewal—the belief that every generation deserves leaders who understand their unique challenges and the world they're inheriting. For the House of Representatives, I support a maximum of five terms (ten years), and for the U.S. Senate, a maximum of two terms (twelve years). This approach prevents career politicians from consolidating power while still allowing enough time for elected officials to learn their roles, build relationships, and deliver meaningful legislative results.

This structure ensures that new voices and new ideas consistently enter Congress. Every 15 to 20 years, America evolves dramatically—economically, technologically, and socially. Our representation must evolve with it. Term limits create a built-in pathway for generational leadership, reducing stagnation and empowering fresh leaders shaped by the realities of their time.

Ultimately, this policy reflects a foundational belief:

Congress should belong to the people, not to career politicians.

Term limits keep our government dynamic, responsive, and aligned with the long-term well-being of working families rather than the short-term interests of political insiders.

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

I don’t seek to model myself after any one representative, because I believe Congress needs a new kind of leadership—one rooted in integrity, service, and the courage to challenge a system that has stopped working for the people. However, there are qualities in certain past leaders that I deeply respect and aim to embody.

I admire leaders like Dennis Kucinich, who stood firm in their principles even under enormous pressure. His willingness to challenge powerful interests, oppose endless wars, and represent working families with heart and courage shaped my early activism and taught me the importance of moral clarity in public service.

I also draw inspiration from figures who led with compassion and conscience—people who understood that leadership is not about power, but about protecting the vulnerable and uplifting those left behind. Representatives who listened deeply to their communities, defended human rights, and were unafraid to speak truth to power have always resonated with me.

But ultimately, I’m not running to follow in someone else’s footsteps. I’m running to bring a new generation’s voice to Congress—one that reflects the struggles of working families, the urgency of our time, and the belief that government must once again belong to the people. I want to model myself after the best qualities of past leaders while forging a path built on accountability, transparency, empathy, and a relentless focus on human dignity.

My goal is not to be the next version of someone else—it is to be the first representative who delivers on the promise of a government that truly serves its people.

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?

Yes. One story that has stayed with me came from a single mother in our district who works two jobs, still can’t afford health insurance, and lives in constant fear that one medical emergency could destroy her entire future. She told me she feels like she’s “doing everything right, but losing ground every year.” What struck me most wasn’t just her struggle—it was the quiet exhaustion in her voice, the feeling that she had been forgotten by a government that talks about families but rarely fights for them.

Her story reflects what I’ve heard from so many people across our district—workers pushed into debt by rising costs, families skipping medical care, seniors rationing medications, and young people believing they’ll never afford a home. These aren’t isolated stories; they are symptoms of a broken system that prioritizes billionaires, corporations, and political games over human dignity.

Listening to her reminded me why I’m running. I’m not entering this race for titles or political ambition—I’m running because no American should feel abandoned in their own country. She deserves a representative who sees her, hears her, and fights for policies that give her and her children a real chance at stability and hope.

Her courage and honesty reaffirmed my belief that we need a new Human Rights Bill—one that guarantees access to healthcare, a thriving wage, clean air and water, and the basic security every family deserves. Her story and the countless others fuel my determination to bring compassion, accountability, and real solutions back to Congress.

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

Yes—compromise is both necessary and desirable, but only when it serves the people, protects their rights, and moves the nation forward. Healthy compromise is the foundation of a functioning democracy. It requires honesty, respect, and a willingness to listen. It does not mean abandoning core principles or giving in to corruption, extremism, or policies that harm working families.

I believe in principled compromise: finding common ground without sacrificing human dignity, civil rights, or the wellbeing of our communities. When disagreement becomes an excuse for gridlock, Americans pay the price—through higher costs, broken systems, and political games that benefit no one but wealthy donors and lobbyists.

Compromise works when both sides negotiate in good faith and are focused on real solutions rather than political theater. I will work with anyone—Republican, Democrat, or Independent—if it means delivering better healthcare, cleaner water, stronger wages, and a safer, freer future for the people of Georgia’s 14th District.

But I will not compromise with corruption, hate, or authoritarianism. There can be no middle ground when the basic rights of Americans are on the line. The goal is not to “meet in the middle”—the goal is to solve problems.

True leadership means knowing when to bridge divides and when to draw a line. I am committed to building coalitions, lowering the temperature in politics, and restoring a spirit of cooperation—while fiercely defending the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every American.

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 House’s constitutional authority to originate all revenue bills is one of the most important tools for shaping the future of our country. If elected, I would use this power to ensure federal revenue policy reflects the needs of working families—not billionaires, political donors, or multinational corporations.

This responsibility directly supports the core of my platform. Revenue policy determines whether we can fund clean water, affordable healthcare, thriving wages, rural revitalization, and investments in a new AI-era economy without leaving people behind. It also determines whether giant corporations and the ultra-wealthy continue avoiding their fair share while families in GA-14 struggle to get by.

I would use this authority to:

• End tax loopholes and special-interest giveaways that allow corporations and billionaires to hoard wealth while our communities fight rising costs.

• Redirect federal resources into the Human Rights Bill framework—clean air and water, healthcare access, education, rural infrastructure, and economic security.

• Build a fair tax structure that lifts burdens off working individuals, small businesses, and families while ensuring those who benefit most from America contribute fairly.

• Oppose any revenue measure that shifts costs downward or strips resources from the people who need them most.

• Strengthen transparency so the public can see exactly who benefits from every revenue bill.

This constitutional power is not just procedural—it’s how we determine our nation’s priorities. Revenue is a reflection of values. As a representative, I would fight to make sure our tax policies reflect fairness, human dignity, and a vision of America where every person—especially in rural districts like ours—has the opportunity to thrive.

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

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers responsibly, transparently, and solely in service to the American people—not as a weapon for partisan warfare. Oversight is one of Congress’s most important constitutional duties, but it has been misused for political theater instead of real accountability. I believe investigations should be focused on uncovering truth, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring that government agencies, corporations, and elected officials follow the law.

The House must use its investigative authority to:

• Expose corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse whether it comes from government agencies, powerful corporations, or elected officials in either party.

• Protect the public interest by examining issues like healthcare pricing, pollution, PFAS contamination, corporate monopolies, and threats to our democratic institutions.

• Hold executives, bureaucrats, and contractors accountable when their actions harm the public or violate the Constitution.

• Ensure transparency in how federal dollars are spent, especially in areas like defense, technology, energy, and healthcare.

• Combat disinformation and foreign interference that threaten national security and destabilize our democracy.

• Safeguard civil and human rights, including investigating policies or practices that infringe on Americans’ freedoms or create systemic harm.

What the House should not do is turn oversight into a circus or use investigations as a tool of revenge, distraction, or political intimidation. When oversight becomes enter