Steven Wendelin

Steven Wendelin was born in San Mateo, California. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 2023. He graduated from San Mateo High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the California Maritime Academy in 1990, a graduate degree from the Marine Corps University in 2007, and a graduate degree from the National Defense University in 2014.[1][2]

Wendelin has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Blacksmiths Guild of the Potomac

Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America

Free and Accepted Masons

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Commander Steven Wendelin, United States Navy, Retired. After nearly 39 years of active and reserve service—including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan—I retired to Lost River, West Virginia, planning for a quiet life in the most beautiful place in the world. But over the past decade, I’ve grown frustrated watching Congress be hijacked by billionaires, lobbyists, and extremist agendas. This is no longer about Democrats vs. Republicans or left vs. right—it’s about democracy vs. oligarchy, freedom vs. tyranny. That’s why I’m running for West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District in 2026. Our incumbent, Riley Moore, has sold out West Virginia to the super-wealthy and to Heritage Foundation extremists who would strip us of our rights and our future. I believe in common sense, service before self, and a government that works for all of us—not just the powerful few. With your support, I’ll help restore the rule of law, defend our freedoms, and fight for a better, brighter future for every West Virginian.

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?

They’re Making Us Sicker — I’ll Fight Back

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Affordable healthcare for every West Virginian.

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No cuts to Medicaid. No closing of rural hospitals.

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Take on Big Pharma and greedy insurance companies.They’re Making Us Poorer — I’ll Stand Up for Working Families

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No more tax giveaways to billionaires while working families struggle.

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Protect and strengthen Social Security — remove the income cap so it’s there for the next generation.

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Strong, free public schools so every child can succeed.

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Stop burying our kids under trillions in national debt for the 1%’s short-term gain.They’re Stealing Our Rights — I’ll Defend Our Democracy

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Restore the rule of law — no one above it, no one beneath it.

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Keep politicians out of your personal healthcare decisions.

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End gerrymandering, protect voting rights, expand ballot access.

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Get big money out of politics — put people first.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

A balanced budget needs to be the law of the land.

A complete overhaul of the tax code needs to be completed to ensure everyone pays their fair share.

Ensure every person’s right to privacy and to not have our personal information bought and sold as a commodity.

Guarantee affordable healthcare and childcare as essential parts of promoting the general welfare.

Ensure that medical decisions are between an individual and their medical provider and should NEVER be legislated at any level of government.

Reform the election finance system to remove undue influence. One voice, one vote. Corporations are NOT individuals.

Reform the immigration system to ensure the process is humane while protecting the integrity of our Nation's border

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

Two of the American leaders I look up to most are Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt. Both men led with courage, optimism, and a deep sense of duty to the American people. They weren’t perfect—but they grew through adversity, and that growth shaped their leadership.

Theodore Roosevelt embodied the idea of service, strength, and civic responsibility. He fought corruption, broke up monopolies, and believed that wealth and privilege carried an obligation to serve the public good. He also championed conservation—recognizing that protecting our natural resources was an act of patriotism.

FDR, on the other hand, led with extraordinary empathy and resolve. He guided our nation through the Great Depression and World War II by restoring hope when Americans needed it most. His belief that government should be a tool for the common good, not a weapon for the powerful, is something I still believe today.

I also look up to several great naval leaders who shaped my own understanding of leadership and integrity. Admiral James Stockdale and Senator John McCain showed unimaginable courage and moral strength as prisoners of war—proving that character is tested not in comfort, but in crisis. Admiral Chester Nimitz demonstrated calm, strategic brilliance under immense pressure during World War II, while Commander Ernest E. Evans of the USS Johnston exemplified valor in the face of impossible odds, charging into battle to defend his fellow sailors.

All of these men shared a common thread: they led with purpose, humility, and conviction. They faced adversity without flinching, put others before themselves, and never stopped believing in the promise of this country. That’s the kind of leadership I aspire to—steady in crisis, driven by principle, and guided always by service before self.

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

Character. If you are unethical, you are unfit for office.

Critical thinking and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Empathy and Compassion.

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

To uphold the Constitution of the United States. To be accessible and responsible to their constituents and not to the lobbyists and special interests.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I already have a legacy that I’m proud of. I have three wonderful adult children who have grown into responsible, compassionate citizens, and three grandchildren who will carry forward our family’s tradition of working toward a more perfect union. Along the way, I’ve also had the privilege of shaping the lives of many sailors I served with—and even a few Afghans whose futures were changed by our presence and partnership. Those experiences mean more to me than any title or rank ever could.

That said, my work isn’t finished. We’re standing at a crossroads in American history—one as consequential as the Civil War or World War II. And though we aren’t at war in the traditional sense, we are in the midst of an existential struggle for the very soul of our democracy. We must decide whether our constitutional republic will endure—whether individual freedoms still matter, and whether a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” will continue to thrive.

My legacy, I hope, will be more than personal. I want to leave behind a country that still believes in self-government, still honors the Constitution, and still trusts that ordinary citizens can rise to meet extraordinary challenges. I will continue to fight for that vision—for democracy, for accountability, and for the promise that America belongs to all of us, not just the powerful few.

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

One of my earliest memories of a national event was seeing President Nixon on television. I was too young to fully understand what was happening at the time, but I remember the sense that something serious and historic was unfolding. Looking back, it was probably during the Watergate hearings or around the time of his resignation.

I also recall watching one of the Apollo launches—likely one of the later missions, Apollo 16 or 17. Seeing that rocket lift off captured the spirit of possibility that defined that era. It was a time when Americans still believed we could do anything if we worked together.

But the event I remember most vividly was the Bicentennial in 1976. My hometown went all out—painting the fire hydrants to look like Revolutionary soldiers and Founding Fathers. There were parades, flags on every porch, and a genuine feeling of pride in being an American. For a kid growing up then, it left a lasting impression of unity, optimism, and what this country could be when we remember who we are.

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

My first proper job was as a stock boy and delivery driver for a local hardware store. I had it for about a year. My boss had just bought a brand-new delivery van to replace the old, beat-up one I’d been driving. Right in front of me, he put it in reverse and backed straight into a parking bollard, putting a small dent in the bumper. Then he got out, handed me the keys, and said, “There—now I don’t have to worry about putting the first scratch on it. Just be safe.”

He was a great boss—taught me responsibility, patience, and that a little humility goes a long way. I’d had a few odd jobs before that, but the hardware store was my first real one.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Just one? That’s a tough question. I read every day, and different books have shaped me in different ways.

I regularly read from the Stoics—Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus in particular. Their writings serve as a grounding point for me, a daily reminder to focus on what I can control, to live with integrity, and to meet adversity with calm and purpose. In both life and leadership, those lessons are timeless.

Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough is another favorite. It’s a powerful biography of a young Theodore Roosevelt—how he overcame illness and physical weakness through sheer will and determination. It’s a testament to resilience and personal growth, qualities I deeply admire.

More recently, The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant has become a favorite. It’s an extraordinary firsthand account of the Civil War—honest, unflinching, and deeply human. Grant’s humility and sense of duty shine through, reminding me that true leadership is rooted in character, not ego.

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

If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Captain Jack Aubrey from Patrick O’Brian’s Master and Commander series. Though war itself is anything but romantic, Captain Aubrey represents the kind of leader and person I admire—courageous, loyal, and deeply human.

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Aubrey commands in what was then the greatest navy the world had ever seen, yet his story isn’t just about battles at sea. It’s about duty, friendship, and moral conviction in the face of chaos. He’s a man who leads from the front, inspires confidence in his crew, and carries both the weight of command and the humility to admit his flaws.

As someone who spent nearly four decades in the Navy, I relate to that balance—the mix of grit, humor, and humanity it takes to serve well. Captain Aubrey reminds us that leadership isn’t about glory; it’s about responsibility, perseverance, and love of country.

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

One of the biggest struggles in my life has been figuring out who I am and where I fit in the world. As a child of divorce and the youngest of five siblings, I grew up pretty feral by modern standards—a Gen X kid who mostly learned by doing and making mistakes along the way. I didn’t have much guidance early on, so I just had to “fake it till I made it.”

I had a learning disability that made school a challenge, and eventually, I dropped out of high school. At the time, I didn’t see much of a future for myself. But life has a way of teaching you lessons the classroom can’t. I joined the Navy, and that decision changed everything. The discipline, structure, and sense of purpose I found in service gave me direction—and the belief that I could always grow, no matter where I started.

In the years that followed, I built a rich and rewarding career, earned two master’s degrees, and even had the honor of teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy. The struggle to find myself didn’t hold me back—it shaped me. It taught me humility, persistence, and that the measure of a person isn’t where they begin, but how they rise after they stumble.

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

What makes the U.S. House of Representatives unique is that it’s the people’s house—designed to be closest to the citizens it serves. Members of the House are elected every two years, which means they have to stay in touch with their constituents, listen to their concerns, and answer for their votes.

The House works best when its members remember that their first duty isn’t to a party or a donor—it’s to the people back home. A good representative listens, applies common sense, and acts in the best interests of their district—always. That’s how our system was meant to work: frequent accountability, practical problem-solving, and service before self.

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’s not the only kind of experience that matters. What truly counts is a record of service—of leading, following, and putting the mission ahead of yourself.

During my nearly 39 years in the U.S. Navy, I learned that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about responsibility. I led sailors in combat zones and followed great leaders when the situation called for it. In both cases, the lessons were the same: listen to your people, think critically, make decisions based on facts, and always take care of your team.

Understanding how the federal budget and fiscal cycle work can certainly help shorten the learning curve in Congress—but what’s even more important is having the judgment and discipline to spend taxpayer dollars wisely. Congress needs more people who know how to manage resources, lead under pressure, and serve with integrity—not just career politicians who know how to play the game.

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

The greatest challenge facing our nation over the next decade is restoring our Constitutional Republic to a state of integrity, stability, and trust. For too long, we’ve watched political extremists, billionaires, and lobbyists divide us—turning neighbor against neighbor and corroding faith in the institutions that once held this nation together. Here in West Virginia, we know the value of community and hard work, and we can lead the way in healing those divides.

Restoring our democracy starts with returning government to the people it was meant to serve—not the ultra-wealthy, not the special interests, and not the unprincipled politicians who’ve sold out their own constituents. We need leaders guided by common sense and service before self, not by ideology or greed.

At the same time, we must rebuild an economy that rewards work, not wealth. In towns from Weirton to Martinsburg, families deserve to know that their effort and talent can still build a good life. That’s not a handout—that’s the American promise.

Our mission must be to restore faith in both our democracy and our economy, proving once again that America—and West Virginia—work best when they work for everyone. Only then can we secure a future worthy of our people and our flag.

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

Yes, absolutely. The two-year term is exactly what keeps the U.S. House of Representatives accountable to the people. Our founders designed it that way for a reason: the House is the people’s chamber—the branch of government meant to stay closest to everyday Americans.

That short term forces representatives to listen, to stay in touch, and to earn the public’s trust over and over again. It’s not supposed to be a lifetime job or a comfortable career. It’s meant to be a constant reminder that this seat belongs to the people, not the politician who occupies it.

The Senate may move slower and think long-term, but the House is built to be responsive—to act when families, workers, and communities need help. That’s not a flaw; it’s a feature of our democracy. When done right, those two years ensure that representatives never forget who they serve and who sent them there.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits—plain and simple. When politicians stay in Washington too long, they stop listening to the people back home and start serving themselves. It’s time to end the era of career politicians and return power to the people where it belongs.

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

There are several public servants whose example I deeply admire—leaders who stood by their convictions even when it wasn’t politically easy or personally advantageous.

John Lewis embodied moral courage. He risked his life for civil rights and later brought that same spirit to the U.S. House, reminding all of us that “good trouble” is sometimes necessary to move our country forward.

Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney—though from the other side of the aisle—showed uncommon bravery by standing up for truth and the Constitution when their party turned away from both. That kind of integrity transcends partisanship.

From my home state, I also look to Robert C. Byrd and Harley O. Staggers, Sr. as examples of what it means to serve West Virginia with depth and principle. Byrd began his career in the House before becoming the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history, mastering the legislative process and fiercely defending the Constitution. Staggers chaired the powerful House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, where he championed consumer protection, transportation safety, and the creation of Amtrak.

All of them—Democrat or Republican—shared one essential quality: the courage to put country over politics. That’s the kind of leadership I aspire to bring to Congress.

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?

A woman approached me who was raising her grandchild because the child's biological parents had passed. If she adopted the child, they would lose the social security benefits, but by not adopting the child the grandmother could not add the child to her health insurance. Putting these dilemmas on families is a way to common occurrence.

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

Compromise isn’t a dirty word—it’s how democracy works. Out here in West Virginia, we know that if neighbors can’t find common ground, nothing gets built and nothing gets fixed. The same should be true in Washington.

We all have a few principles that we won’t bend on—and that’s fine—but those should be the exception, not the rule. I believe 80% of West Virginians—and 80% of Americans—agree on most of what really matters: good jobs, fair wages, quality schools, affordable healthcare, and safe communities. For the rest, we can work it out the same way folks do here at home—by talking to each other, not past each other.

The real danger comes from the small minority who refuse to compromise and hold the rest of the country hostage to their extreme views. It’s time to bring back some West Virginia common sense—roll up our sleeves, listen more than we shout, and get things done for the people.

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 Constitution gives the House the power to originate all bills for raising revenue because it’s the chamber closest to the people—the one meant to protect working Americans from being exploited by the powerful. If elected, I would use that power to help rebuild the American middle class and restore some basic fairness to our economy.

For too long, Congress has written tax laws that reward the ultra-wealthy and giant corporations while shifting the burden onto working families. Every loophole for billionaires and every offshore tax dodge comes at the expense of the teachers, miners, nurses, and small business owners who actually keep this country running.

We need a tax code that rewards work, not wealth; innovation, not manipulation. When the middle class is strong, America is strong—a rising tide really does lift all boats. My goal is simple: level the playing field, close the unfair loopholes, and make sure every West Virginian who works hard has a fair shot at building a decent life and a secure future.

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

The investigative power of the U.S. House is one of the most important tools Congress has to ensure accountability and uphold the Constitution. It was never meant to be used for political theater—it was designed to uncover the truth, root out corruption, and keep every branch of government honest, including our own.

Before Congress can demand integrity from others, it must first police itself. Transparency and ethical conduct in the House are essential to restoring public trust in government. Oversight should focus on facts, not partisan gain—and when wrongdoing is found, it must be addressed swiftly and fairly.

The Constitution makes clear that no one is above the law. Impeachment applies not just to presidents but to all civil officers, including judges and justices, who serve only “during good behavior.” Congress has both the authority and the duty to investigate corruption wherever it occurs—executive, legislative, or judicial—and to defend the rule of law on behalf of the American people.

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

I’ve heard so many powerful and personal stories from West Virginians, but one in particular stays with me. It was from a grandmother raising her young granddaughter. One of the child’s parents is in jail, and the other passed away from a drug overdose. This grandmother—already on a fixed income—is doing everything in her power to give that little girl a stable, loving home.

But she’s trapped in an impossible situation. If she legally adopts her granddaughter, she’ll lose the Social Security survivor benefits that help keep food on the table. Yet without adoption, she can’t add the child to her health insurance. She’s forced to choose between her granddaughter’s financial security and her access to healthcare—an unthinkable decision no caregiver should ever have to make.

It’s stories like hers that fuel my determination to serve. We need leaders who will stop talking in sound bites and start fixing the systems that punish people for doing the right thing. West Virginians deserve better, and I intend to fight for policies that reflect both common sense and compassion.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I’m proud to be the father of three, the grandfather of three, and the loving husband of my incredible wife. Add in a 39-year career in the U.S. Navy, and I’d say I’m on a pretty good run.

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

Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful tools humanity has ever created—but like any powerful tool, it must be handled responsibly. The federal government has a clear role to play in ensuring AI develops in a way that benefits people, not just corporations or foreign adversaries.

We’ve seen this story before. In the 1920s, no one could have predicted how the automobile would reshape our economy, our environment, and even our way of life. AI will have the same kind of second- and third-order effects—many of which we can’t yet fully see. That’s why regulation isn’t about stifling innovation; it’s about protecting the public interest, ensuring transparency, and preventing abuse.

We also have to recognize the physical footprint of AI. Large data centers—the backbone of artificial intelligence—require enormous amounts of electricity, water, and land. Without proper oversight, these facilities could strain local resources, increase energy costs, and harm rural communities already struggling to balance economic opportunity with environmental stewardship. West Virginians know what happens when outside industries come in, extract what they need, and leave towns behind. We can’t afford to repeat that mistake in the digital age.

AI should be treated as a tool—not a replacement for human creativity, ethics, or hard work. It can help us solve big problems, from medicine to infrastructure, but it must never replace human judgment or moral responsibility. The government’s job is to set the guardrails: to protect privacy, defend workers, safeguard our environment, and make sure this technology serves the many, not the few.

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

We need to expand ballot access while ensuring the integrity of our elections. Voting is both a sacred right and a civic duty, and Congress should make it easier—not harder—for every eligible American to participate.

The federal government already partners with the states to maintain “Real ID” standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards. Those same secure, verified systems could—and should—be used to streamline voter registration and identification at polling places. If we can use Real ID to board an airplane or enter a federal building, there’s no reason we can’t use it to protect the integrity of our elections.

At the same time, we should modernize how Americans are registered to vote. Every U.S. citizen—native-born or naturalized—should be automatically registered on their 18th birthday, with the default status being No Party Affiliation (NPA). From there, individuals can freely choose a political party or remain independent, but no one should be left out of the process because of red tape, lost paperwork, or outdated systems. Additionally, the Social Security Administration should be required to notify each state’s Secretary of State when a registered voter passes away, so that individual can be promptly and accurately removed from the voter rolls. Maintaining clean, up-to-date voter lists is essential for both security and public confidence.

Though it would ultimately be up to the individual states, I would also like to see party affiliations removed from candidates’ names on general election ballots. Listing a party beside a candidate’s name encourages voters to rely on party labels instead of learning who the candidates are and what they actually stand for. Removing those labels would encourage a more informed and engaged electorate—one that votes for people, not parties.

Election reform should also include better funding for state election offices, uniform ballot standards, and mandatory paper backups for all voting systems. Transparency, accountability, and accessibility must go hand in hand. The goal isn’t partisan advantage—it’s restoring faith in the fairness of our democracy and ensuring that every eligible American, regardless of party or zip code, can cast a ballot and have it counted.

Campaign websiteWendelin's campaign website stated the following:A Platform for a Hard MomentFor West Virginia. For America. For the Republic.We’re living through a moment of strain. Not a moment of collapse, but of testing.• Our economy is producing wealth, yet too many families are poorer.• Our nation is powerful, yet too many feel powerless.• Our democracy exists on paper, yet too often fails in practice.This didn’t happen overnight.And it will not be fixed with slogans, scapegoats, or strongmen.It will be fixed by restoring a government that serves the people, respects work, honors truth, and understands that freedom without fairness is fragile.West Virginia knows this truth better than most. We’ve powered the nation, fought its wars, fed its industries, and paid the price when promises were broken. We’re not asking for charity. We’re demanding justice.After nearly forty years in uniform, I’m running for Congress for one simple reason — too many hardworking West Virginians are being made sicker, poorer, and less free by a political system controlled by billionaires, lobbyists, and career politicians.It’s time to take our power back.Below is my legislative platform built to protect working families, veterans, seniors, coal communities, teachers, nurses, and small-town West Virginians. Every plank is grounded in fairness, accountability, and the belief that public service is a sacred duty.My priorities are to —Clean Up Washington“Democracy doesn’t die only by force.It dies when people stop believing it works for them.”Ban Stock Trading by Members of CongressNo member of Congress, or their family, should profit from inside information. If you serve the public, you shouldn’t be trading stocks. Period.Term Limits for CongressCareer politicians created this mess. Term limits help restore accountability and trust. No office in a democracy should become a lifetime possession.Term Limits for the Supreme CourtNo American — right, left, or center — should wield lifetime political power.End Dark Money & Overhaul Campaign FinanceRepeal Citizens United. Elections shouldn’t be auctions. Limit campaign contributions to people who actually live in the district.Balanced Budget AccountabilityIf Congress can’t pass a budget o