Thomas Chalifoux

Thomas Chalifoux was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 2001. He earned military citations from the Air War College at Patrick Air Force Base and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, in 1971, a graduate degree from Western New England College in 1972, and a graduate degree from Pepperdine University in 1979. Chalifoux also attended Columbus College and LaSalle University. His career experience includes working as a business owner.[1][2][3][4]

Chalifoux has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1][3]

Republican Party of Florida, Osceola County

All American Airborne Association

Special Forces Association

Disabled American Veterans

NRA

Reserve Officers Association

Kiwanis, Elks, Moose

American Legion

Gun Owners Association

Army Corps of Engineers

Osceola County School Board

Community National Bank

Kissimmee Board of Adjustment

Osceola Vocational Advisory Board

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running because this moment demands someone who actually built things, led people under pressure and has nothing to prove and nothing to gain. After 30 years commanding US forces, having built over $400 million in construction across this district and serving on the Osceola School Board 8 years, I know how to deliver results, not just make promises. I'm not making a career out of this. Two terms, four fights, then I pass the baton. That's the commitment I'm making to you.

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?

Stop Waste and Fraud. In my business, if money disappears someone answer for it. Washington should work the same way; I'll make sure it does.Rebuilt American's Skilled Workforce. We told generations college was the only path. We were wrong. Electricians, plumbers, welders, health care technicians and more- they build and service America and they can earn well. There's honor in this work and we need to say that loudly. That's how I got started,Make Life Affordable Again. Housing, insurance, everyday expenses- all up. Washingto keeps making it worse. As a builder, businessman, I know how to fix things.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Reward Work again. Good jobs build good lives. I've run payroll here for 48 years. It's time Washington to stop making harder to work than to stay at home.

I believe in the American dream, anything is possible if you have the will to do that. American is the greatest county to fulfill your dream for you and your family. There is not restriction on your faith, color of your skin or where you came for. We celebrate 250 years of freedom because our bill of rights and rule of law.

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

George Washington, he was a great leader and when the time he was finished, he stepped down.

Abraham Lincoln he had the courage to stand for: all men are equal.

Martin Luther King. It's not about the color of your skin; it's the content of your character.

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

Integrity, experience and trustworthiness

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

Remember you serve the benefit of your county. We must honor the pledge we take.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I set the example to serve selflessly and encourage to others to do the same.

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

Shoveling snow in winter and cutting grass in summertime. Working in construction with my father since I was 8 to graduating from college

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

Struggling to have enough money to live on, particularly while attending college.

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

Following the Constitution and Faith, Family and Freedom

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

World peace, endless wars, run-a-away inflation and radical movement away from American values.

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

Yes, unfortunately there is will times that you totally can't endorse a policy; however, one must choose what is the best deal that we can do. We need to never compromise our principals. There will be another time to move to the direction that you value most. In business we negotiate the best deal. We can always go back and make things better. The idea is do something and move forward.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

When President John F. Kennedy was assassinated 1963

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased March 1, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

By far I am the most qualified, experienced candidate. As retired Army Colonel I have proven leadership skills, high integrity and care about our country. Also, I am a very successful businessman who has demonstrated outstanding business accomplishments in construction, property management, water and sewer utilities, restaurant ownership, ranching and employing thousands of people in the past 40+ years. I served 8 years on Osceola County school board, 23 years on Kissimmee Board of Adjustment.

I am life member of Disable America veterans, Special Forces Association, All American Airborne Association.

Most importantly I love our country and I want to serve our country again.

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?

Inflation. It’s simply we have to cut unnecessary spending that don’t benefit Americans. As a businessman I know what it takes to access wasteful spending. I have extensive experience evaluating unnecessary expenditures. It’s about evaluating costs versus benefit. We have eliminate unnecessary, wasteful spending programs. I’m in favor of line item budgets. We have to stop being the world’s piggy bank.Secure our borders. I will support any measure to deny access of entry in our nation borders. I do not support giving illegal aliens social security benefits that is bankrupting our social security benefits to those that earned the right to receive it.

We need to stop illegal drugs from entering our country along with people who mean us harm.Infrastructure

We support reinvesting in building roads, repairing bridges, providing water and sanitation, reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources. Let’s start building now and not sending money to other countries that don’t benefit us.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fiscal policy, federal debt and how it is eroded the economy

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

Martin Luther King it’s about not about the color of your skin but the content of your character

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

Profile in Courage by John F Kennedy. Defeating Big Government Socialism by Newt Gingrich

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

Representing your district,your state, your county. My integrity . I want citizens to know I care about them and America

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

Very dedicated, highly talented and experienced that has the courage to do the right thing

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

Do the right thing. Vote for what I believe is best for our country

What legacy would you like to leave?

Honorable service

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

Cuban missile crisis and

JFK was killed in Dallas

I was 14

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

As a kid I shovel snow in winters and summer cut grass for neighbors

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bible teaches us to love each other

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

Superman

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

Moon River

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

Trying to do too much

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

To control the budget and pass meaningful legislation

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

Yes to a point

More important is experience in leadership, experience in business and commerce, making management decisions and worldly experiences

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

Electing candidates that have demonstrated proven leadership, integrity and experience. Any organization is successful or not successful because of above. We need leaders that are willing to stand up for what is best for America, not their political career.

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

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I have signed a term limit pledge

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

Ron and his son Rynd Paul

Newt Gingrich

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?

It’s amazing how much voters will rally around someone who cares

Tell us your favorite joke.

Little Johnny

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

There will always be some level compromise to a point. That point when it goes against your core values

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?

Repeal wasteful spending and cut taxes

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

Lately Congress has been trying to make government agencies do their jobs but are stonewalled by these very agencies. These agencies need to held accountable to the people of America

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Many

What committees interest you?

Budget, military affairs, education

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I support financial transparency. I demand government accountability and hold government accountable.

Note: Chalifoux submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on July 20, 2024.

Show past responsesHide past responses

May 2 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Colonel Thomas Chalifoux is running to represent Florida's 9th Congressional District where he has lived, built a business, and raised a family over the last 40+ years.

Colonel Thomas served in the US Army for 30 years and taking that leadership he has built companies and employed thousands of people in the district. The colonel's service to the community has been apparent from the 8 years he served on the Osceola School Board, as Chair, and the numerous public advisory boards and civic associations.

"There has been an unthinkable lack of leadership from our current representative. I believe my experience and commitment to serving the people of our district will help make up for the deficits left by our previous representative." -Thomas Chalifoux

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?

Inflation-I will fight for policies to correct the insanity of the current administration.Infrastructure-I will fight for federal funds to make sure all projects that can help to alleviate the traffic we all face every day are fully funded and being executed.Immigration-I will do everything within my power to close the open border and enforce the laws we already have in our country.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Federal Budget, Education, Veteran & Military Affairs

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

Strength of Character and Leadership

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

Character and leadership. I only want to serve in order to help the future of my district.

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

To fight for the will of the constituents I will serve.

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

To standup to your principals and make America first, represent the voters and their Interest not Washington DC Insiders.

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

Yes, it will help me better understand how the process works to create solutions. Serving 8 years on Osceola County School Board and 30 years in the Army Corps of Engineers, Chief of Staff, and retired Army Colonel better prepares me to face government challenges.

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

Unnecessary global conflicts and their massive tolls both, monetarily and in human life.

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

Yes, it helps to make them accountable to the voters they serve.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that 8 years is enough time to serve, and I will sign a pledge for term limits.

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

Ron Paul, Mike Johnston

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?

As I have been traveling and campaigning all over my district talking with voters the same issue always seems to come up first. Inflation causes higher costs for everything. From a waitress worried about the light bill being as high as her rent, to a landscaper who can’t afford to honor contracts now because fuel costs are so high to run his equipment, he is losing money on most jobs.

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

There can be no policymaking without some 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?

We need to stop the run-a-way spending of Congress. We must prioritize our spending and hold accountable the government for spending!

What committees interest you?

Armed Services, Budget, Veterans Affairs, Appropriations, Homeland Security

March 15 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Colonel Thomas Chalifoux is a highly decorated military veteran with over 30 years of distinguished service to our nation. Throughout his military career, Thomas has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and execution tasks Thomas' exemplary service has been recognized with 29 service medals, military decorations, and badges, reflecting his unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to our nation's defense. His numerous accolades stand as a testament to his integrity, service, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Colonel Thomas Chalifoux has demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneur skills over the past 40 years in starting and developing several small businesses into multimillion-dollar enterprises. Colonel Chalifoux’s expertise extends across a spectrum of sectors, including construction, commercial real estate development, property management, self-storage facilities, restaurants, water and sewer utilities, health clubs, and ranching. Through strategic vision and meticulous execution, Thomas has navigated the complexities of each industry, identifying opportunities for growth and innovation. Throughout his professional journey, Colonel Chalifoux has prioritized the growth, fiscal responsibility and prosperity of both his businesses and the communities they serve.

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?

Border Security - Securing our border is a critical priority for safeguarding our nation's security and sovereignty. Enforcing the current law without throwing money at the problem. We need to increase technological border surveillance by using drones, cameras, and sensors. Furthermore, Our federal government needs to prioritize the apprehension and removal of illegal immigrants who pose a threat to public safety or national security. By implementing a multi-faceted approach that combines finishing the border wall, technological innovation, and enhanced enforcement efforts, we can effectively secure our border and protect our nation from threats posed by illegal immigration.Cutting Government Spending - Stopping wasteful spending and reducing the national debt are critical objectives that require concerted efforts and strategic policies. Our federal government needs to be implementing comprehensive budget reforms that prioritize spending on essential services and programs while eliminating unnecessary expenditures. Congress needs to identify and target areas of excessive spending, such as subsidies for special interests or outdated government programs, for elimination or reduction.America First - We are dedicated to supporting the America First movement, standing alongside President Trump in our shared commitment to restoring America's greatness. As advocates for this vision, we prioritize policies that prioritize American interests and prosperity.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

" I am most passionate about advocating for public policies focused on border security, reducing government spending, addressing bias in the justice system, and achieving energy independence for our country. " - Colonel Thomas Chalifoux

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

I have proven leadership experience in military, business and serving that I do what I say and be the example to follow. I am a consensus builder, I truly care about our country and I want people to know that I serve the people, not myself. Selfless service.

I have proven integrity and people can depend on me to do the right, no matter how much it takes and hold my ground and fight for what is right. Those are the principles that matter to me.

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

I like to be part of the change in the way we do business. Demonstrate by my leadership and my actions and be an example. We must work together as a team to get things done. I am a team player and based on my actions and example, we will make things better.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I like to be part of the change in the way we do business. Demonstrate by my leadership and my actions and be an example. We must work together as a team to get things done. I am a team player and based on my actions and example, we will make things better.

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

As a battalion commander our battalion was in the field for weapons qualifications. My goal communicated to my command is we will have 100% of our troops qualify. We were in the field for 2 days and on the last day we had over a dozen soldiers that did not qualify. I instructed my commanders that you work with them through additional training and guidance to help them succeed. My staff recommended: “ Sir: this is better than the battalion has ever done and we recommend we call it a day” My comment we leave when we have every soldier weapons’ qualified and successful. At the end of the long day we have 2 remaining soldiers, then one and going late in the day we had one, after more training the last soldier qualified. I gathered my battalion and told them we are a team, we eat, fight as a team. Lesson: The morale of the troops was outstanding. The last soldier to qualify was proud so weren’t the rest of the troops. We don’t give up and we persist and win. The lesson to be learned is don’t give up and demonstrate leadership when everyone else wants to give up.. In life people need a spark to go to the next step.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly support term limits.

Campaign website

Chalifoux's campaign website stated the following:

Border Security

Immigration Reform: Illegal Immigration & Border Security Are Top Issues

Immigration reform is an absolute priority for Colonel Thomas Chalifoux as he fights for Florida’s Ninth Congressional District and America in his candidate campaign for Congress! Border security is a critical priority for safeguarding the USA and Her citizens’ safety, security and sovereignty.

We need to enforce the current laws for securing the border without wildly throwing unnecessary taxpayers’ dollars at this existential problem. We need to increase technological border surveillance by using drones, cameras, and sensors. Furthermore, our federal government needs to prioritize the apprehension and removal of illegal immigrants — many of whom pose a threat to public safety and/or national security. By implementing a multi-faceted approach to stemming the out-of-control flow of undocumented immigrants under the feckless Biden administration — combining finishing the border wall, technological innovation and enhanced enforcement efforts — we can effectively secure our nation’s border and protect Her from threats posed by illegal immigration; including bringing sanity to Florida immigration and consistency with Florida immigration laws; while rewarding the many wonderful legal immigrants who follow the law in being here in America — including legally following the whole process through to become naturalized American citizens!

These steps would help our concerned nation again have safe communities and, by extension, help reduce crime rates in Florida as, for example, people ask “is Florida safe?” as they consider visiting or moving here to The Sunshine State!

Cutting Government Spending

Thomas Chalifoux Wants Fiscal Responsibility, Government Spending Cuts & Tax Cuts

The federal government does not have a revenue problem, for this bureaucratic behemoth receives more than enough of American taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars! In fact, tax cuts are in order to reduce hard-working Americans’ tax burden; and we know from history that well implemented tax cuts can actually yield more revenue to the government!

Thus, fiscal responsibility — making decisive and sometimes tough and divisive decisions to stop wasteful spending (including overhauling America’s $1.5 trillion healthcare costs)– and reducing the unfathomable and untenable $35 trillion national debt are critical objectives that require concerted efforts, thoughtful policies holding accountable the people in charge. Our federal government needs to be implementing comprehensive budget reforms that prioritize spending on essential services and programs while eliminating unnecessary expenditures –just as a family may struggle to make ends meet and must then prioritize expenses and spend within a defined and mandatory budget! Congress needs to identify and target areas of excessive spending and unnecessary regulations — such as subsidies for special interests, outdated government programs and departments and redundancies and the like — for elimination or significant and meaningful reductions.

It won’t be easy, but such fiscal responsibility and government spending cuts at all levels of the massive bureaucracy is absolutely critical to America’s present and future!

America First

Conservative Col. Chalifoux Supports America First, Veterans & 2nd Amendment

Colonel Thomas Chalifoux is fully dedicated to supporting the America First movement, joining President Trump and the Silent Majority (though we conservatives are not so quiet anymore!) in our shared commitment to restoring America’s greatness again (MAGA). As advocates for this vision, we prioritize policies that prioritize American interests, freedoms and prosperity, and the Constitutionally guaranteed rights of Her citizens!

Among such rights and freedoms are Ninth Congressional District GOP candidate Thomas Chalifoux’s support for the Second Amendment and our legal gun rights in Florida. In addition, the America First agenda and prioritizing American citizens entails us being first in line regarding issues like social security in Florida; central Florida healthcare and Florida Medicare recipients; taking much better care of those who have served (including resolving veteran homelessness) and putting our brave warriors’ needs far ahead of illegal immigrants; honoring religious freedom, etc. In addition, decorated veteran Colonel Tom Chalifoux supports a strong U.S. military — and strongly opposes its “Woke” indoctrination — and would vote against endless wars; believing America should not be the “world’s police force.” Accordingly, other nations, such as our allies in NATO, need to share in all applicable military costs so that America and Her taxpayers are not alone responsible for all or most of the defense costs against those intent on hurting and killing us and our interests. Given our staggering national debt, Colonel Chalifoux — though certainly favoring Israel to defeat Hamas and other terrorists — would prioritize infrastructure improvements — such as rebuilding America’s roadways and bridges — over rebuilding foreign locations like Ukraine, Gaza Strip, etc.

We are not afraid to express our patriotism and love of country; even as America is struggling now under the inept and Far Left, radical Biden administration and its allies. Contact the Chalifoux campaign and help us to help America get back on track by donating and/or volunteering! You can also get on our mailing list to stay informed.

Energy Independence

Col. Chalifoux Wants Energy Independence & Reasonable Environment Protections

American energy independence is critical and — as was proven during the first Donald Trump presidential administration — a realistic and attainable goal that offers many benefits for the United States’ security, economy and environment.

Yes, Colonel Thomas Chalifoux is among the tens of millions of patriotic, capitalism-embracing Americans who know both strong economic growth and reasonable environmental protections are possible! This, of course, includes feasible and effective Florida environmental protections for important needs like water quality in Florida. Achieving USA energy independence requires reducing or eliminating our nation’s reliance on foreign energy sources, a major national security risk; all while diversifying our domestic energy portfolio across various energy sectors and energy technologies (including oil, natural gas, solar, wind, nuclear power, hydro, rare earth minerals and materials, etc.) to ensure a stable and sustainable supply now and far into the future. We need to eliminate being dependent on foreign oil from nations that may not have America’s best interests in mind and deed. “Drill, baby, drill” while utilizing other energy resources, too!

Education

FL 9th Congressional Candidate Col. Chalifoux Wants School Choice in Education

It is imperative that we advocate for education policy in Florida supporting school choice; thus, empowering parents/guardians