Thomas Ludwig

Thomas Ludwig was born in Levittown, New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2022. Ludwig earned a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University in 2001, a graduate degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2013, and a graduate degree from Harvard University in 2022.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a recently retired US Army Special Forces officer from Levittown, New York. During my 21 year military career, I deployed seven times, to include one deployment to Iraq, three deployments to Afghanistan, earning multiple Bronze stars and a combat valor award, and three deployments to South America. I just earned my fifth college degree, a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. I also have a Master’s in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University, and a Master’s in Defense Analysis: Irregular Warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School. I received my Bachelor’s from Northeastern University, and my Associates from Nassau Community College. I also have graduate certificates from Harvard and Stanford University, studying International Relations and International Security, and eight professional certificates, to include credentials from Yale, Cornell, London School of Economics, Michigan State, and Notre Dame. Thomas and his family have lived on Long Island for three generations.

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?

The current leadership in the country, as well as the current representative of NY’s 3rd Congressional District, is failing its people. When I left NY to start my military career, my purpose was to protect and defend my country after the attacks of 9/11. Now that my military career is over, I return home to Long Island and see another kind of crisis affecting our nation: a crisis of trust and failed leadership. My new purpose is to give the people of NY’s 3rdCongressional District the leadership and representation they deserve, while also making the country stronger and safer through my experience and leadership in national security and foreign policy.The current polarization in Congress is leading to legislative gridlock at the expense of the American people. As a Special Forces officer, I have worked all over the world with people of different nationalities, cultures, experiences, and perspectives. As a strategist, I know the importance of collaboration and leadership by example. I have been trained to identify and help solve some of the world’s most complex problems, and I plan to use this knowledge, training, and experience to fix the problems and make a more positive difference for the people of the district, state, and country.The government works for the people, and the people deserve the best representation. Between the current district representative who does not resign despite the vast majority calling for it, to the polarization and gridlock in Congress, the people of NY’s 3rd District are being failed by Congress. My leadership will give the people of Long Island and Queens the representation and respect they deserve.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Immigration: As a Special Forces officer with three deployments to South America, I have personally worked on the migration issue in both North and South America. Most vital is recognizing the importance of maintaining border security and enforcing immigration laws to maintain national security and the rule of law, but also recognizing the economic and cultural contributions immigrants can bring to the country.

Economics: Cost of living and inflation affects everyone. I will promote policies that encourage economic growth, job creation, free-market principles, and individual entrepreneurship. Combating inflation requires a combination of measures that include monetary oversight with an emphasis on accountability and efficiency, fiscal discipline and the importance of maintaining a balanced budget, strategic investments in infrastructure and key resources, and by creating a business friendly environment.

National Security and Foreign Policy: As a Ranger, Green Beret, and strategist with seven deployments, I know the importance of strategic thinking, diplomacy, and international cooperation. National security and foreign policies should be flexible enough to address different situations and threats, as a one size fits all approach will not be effective. A strong and well-resourced police and border security is vital for national security, and in regard to foreign policy, alongside military strength, soft power policies are where the US can best expand its influence.