Tom Vo

Tom Vo (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 45th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on June 2, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Tom Vo is a proud American, decorated Vietnam War veteran, 9th Dan Taekwondo Grandmaster, entrepreneur, and devoted family man.

Born in Vietnam, Tom entered the National Military Academy in Đà Lạt in 1967 and became a combat pilot in the Republic of Vietnam Air Force, flying the A-37 Dragonfly. In 1973, he trained at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, where he earned his U.S. Air Force pilot wings. He flew more than 100 combat missions alongside American forces, defending freedom until 1975.

After the fall of Saigon, Tom came to the United States as a refugee with nothing but determination and belief in the American dream. Through hard work and perseverance, he built a life rooted in service and gratitude.

In 1995, he founded Tom Vo’s Taekwondo Studios, now with multiple Southern California locations. A 9th Dan Grandmaster, he has trained thousands of students, emphasizing discipline, respect, and service. He is also an internationally certified judge and a 62-time gold medalist.

Tom has helped over 1,000 families achieve homeownership as a trusted Orange County realtor. A lifelong athlete, he has completed 15 marathons and is often invited to sing the National Anthem at community and veteran events.

Tom is a husband, father, and active community leader. Having fought for freedom and lived under communism, he is ready to bring courage, discipline, and service to California’s 45th Congressional District.

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?

Strengthen the Economy and Bring Jobs Back to America

America's working families deserve good-paying jobs and economic opportunity. Tom Vo will fight to revitalize manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and prioritize American workers.

Promote fair trade policies — renegotiate unfair trade deals, stop countries from exploiting American workers, and incentivize companies to bring production and jobs back home.

Support small businesses and entrepreneurs by cutting red tape, increasing access to capital, and providing tax incentives to help them grow and hire locally.

Invest in infrastructure and workforce development to create high-skill jobs in energy, technology, and manufacturing while keeping energy costs low.Reduce Taxes and Prevent Government Waste

Hardworking Americans should keep more of their money, not see it wasted on bloated bureaucracy. Tom Vo will champion fiscal responsibility and lower taxes.

Cut taxes for middle-class families and small businesses to boost take-home pay, stimulate growth, and reward hard work.

Eliminate wasteful spending by auditing federal agencies, ending unnecessary programs, and holding Washington accountable for every taxpayer dollar.

Reform entitlements to ensure long-term sustainability without raising taxes or cutting benefits for current retirees.

Oppose big-government overreach and new spending that drives inflation and debt.Protect Social Security Benefits

Social Security is a promise to American workers, and Tom Vo will protect and strengthen it for current and future retirees.

Increase benefits for seniors who have paid into the system their entire lives, ensuring they can live with dignity.

Safeguard the program from bankruptcy by eliminating waste and addressing long-term solvency without raising the retirement age or cutting benefits for those already retired.

Oppose any attempts to reduce earned benefits for hardworking Americans.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Establish Term Limits for Federal Elected Officials