"If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Ted Lasso. He’s not the loudest voice in the room, but he’s often the wisest. Ted leads with heart, humility, and humor—qualities I strive to bring to every part of my life, whether I’m officiating a game, managing a project, or running for Congress.

Ted doesn’t pretend to know everything. He listens, learns, and lifts others up. That’s the kind of leadership we need more of, especially in politics. He reminds us that optimism isn’t naïve; it’s courageous. That kindness isn’t weakness; it’s strength. And that building trust is the first step toward building a team—or a better country.

Like Ted, I believe in believing. I believe in the people of FL-5, in the power of community, and in the idea that we can lower the temperature and still raise the standard. If elected, I’ll bring that same spirit of empathy, fairness, and quiet confidence to the House—because leadership isn’t about being the hero. It’s about helping others win."

"One of my favorite books is Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It’s a powerful account of how Abraham Lincoln built a Cabinet filled with former political opponents—people who challenged him, disagreed with him, and yet ultimately helped him preserve the Union and redefine leadership.

What I admire most is Lincoln’s humility and strategic empathy. He didn’t surround himself with yes-men—he chose competence over comfort. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in: pragmatic, inclusive, and focused on results.

As a Project Manager and football official, I’ve learned that strong teams aren’t built on uniformity—they’re built on trust, accountability, and shared purpose. Team of Rivals reminds me that progress often comes from collaboration across differences, and that true leadership means listening deeply, adapting wisely, and staying anchored in principle.

In today’s political climate, we need more leaders who can unify rather than divide. That’s the spirit I hope to bring to Congress and to the people of FL-5."

"My very first job was picking weeds out of soybean fields in Minnesota. I was 12 years old, earning $1.80 an hour, and waking up at 5:30 every morning during summer vacation. It was incredibly hard work—but somehow, we made it fun. That experience taught me discipline, teamwork, and the value of a dollar.

My second job was working in my dad’s custom meat processing business. Another tough job, but one that gave me a deep appreciation for the people who keep our communities running—farmers, laborers, and small business owners. I saw firsthand how hard my dad worked, how much he cared, not just about his business, but for those that work for him.

Those early jobs shaped my belief in fairness and dignity for all workers. It’s why I support unions and policies that protect working families. I’ve never forgotten where I came from—or the people who taught me what real work looks like."

"I was born in 1965, and some of my earliest memories of historical events include the end of the Vietnam War, President Nixon’s resignation, and the Iranian Hostage Crisis. I was still a kid, but those moments left a lasting impression, especially the sense that our country was going through something serious, something bigger than any one person.

I remember the tension, the news coverage, and the way adults around me talked about trust, leadership, and accountability. Even at a young age, I sensed that public service carried weight—and that when leaders struggled, it affected everyone.

Those early memories helped shape my belief in transparency, integrity, and the importance of earning public trust. They’re part of why I value government accountability and why I believe in lowering the temperature in our politics. We’ve been through hard times before, and we’ve come through them by listening, learning, and leading with purpose."

"Honestly, I’d be proud if my legacy was simply this: people remembered me as a good guy. Someone who showed up, did the work, treated others with respect, and led with integrity.

As a provider, football official, and servant leader, I’ve spent my life trying to do right by others—whether it’s making a fair call on the field, solving problems in a project, or listening to a neighbor’s concern. I believe leadership isn’t about titles or attention; it’s about consistency, character, and care.

I want my legacy to reflect the values I live by: fairness, empathy, and stewardship. If my family, my community, and the people I’ve served can say I made their lives a little better, that I stood up when it mattered, and that I led with heart—that’s more than enough for me."

"As a U.S. House Representative, the core responsibilities begin with service—working together to craft legislation that improves the lives of the people in FL-5 and across America. That means listening deeply, building coalitions, and writing laws that are constitutional, practical, and rooted in fairness.

It’s not just about passing bills—it’s about making sure those bills work. They must be legally sound, implementable, and designed to make Americans better off. That requires collaboration, oversight, and a commitment to results—not rhetoric.

Accountability is also essential. Members of Congress must hold themselves, each other, and other branches of government accountable. We are stewards of public trust, and our actions should reflect the values of transparency, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.

Finally, we represent America to the world. How we conduct ourselves—how we debate, legislate, and lead—shows others what democracy looks like. I believe in showing up, doing the work, and leading with empathy and pragmatism. That’s how we restore faith in public service and build a future worthy of the people we serve."

"I believe the qualities that would make me a successful officeholder begin with how I show up for others: I’m a listener, first and foremost. I take the time to understand before I act. I’m approachable—whether it’s on the sidelines, in a boardroom, or at a community event, people know they can talk to me and be heard.

I’m measured and disciplined. Decades as a football official taught me how to stay calm under pressure, make fair decisions, and own the outcome. As a senior project manager, I’ve led complex initiatives with precision and accountability. I don’t chase headlines—I focus on results.

Finally, I’ve lived the values of a servant leader. I strive to listen first, act with empathy, and put others before myself. I believe leadership is about stewardship—not control—and that public service should reflect the needs and hopes of the people we represent.

Together, these qualities—hard work, teamwork, fairness, strategic thinking, and servant leadership—equip me to serve FL-5 with humility, competence, and heart."

"The most important characteristics for an elected official are humility, resilience, and a deep respect for the people they serve. Public office isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about being the most grounded. Leaders must be willing to listen more than they speak, especially when the issues are complex and the stakes are high.

Curiosity is also essential. The best legislators aren’t just policy experts, they’re lifelong learners who ask good questions, seek diverse perspectives, and adapt when new information emerges. That’s how we build better laws and stronger communities.

Courage matters too—not just the courage to stand firm, but the courage to compromise when it serves the greater good. In a divided political climate, we need leaders who can disagree without being disagreeable, and who prioritize solutions over soundbites.

Finally, elected officials must be present. Not just in Washington, but in their districts, town halls, community events, and kitchen tables. Representation starts with relationships. If you’re not listening, you’re not leading."