Jon Thorp

Pilot

For nearly 25 years, I’ve been responsible for the safe conduct of others—from Army helicopters over Afghan mountains to commercial aircraft across American skies. My career began in the military, where I led not just machines, but teams and missions, often in complex and high-stakes environments. As a pilot, I don't just fly—I command the aircraft, the crew, and the trust of every passenger on board. Over time, the cockpit’s gotten more complex, and the passengers have changed. But the mission hasn’t changed: protect those in my charge, navigate uncertainty with discipline, and always arrive with integrity intact. That mindset—clear-headed accountability, people-first leadership, and mission focus—is exactly what I believe is missing from Congress. I’m running because the people of Tennessee’s 7th District deserve representatives who serve them with the same level of responsibility and urgency I’ve carried throughout my career. I didn’t come from politics. I come from real-world leadership where excuses don’t land planes and blame doesn’t fix problems. It’s time to bring that kind of honest, mission-driven discipline to Washington.

Defense / Veterans We don’t need 180 military bases scattered across the globe. America’s military should defend our homeland, not police the world. I’ll push to end unauthorized interventions, restore Congress’s authority over war powers, and realign our forces for defense, not the "Department of War" Economy Real strength comes from independence. I’ll pursue broad, fair trade that eliminates strategic vulnerabilities and ends our dependence on hostile nations. That means true free trade, not weaponized trade. No more punishing countries for politics or using the dollar as a cudgel. America should lead through stability and integrity. Foreign Policy The federal government’s first duty is to defend America, not to subsidize foreign regimes. We must stop sending billions overseas while our own infrastructure and economy crumble. The Constitution doesn’t authorize foreign philanthropy; our resources belong at home, rebuilding American strength. Civil Rights I will work to protect the Bill of Rights as well as introduce the idea of a Media Bill of Rights to modernize our system to meet the challenges of the modern age. Economy Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I’ll propose a tax structure that rewards Main Street, not Wall Street. Lower rates for small firms, simplify regulations, and realign corporate incentives with American Investments. Taxes / Budget Our $37 trillion debt is an existential threat to America’s future. Both Parties have engaged in endless deficit spending and money-printing which has destroy the dollar, drive inflation, and punish savers and families alike. Taxes / Budget Government programs rarely die; they just grow. We must reward efficiency, not budget bloat, and align every taxpayer dollar to serves a clear, measurable purpose. Government Reform Election laws were written by and for the major parties. It is time for Open Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting. Government Reform Career politicians aren’t supposed to run the country forever. I’ve signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge because public service should be temporary and accountable.