DeVelle Jackson

I am running because elected officials should answer first to the people they represent and put the country above party establishments, political careers, and institutional self-interest. Too many important issues are ignored because neither major party has an incentive to confront them, while political performance, celebrity, and partisan conflict increasingly substitute for governing. Congress has real constitutional authority to legislate, conduct oversight, protect rights, control public spending, and check abuses of power. That authority should be used. I chose to run as an Independent so I can judge legislation on its merits, challenge either party when necessary, and champion issues the two-party system leaves unanswered. My responsibility is to the people of Minnesota’s Fifth District, the Constitution, and the long-term interests of the country. This campaign is about putting people and nation above party and turning public office back toward accountability, action, and measurable results.

DeVelle Jackson was raised in Minnesota in a working family shaped by skilled labor, public service, and faith. His father was a carpenter who built his own home, while his mother spent decades working for the State of Minnesota, including 22 years with the Minnesota Department of Health. Jackson earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, graduating with distinction. He is a law school applicant and prospective J.D. candidate with a longstanding focus on constitutional government, law, and public institutions. His professional experience spans organized labor, construction, field engineering, and construction management. He worked on major projects including Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while his field engineering and assistant superintendent career took off on the Phipps Plaza Nobu Hotel Tower in Atlanta and continued across later high-rise projects. He has also been a member of Roofers Local 96 and Carpenters Local 225. For four years, Jackson supported The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia, serving as a docent and supporting programs including the King Holiday Observance, Beloved Community Awards, Beloved Community Leadership Academy, Students With King, and community expo programming. In 2026, approximately 1,050 voters signed his congressional petition in only seven days, voters eager for another choice, ready to challenge the limits of the two-party system, and willing to put their names behind an Independent candidacy committed to putting people and country above party.