I come from hardworking farmers. My father, a World War II veteran, instilled in me values of discipline and patriotism, while my mother, a schoolteacher, emphasized the importance of education and community service. Growing up on a corn farm during the agricultural challenges of the 1970s, I learned the virtues of resilience and self-reliance early on. I attended local public schools and later pursued higher education at our state university, where I earned a bachelor's degree in political science. After graduation, I attended Harvard Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor.
During my time at Harvard, I interned for a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C., and it sparked my interest in public policy.
Throughout the years, I've testified before our House Agriculture Committee and the Judiciary Committee, where I pushed for policies to combat Big Agriculture and protect family farms. I got a bit of viral attention for my vocal opposition to "big government overreach" during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for school re-openings and small business relief.
I'm a common-sense conservative who believes in consent of the governed.
I've been joyfully married to my wife, Sarah, a former elementary school principal, since 1992. We have three children: two sons who serve in the U.S. military and a daughter who attends college.
I'm a big advocate for our Second Amendment and individual rights. A devout Christian, I'm active in my church and I volunteer with organizations supporting veterans and foster children.
My critics might think I'm a bit too traditional, but frankly our state and country would be much better with more people who loved what is traditional.