Jon Thorp
U.S. House of Representatives - Tennessee 7th Congressional District
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About the Office
The U.S. House of Representatives is one of two chambers for the federal legislature. Representatives begin the legislation process, offer amendments, and serve on committees.
Term Length
2 years
Election Date
Dec 2, 2025
About Me
Party
Independent
Occupation
Pilot
Fun Fact
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by how things work. My parents used to hand me old broken TVs, radios, or appliances just so I could take them apart and try to fix them. Sometimes I actually did. That curiosity stuck with me—over the years I’ve built engines, added onto my house, and dabbled in all kinds of engineering projects just to understand them better. I guess you could say I’ve always been drawn to solving problems from the inside out.
Past Experience
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.
My Top Issues
Implementing sound financial management practices to maintain balanced budgets
Washington’s reckless spending is not just irresponsible—it’s an existential threat to our future. We need leaders who will treat taxpayer dollars the way they’d manage their own household or mission budget: with discipline, transparency, and zero tolerance for waste.
Abolish Duopoly
Our political system is held hostage by two entrenched parties that put power over people. We need structural reforms—like open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and term limits—to break the stranglehold of the duopoly and return control to the citizens.
Advocating for policies that protect religious freedom and individual liberties
I believe in the traditional American promise—that through hard work and personal responsibility, each generation can build a better life than the one before. But that dream is fading, not because our values have failed, but because government overreach, debt, and distortion have broken the ladder. Protecting religious freedom and individual liberty means restoring the conditions that made the American Dream possible in the first place.
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.
Who I'm Running Against
Jody Barrett (Republican Party)
State Representative. Very polished and is the first Representative in state history to receive a 100% score for conservative voting. Likely to be a finalist during the primary.
Matt van Epps (Republican Party)
State Commissioner. Good party support. Military veteran with similarities to the retiring incumbent.
Lee Reeves (Republican Party)
State Representative. Appears to have significant party support. Likely to be a finalist.
Aftyn Behn (Democrat Party)
Described as Tennessee's "AOC." Lots of press appearances. Seems to be the frontrunner for the DNC.
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