Candidates We Support
Taking The Hill proudly supports the following candidates in their campaigns for office across the country:
United States Senate
Tammy Duckworth,
IL
Senator Duckworth's military career began in 1992 when she joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Hawaii. She later received her commission as a second lieutenant and became a helicopter pilot in the Army Reserve. In 2004, while serving in Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, causing her to lose both of her legs and severely injuring her right arm. Despite her injuries, Duckworth continued to serve and received a Purple Heart for her bravery.
After her military service, Duckworth became an advocate for veterans' rights and served as the director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.
In 2016, Duckworth ran for the U.S. Senate and became the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress in Illinois and the first disabled woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate.
Duckworth's military service, along with her personal experiences and dedication to public service, have shaped her advocacy for veterans' rights, healthcare access, women's rights, and many other issues.
Jack Reed,
RI
Senator Jack Reed served in the United States Army as an officer in the 82nd Airborne Division, and an infantry platoon leader and company commander. Reed's dedication and leadership skills earned him numerous awards and decorations, including the Ranger Tab and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
After leaving active duty, Reed continued his military service in the Army Reserve. He served as an instructor at the Officer Candidate School and as a paratrooper with the 325th Infantry Regiment.
Reed's military experience deeply influenced his decision to run for public office. In 1996, Reed ran for the U.S. Senate, becoming Rhode Island's senior senator. He has maintained a strong focus on national defense, veterans' issues, and economic policies that benefit working families.
Reed’s military experience provides him with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges facing those in uniform, shaping his commitment to their well-being and influencing his legislative priorities.
Mark Kelly,
AZ
Senator Mark Kelly served as a naval aviator and combat pilot in the United States Navy for over two decades, reaching the rank of captain. He flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and later became a test pilot and flight instructor. He also served as an astronaut with NASA, participating in four space shuttle missions.
After retiring from the Navy and NASA, he co-founded a non-profit organization called Americans for Responsible Solutions, which aimed to promote responsible gun ownership and reduce gun violence. This commitment to public safety and his desire to make a positive impact on his community ultimately led him to run for public office.
In 2020, Kelly ran for the U.S. Senate in a special election to fill the seat vacated by John McCain's passing. Kelly’s experience in the military led to his passion for public service and a commitment to his constituents.
Raphael Warnock,
GA
While Senator Warnock did not directly serve in the military himself, his father served in World War II, which greatly affected Warnock’s childhood and instilled in him a sense of duty and commitment to his country.
Warnock's campaign for the U.S. Senate in the 2020 special election in Georgia focused on issues such as expanding Medicaid, protecting voting rights, and addressing income inequality. He aimed to bring his activism and advocacy to the forefront of policy-making, championing the rights of marginalized communities and striving for a more equitable society. His historic victory in the election marked a milestone as Georgia's first African American senator, further highlighting his commitment to public service and the pursuit of social change.
United States House of Representatives
Matt Cartwright,
PA - 8th District
Cartwright's military service began following his graduation from Hamilton College and obtaining a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, he joined the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Throughout his military career, Cartwright demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional legal expertise, rising through the ranks and attaining the rank of Major.
Cartwright recognized the importance of public service beyond the confines of the military. Witnessing the difficulties faced by his fellow service members, both during deployment and upon returning home, Cartwright became acutely aware of the need for strong leadership and genuine representation in government.
In 2012, he successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district. Since then, Cartwright has consistently championed the rights of veterans, focusing on improving healthcare services, increasing employment opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality of life for those who have served our country.
Seth Moulton,
MA - 6th District
Representative Moulton began his journey of service by joining the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Harvard University in 2001.
Moulton's military service spanned four tours in Iraq, where he fearlessly led troops on the frontlines. As a Marine Corps officer, he served as a platoon commander in the 1st Marine Division. His exceptional performance earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for Valor.
Motivated by a desire for change and a dedication to public service, Moulton decided to venture into politics. He has represented Massachusetts' 6th congressional district since 2014.
Representative Moulton's military service undoubtedly shaped his understanding of leadership, sacrifice, and devotion to duty. These experiences have fueled his commitment to serving the American people, driving him to run for public office and advocate for a better future for the communities he represents.
Mikie Sherrill,
NJ - 11th District
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1994, Sherrill served as a helicopter pilot in the Navy for nearly 10 years. During her time in the Navy, she deployed to Europe and the Middle East, participating in missions that demanded discipline, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving her country.
Motivated by her experiences, Sherrill decided to pursue a career in public service. She has represented New Jersey's 11th Congressional District since 2017. In Congress, Sherrill has continued to use her military expertise to champion issues related to national security, defense, and veterans' affairs.
Representative Sherrill's commitment to public service, shaped by her military experience, has made her a respected leader in Congress. She continues to utilize her unique background to advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being and interests of those she once served alongside.
Chris Deluzio,
PA - 17th District
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Representative Deluzio served as an active-duty naval officer and then an executive officer with an Army Civil Affairs company in Iraq.
Deluzio's decision to run for public office was largely influenced by his experiences in the military. Witnessing firsthand the impact that policies and decisions have on the lives of servicemen and women, he felt compelled to continue serving his country in a different capacity.
Representative Deluzio was elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 17th district in 2022. His campaign was a testament to his commitment to serving his community, combined with his dedication to improving the lives of his constituents.
Jeff Jackson,
NC - 14th District
Representative Jackson served in the United States Army for eight years, during which he deployed to Afghanistan, spearheading missions aimed at stabilizing local communities and fostering relationships with Afghan civilians. His experiences in the military instilled in him a profound sense of duty, sacrifice, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our armed forces.
Inspired by his military service and a strong desire to make a positive impact on his community, Jeff Jackson decided to run for public office. He launched his political career in 2014 when he successfully campaigned for the North Carolina State Senate. In 2022, when a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives became vacant, Jeff seized the opportunity to represent his constituents at the federal level. He ran on a platform of fostering bipartisanship and tackling pressing issues such as climate change, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform.
Jackson’s military background, combined with his experience in the state senate, equip him with the knowledge, leadership skills, and perseverance necessary to make a positive impact in Congress.
Pat Ryan,
NY - 18th District
Representative Ryan served his country for four tours of duty as an Army officer, with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the course of his military career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and bravery, earning the Bronze Star for his outstanding performance under fire. His experiences on the front lines exposed him to complex challenges, fostering a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by those who defend our nation.
In 2018, Ryan launched his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives, driven by a desire to address the pressing issues affecting his district and the nation as a whole. Despite being a political novice, Ryan's military background and dedication quickly gained recognition and resonated with voters. His commitment to integrity, leadership, and putting people above politics struck a chord, propelling him to victory in both the primary and general elections.
Representative Ryan’s first hand understanding of the hardships faced by our service members and their families, coupled with a deep empathy for the concerns of his community, enables him to represent his constituents with unwavering dedication and commitment.
Ashley Ehasz,
PA - 1st District
Ashley Ehasz graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, and if elected, would be the first woman in the United States House of Representatives to do so. Ehasz served as a Apache helicopter pilot and joined the Army at age 17 in order to serve her country and gain an affordable education.
Ehasz served as a platoon leader for the 4th Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment. She was deployed to Kuwait under Operation Spartan Shield and later with Operation Inherent Resolve.
Ehasz is running on the campaign to support women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ youth, and the American way of life. Her unique experience in the Army shows her passion and commitment to the American people.
Andrei Cherny,
AZ - 1st District
Cherny's military record reflects his strong commitment to protecting and serving his country. Having graduated from the United States Naval Academy, Cherny went on to serve as a naval officer, specializing in intelligence and national security. Throughout his military career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, analytical acumen, and a deep sense of duty.
After his honorable discharge from the military, Cherny pursued a career in law and policy, focusing mainly on economic issues. His unique combination of military and civilian experiences allowed him to view the world through a distinct lens and comprehend the interconnectedness of national security, economic stability, and social justice.
Cherny's military service instilled in him a profound sense of duty towards his fellow citizens, motivating him to tackle pressing issues head-on. He aims to bridge gaps, reform outdated systems, and ensure the prosperity and well-being of all Americans.
Chrissy Houlahan,
PA - 6th District
Houlahan's military career began in 1989 when she joined the Air Force through the ROTC program. She served as an officer and engineer, specializing in satellite technology, and worked on various national security initiatives. Houlahan deployed to countries such as Korea, Japan, and Italy during her service, gaining firsthand experience in defense and international affairs.
After retiring from the military, Houlahan decided to run for public office. She sought to continue serving her country by addressing critical issues such as national security, healthcare, education, and climate change.
Houlahan's military background has provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by service members and veterans, and she has been a strong advocate for their rights and well-being. Houlahan's military service and dedication to public service have been driving forces in her pursuit of making a positive impact on her community and the nation as a whole.
Susan Wild,
PA - 7th District
In 2018, motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on her community and address the pressing issues facing her constituents, Wild decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Her campaign focused on issues such as healthcare access, economic opportunity, and fighting for working families.
As a congresswoman, Wild has been an advocate for affordable healthcare, economic policies that benefit working-class Americans, and protecting the environment. While she does not have a military background, she has worked to support veterans and their families, advocating for improved healthcare services and employment opportunities for veterans in her district.
Representative Wild's decision to run for public office was influenced by her legal career and a commitment to public service. Her dedication to addressing the needs of her constituents and her passion for fighting for social and economic justice have shaped her work in Congress. Wild's legal expertise and understanding of the issues facing her community have informed her legislative priorities and guided her efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of the people she represents.
Elissa Slotkin,
MI
Representative Slotkin served in the CIA and then joined the U.S. Department of Defense, where she worked as a defense and intelligence analyst. Slotkin went on to serve three tours of duty in Iraq as a civilian, working in various capacities related to national security and counterterrorism.
Slotkin's military experience and dedication to national security played a significant role in her decision to run for public office. Her campaign focused on pragmatic problem-solving and a commitment to bipartisan cooperation. Her experience in the intelligence and defense sectors equipped her with a deep understanding of complex issues and the ability to navigate the intricacies of national security policy.
As a congresswoman, Slotkin has continued to prioritize national security and defense-related issues. She has advocated for strong alliances, responsible military engagement, and comprehensive support for veterans.