District 7 Primary Election 2022: John Henry Isemann

DISTRICT 7, NJ — John Henry Isemann is running for election in the House of Representatives 7th Congressional District primary election on June 7. He is running against eight other candidates.

Republican Isemann is running against seven other Republicans including Kevin B. Dorlon, Erik Peterson, Thomas H. Kean, Jr., Philip Rizzo, John Henry Isemann, Sterling I. Schwab, and John Flora competing in the contested primary.

Incumbent Tom Malinowski and Roger Bacon are also facing off in the contested Democratic primary.

Are you running for office in District 7? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

John Henry Isemann

Age: 27

Town of Residence: Long Valley

Position Sought: U.S. Congress

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Three generations in Long Valley

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Occupation: Candidate

Previous Elected or Appointed Office: I am not a career politician. This is my first run for elected office.

Why are you seeking to run for election for District 7?

Seeing what's happening around the country, the polarization of our politics, the disasters unfolding in D.C., my generation (Millennials) voting 5 times for left than right – and how it affects New Jersey – my home state. I could have sat by and watched from New York City or escaped to Florida or North Carolina like everyone else, but I care too much about this place to give up – or to entrust the same politicians (on all sides) who have sat by and done little to change it for decades.

New Jersey now leads the U.S. in taxes, regulation, spending, and people leaving. This once reliably moderate, livable, and politically relevant place now has completely lopsided representation in Washington. Our congressional delegation is split 11/2 (Democrat-to-Republican), and we haven't had a Republican senator since the 70s. We can change this and put an end to the days of New Jerseyans going to the polls (whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent) and feeling like their vote doesn't matter. But we must nominate and elect new leaders.

Voting Republican, Democrat, or simply down the line in any fashion is not enough anymore. We need to empower and support leaders who are more representative of us than the status quo. This might involve crossing party lines, donating to a campaign for the first time, or maybe even voting in a primary. For me, it has meant quitting my job, sinking my savings, and putting my life on hold to run for Congress.

Do you feel flooding is an issue in the district? How would you like to address it?

Flooding is a serious issue in this district. Last year, Hurricane Ida devastated many of our towns. It hit Somerset and Hunterdon counties particularly hard. Forty-two New Jerseyans lost their lives, and tens of millions in damage was done to homes, schools, and businesses. We cannot afford a repeat of this tragedy. We must build new flood control systems and properly manage current ones, and that new construction doesn’t increase flooding.

In Congress, I will ensure that our district receives federal funding to improve existing and establish new flood control systems. New Jersey receives one of the worst returns on its federal tax dollars, getting only 75¢ back for every $1 it sends to D.C. Our fair share of tax dollars must be returned to address flooding and other challenges. I will work closely with local and county governments to minimize flooding. I support the Green Brook Flood Control Project’s work to have a robust flood protection system built and will assist Hunterdon County officials’ in their efforts to mitigate flooding.

Towns surrounding the Rahway River need better flood protection, and I will continue the ongoing efforts to secure funding for this project. When flooding does occur, I will work closely with constituents to help them receive FEMA assistance.

How do you feel about Roe v Wade potentially being overturned?:

I am Pro-Life and support overturning Roe v. Wade. Life should be cherished, valued, and protected in all of its stages and forms. We now know that a baby’s heartbeat can be detected and brain activity recorded at just six weeks. At nine weeks, the baby can suck its thumb and grasp an object. Children have survived birth as early as 21 weeks and gone on to live healthy lives. U.S. abortion policy, which was based on 1970’s era viability standards, permits no protection for the life of a child before 24 weeks. Using an outdated “viability standard” in light of current science no longer holds.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the district?

Competition. Our district uniquely borders both Pennsylvania and New York, so we see firsthand how uncompetitive our tax/regulatory climate is for both businesses and residents. The first thing I will do is stop the same politicians who have been in Trenton and D.C. (Tom Kean & Tom Malinowski) for decades - the ones that made our state and district the most overtaxed, overregulated, and underrepresented in the country - from taking this seat. Once in Congress, I will champion legislation that slashes regulation, lowers taxes, and brings opportunity back to New Jersey.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I am a candidate who can win in the primary and general elections and in Congress. Candidates with new ideas, new energy, and the ability to change the national conversation win elections and win for their district when in Congress. I have experience in the private sector across tech, finance, media, and nonprofit, and the ability to drive real change in Congress, which, as we’re seeing today - is created by next-generation leaders.

Our current representative Tom Malinowski has spent 30 years in D.C. My primary opponents have spent another 30 years in Trenton. I am the only candidate that represents new ideas, new energy, and real change to the status quo. We’re the only campaign calling for term limits, lobbying reform, and comprehensive ethics reform to change the character of those who go to Congress. We have already contacted over 10,000 voters, raised over $100,000, and garnered the support of over 100 local committee members. We’ve built a team, organization, and movement not with overpaid political consultants but with real people working for change. We’re redefining what a successful campaign looks like.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I hope to earn your vote in the Primary on Tuesday, June 7th. If you have any questions feel free to email my team and I at team@johnisemann.com. Follow us on Instagram: johnisemann3

Facebook: John Henry Isemann, YouTube: John Isemann, and Twitter: @johnisemann3