My name is Jon. I’ve spent my life as an everyday citizen, not a career politician. Like many Gen Xers, I’ve often held the mindset of “I’m just going to stay out of it.” For decades, I watched as bandaid after bandaid was applied to our nation’s problems without ever addressing the underlying issues. It was easy to stay on the sidelines, observing the noise and chaos of a political system that rarely seemed to get anything meaningful done.

But after years of watching the same patterns repeat—empty promises, patchwork solutions, and an ever-growing disconnect between the people and those in power—I can no longer maintain that mindset. I’ve shifted into the “Fine, I’ll do it myself” mindset that defines my generation’s resilience and determination.

I’m divorced, a single dad, and I’ve faced many of the struggles that most Americans know all too well—housing challenges, financial insecurity, and the constant balancing act of family and work. I’ve never been the type to seek public assistance or expect someone else to fix my problems. I’ve always believed in earning my way, in taking pride in doing it myself. That’s how I was raised, and it’s what the American dream has always meant to me: working hard, overcoming challenges, and building a better life through determination and perseverance.

But no matter how much pride I had, there were times in my life when the needs of my family were more important than my pride. Those were very painful times—moments where I had to make decisions that went against everything I believed about self-reliance and independence, all because I wanted to make sure my kids had what they needed. Those experiences shaped me profoundly, teaching me that strength isn’t just about standing on your own—it’s about knowing when to do whatever it takes for the people you love.

In my adult life, I’ve never strived for luxury. I’ve only wanted to feel comfortable, free from the weight of financial stress. I wanted to drive my truck without hearing a noise underneath and wondering if it was broken—and if it was, how I was going to afford to fix it. I wanted to take my son to his AAU basketball games or bring my daughter to out-of-state gymnastics meets without the sinking feeling of choosing which bill to sacrifice so I could afford a weekend in a hotel and eating out. These aren’t extravagant dreams—they’re the dreams of someone who just wants to live a life where hard work equals security and stability.

And we hear you. I know so many Americans share these same experiences. They’ve been there, or they’re living it right now. You’re not alone. We see your struggles, your sacrifices, and your perseverance, and I’m determined to make sure these stories are no longer the norm.

I’ve always been the quiet observer—the mouse in the corner—watching what’s happening, figuring out solutions to problems, but too shy or reserved to shout out over the noise. But as I see more and more problems go unsolved, I’ve realized it’s time for me to find my voice and take action. I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t pretend to—but I believe I’ve built a solid foundation for solutions that require the input of the American people to fill in the details. That’s exactly why I invite you to participate in furthering this American experiment. Together, we can create solutions that work for everyone.

The Roundtable Revolution reflects this shift: it’s about stepping out of the corner and inviting others to join me at the table, where we can work together to craft practical, meaningful policies that reflect the true spirit of the Constitution.

I know the road ahead is challenging, and my personality isn’t what most expect in a politician. But I believe embracing my flaws as part of who I am will make this campaign stronger. It’s about being authentic, approachable, and open to new ideas—all with the goal of creating a government that works for everyone.