John Myrick

I'm not a politician; I'm a public servant; an ordinary Marylander looking to make a difference. For far too long, career politicians have been more interested in protecting their own positions and blaming each other for the way things are. Our country deserves better - you deserve better. I have no interest in making politics a career and pledge to serve only one term in the U.S. Senate. The founding Fathers never envisioned serving in Congress as a lifetime job.

 I have spent my entire adult life defending Maryland and our Nation. I served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves before retiring as a highly decorated combat veteran. While serving in the Reserves, I was a highly decorated and respected Civilian Senior Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Intelligence Community; considered an expert in asymmetric threats. I have lectured at major universities on National Security Policy Issues, presented testimony on dozens of occasions to Congressional Committees and individual Members, briefed NATO leadership, and served as a keynote speaker for an international conference on counterterrorism hosted by the Australian Federal Police. my experience has given me a unique perspective of how National-level Decision-makers approach issues. Since leaving Federal Civil Service, I have been a Contract Senior Advisor for the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security.

• Our Nation’s problems are not going to be solved through partisan politics. As your U.S. Senator, I would work with any and all like-minded people - regardless of political party or affiliation. The lack of effective border control has allowed illegal drugs and millions of undocumented migrants to flow freely into our country; causing a grave risk to National security. Maryland one of the highest rates of fentanyl overdoses in the country. I will work to secure our borders, to enforce immigration and customs laws, and to hold those responsible for flooding our streets with illegal drugs accountable.
• Our country is far less safe than at any point in modern history - facing threats from terrorists, rouge states, and near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. Our military is no longer in a position to defend our global interests. We cannot afford to continue to allow declining recruitment, social experimentation, ineffective leadership, and defense contractors whose major interest is profits, to impact our military readiness. I will work to improve the quality of life issues plaguing our military that effect are ability to recruit qualified volunteers; to hold the leadership of the Department of Defense accountable for every dime of YOUR tax money that is spent; and seek to improve how we procure and purchase weapon systems.
• Far too many of our legislators have spent decades in office. Has this longevity solved any of the issues effecting the average American? I think not. I will only serve one term in the U.S. Senate. I would work with the Maryland Governor and leaders in the State House to promote your priorities - not those of a particular political party or special interest. I will introduce legislation for term limits for Congress - limiting time in Congress to 12 years. I will work with other like-minded Members to hold Members accountable for their conduct.

The opportunity to continue giving back to Maryland as a U.S. Senator would be a great honor. The concept of public service has been missing from our representatives for far too long. Maryland deserves a Senator who truly represents them, not a political party or other special interests.

I always looked up to my Mother and Grandmother above all others. I was raised primarily by them and marvel at the love and sacrifices that they made in order for us to have the essentials.

 I admire several historical figures such ad George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln.  These leaders understood the importance of duty and service before self.

I haven't patterned my political philosophy on any one individual or party. I would recommend a book, though, entitled, "Lincoln on Leadership." I have always found it to be enlightening.

Integrity matter. Our representatives need to be held to the highest ethical standards. They represent us - and should conduct themselves with our best interests above all else.

I understand the importance of public service, and of putting the interests of those we serve above our own. I think that this has been missing from our representatives for a very long time.

I believe that our Senator must be willing to work with anyone - regardless of party affiliation or political views - to accomplish the business of the people of this Nation. Representing the views and interest of their constituents is their only responsibility.

I hope to be remembered as a man of integrity; a man who served; and as a loving Husband and Father.

I clearly remember watching Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969. I was 5 years old at the time.

My very first job was as a Attendant at a go-cart track in White Marsh, MD. I worked there for over a year while in high school.

I feel that competition from China is perhaps our biggest challenge; militarily, economically, and strategically.

I fully support a Constitutional Amendment setting term limits on members of Congress at a total of 12 years. I will work to make this a reality.

Originally, Senators were appointed by Governors to represent the interests of the states at the Federal level. It wasn't until the 20th century that Senators were elected. The Senate was designed to be a source of continuity for legislative affairs. Additionally, its role as giving advice and consent to the Executive Branch for everything from Treaties to Executive Appointments makes it a unique body.

No. I believe that Senators need to have a firm understanding of their responsibility to represent their respective state in the best way that they can. They also need to understand the need to work with others that do not necessarily share the same political views to accomplish the work of the people.

The filibuster has a very long and storied tradition. It has a use, though like other tools of government, it has been abused from time to time.

I am my own man and choose not to pattern myself after any one individual. I have a great deal of respect for a number of former Senators, including Senators John McCain and Charles "Mac" Mathias.

I would ask that any Judicial Nominee have a record of fairly and impartially evaluating the evidence put before them and rule accordingly. Our country does not need judges that attempt to legislate from the bench or try to push their own personal agendas.

I would be willing to work with any and all other Senators in order to accomplish the work of the people.

Compromise is absolutely essential to policymaking. One can never get everything they want every time. Understanding the art of compromise is essential to anyone serving in a position within our government.

The Senate should use its investigative powers sparingly - only when absolutely necessary to reach the truth.

I would require that Cabinet Nominees have appreciable experience in the area for which they have been nominated. Far too often, nominees are novices in the subject matter for which they are seeking to lead.

As a career Intelligence Officer, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is of great interest. Also, Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees are desirable.

Government needs to be fully accountable to the people. With some notable exceptions of classified programs and operations, financial transparency is a necessity. All of the money spend by our government comes from the people - it's our money, not the governments. They need to be good stewards of the public trust.