Mike Croley

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Mike Croley completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Croley's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading-bio-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m Mike Croley; Navy veteran, former federal employee, environmental engineer, and lifelong problem-solver. I’ve spent my life serving this country, from serving as a Naval officer to managing public safety programs for the Federal Government.\r\n<p>Most recently, I worked as a Presidential Management Fellow at NOAA, where I helped lead climate resilience efforts and supported community-centered science. Then, with the stroke of a pen, the program was shut down. My colleagues and I were left without a path forward; not because we failed, but because we refused to play political games.\r\n</p><p>I’m running for Congress in Tennessee’s 6th District because I’ve seen what happens when no one stands up for working people. I’ve seen the cost of silence. And I’ve had enough. If they won’t fight for us, I will.\r\n</p><p>I don’t believe power should only flow through two parties. I believe it should flow through people who care. I’m not here to sell you a party line. I’m here to talk about clean water, fair wages, better schools, and protecting the places we love. I was raised in these hills, raised by the values of grit, integrity, and looking out for your neighbor. \r\n</p><p>That’s what drives me. Not money, not lobbyists, and not ego.\r\n</p>\nI’m not running to build a career. I’m running to rebuild trust in government and remind folks in TN-6 that this is our seat, not theirs. The federal government has spent the last 18 months training me to be a leader. Please, TN6, put me to work!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading-key-message-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I’m running because I’ve seen what happens when no one stands up and fights back. After serving as a Navy veteran, a Tennessee State Park Ranger, and a federal public servant, I watched the government I worked for get gutted by billionaires and cowards. I’m not a polished politician, I’m a problem solver. I stepped up because I couldn’t sit back any longer while working families, teachers, and veterans got left behind.</li><li>My campaign is grounded in common sense and service: protect our environment, legalize marijuana, pay teachers what they’re worth, and stop selling out rural Tennesseans for short-term profit. I’ll fight for fair wages, access to healthcare, and real investment in rural infrastructure, not performative culture wars.</li><li>I’m building a grassroots movement. Not for power, but for people. This campaign is powered by volunteers, small-dollar donors, and folks who believe in truth, transparency, and accountability. I’m not running to come close. I’m running to win, and to give TN-6 a representative who actually works for them. The federal government has invested heavily in training me to be a leader in government. I have worked across many departments and agencies including the Department of State, the National Ocean Service, and the United States Department of Agriculture.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading1-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m passionate about environmental protection, public education, veterans' services, and rural revitalization. As a former Tennessee Park Ranger and environmental engineer, I’ve seen how policy can either protect or destroy what we love. <br/><br/>\n<p>I have family members working in education, I see the daily struggle of teachers and underfunded schools. I’m a disabled veteran who’s navigated the VA system and knows we can do better. I support legalizing marijuana and taxing it substantially to support economic growth. We are farmers in Tennessee and the soil is ripe for change. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nI want to capitalize on our region's natural beauty by promoting ecotourism that supports local jobs and protects the land.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading2-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI look up to Bernie Sanders. <br/><br/>\n<p>He’s been consistent for decades, fighting for working people, calling out corporate greed, and never backing down from a tough truth. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nHe speaks plainly, leads with conviction, and puts people over politics. That’s what I admire most. He’s not perfect, but he’s honest, and you always know where he stands. That’s the kind of representative I want to be, clear, committed, and unshakably on the side of the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading3-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’d point folks to Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Stoic principles guide how I lead, stay grounded, stay humble, focus on what you can control, and serve the people. 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 shaped how I see the risks of unchecked power and the importance of protecting truth. <br/>\r\nAlso, The Life Aquatic is in there too. It’s raw and human. That oddball crew, chasing something bigger than themselves, it’s a fairly apt metaphor for public service. We need leaders who aren’t afraid to be honest, even if it means looking ridiculous in a red beanie sometimes.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading4-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAn elected official should be honest, accessible, and grounded in reality. We don’t need more polished suits who talk in circles. We need people who listen, show up, and follow through. Integrity means doing what you say you're going to do. Transparency means being real with people, not hiding behind PR spin or party lines. Empathy means actually giving a damn about folks who are struggling and being willing to act on their behalf.<br/><br/>\n<p>I believe you need to have backbone. You should be able to say the hard things, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you’re scared to speak up, you’re in the wrong line of work. Leaders should also know how to shut up and listen. Not every problem needs a speech. Sometimes people just need to know their concerns are being heard and taken seriously.<br/><br/>\r\nYou don’t run for office to impress people. You run to serve them. That means showing up in your district, being available, and not making folks jump through hoops to get help. It means putting your ego in check, knowing you're not the smartest one in the room, and being willing to learn.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAnd above all, you need to remember who you work for. Not big donors. Not party insiders. The people. The folks back home. If you forget that, you’ve lost the path.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading5-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm grounded, honest, and stubborn in the best way. I don’t back down when something matters, but I listen when someone else has something to say. My life has been about service; military, law enforcement, federal work, and nonprofit leadership. I know how to lead, how to show up, and how to get things done without making it about me. <br/><br/>\r\nI work hard, I treat people right, and I don’t make promises I can’t keep. That might sound simple, but that kind of consistency is rare in politics. I’m not doing this to build a brand. I’m doing it because it needs to be done.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading6-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibility of anyone elected to Congress is to serve the people who put them there. That means listening first, not lecturing. It means showing up—at town halls, at local events, in the communities that are hurting and staying connected to the folks who deal with real-world problems every single day. You can’t represent people you never see.<br/><br/>\n<p>Second, it’s about solving problems, not scoring political points. We need more public servants, fewer performers. That means doing the work: crafting good legislation, building coalitions, and knowing when to fight and when to negotiate. You don’t have to agree with someone to work with them.<br/><br/>\r\nAccountability matters. If I screw up, I’ll own it. If something’s not working, I’ll say so. Too many politicians pretend everything’s fine when it’s clearly not. That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice.<br/><br/>\r\nLastly, an elected official should protect the Constitution and defend democracy, even when it’s not politically convenient. If you’re not willing to stand up for the process, the rights of voters, and the basic rules of the game, you don’t belong in office.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nMy job is to be the voice of Tennessee’s 6th District, not the voice of a party or a donor class. I work for the people. Period.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading7-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm here to save the planet. I want my legacy to be about stepping up when it mattered most. I hope people will say I told the truth, even when it wasn’t easy, and that I stood with those who felt left out or pushed aside. <br/><br/>\n<p>I would hope that folks would say, “Mike listened, he showed up, and he never forgot where he came from and who he worked for,” then I’ll know I did my part. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nI’m not chasing titles or attention I’m here to make real, lasting change that outlives me.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading8-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe first historical event I remember is the Challenger explosion. I was a kid in elementary school, probably around 6 or 7. We were all in our little classroom \"pods\" when the teachers rolled in the TV on one of those big metal carts. I remember the long cord stretched across the floor, the buzz of the screen warming up, and then the footage: the shuttle launching, the streaks in the sky, and the confusion. No one really explained it at the time. The teachers quietly turned off the TV and walked us back to our rooms. <br/><br/>\r\nIt wasn't until years later that I fully understood what we had witnessed. That memory has always stuck with me, how something so monumental can feel so surreal when you're young.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading9-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked with my Uncle Bob every summer for three years. It started out as \"gopher\" duty; go for this, go for that, but over time I picked up real skills. By the end of it, I wasn’t just hauling tools; I was helping finish out homes. <br/><br/>\r\nThat early experience grounded me in the value of hard work and craftsmanship. When I turned 19, I joined the Navy, carrying those lessons with me. Both jobs, building homes and serving in uniform, instilled in me discipline, integrity, and the importance of having your team’s back.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading10-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIndiana Jones <br/><br/>\r\nSmart, rugged, hates Nazis. Archaeologist with a whip and a doctorate? That’s a solid combo.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading11-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhat an excellent question!<br/><br/>\n<p>The last song that got stuck in my head was “Creep” by Radiohead. It wasn’t random, in that it hit during a five-day meditation retreat. Total silence. No phones, no distractions. Just me, my breath, and somewhere around day three… “I’m a creep... I’m a weirdo...”<br/><br/>\r\nAt first I was annoyed and couldn't understand why it was so persistent. But then I gave it my attention. That song captured something I think a lot of people feel, like they don’t quite fit. Like the world wasn’t made with them in mind. And it made me think of all the folks who’ve been pushed to the margins or told they don’t belong. That’s who I want to fight for.<br/><br/>\r\nSo yeah, “Creep” stuck with me, because it reminded me why I’m doing this.<br/><br/>\n</p>\n\"Whatever makes you happy...\"\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading12-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tSomething I’ve struggled with is watching the systems I believed in fail the people they were supposed to serve, especially in public service. <br/><br/>\n<p>I joined the military to serve, became a park ranger to protect, worked in federal government to improve lives and in each role, I’ve seen firsthand how bureaucracy, politics, or apathy can get in the way of real progress.<br/><br/>\r\nIt’s frustrating. But it’s also what drives me.<br/><br/>\r\nI didn’t walk away. I stepped up.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nNow, I’m running for Congress because I know we can do better and I’m done waiting for someone else to fix it. I'm tired of asking for change. We are the change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading13-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House is the people’s branch. It is raw, responsive, and closest to everyday folks. It moves faster than the Senate, it represents smaller districts, and it’s where real voices can truly break through and be heard. <br/><br/>\r\nIt’s loud, dynamic, and often chaotic, but that’s part of the beauty. It reflects the real energy and urgency of the country. It was designed for accountability, with short terms and direct elections, and I respect that. It reminds any candidate that they can be replaced if they don't listen to the needs of their people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading14-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely. Fresh perspectives are powerful and we need them, but understanding how government actually works matters too. <br/><br/>\n<p>The red tape, the committees, the procedures, all of it can slow things down or trip you up if you’re not prepared. Having walked those halls, worked in government, or served in public roles helps you navigate the system more effectively. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nThat’s why I believe a blend is best: real-world experience paired with a fresh mindset. You’ve got to know how the machine works if you want to fix it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading15-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe’re facing a perfect storm of problems: environmental collapse, political corruption, wealth inequality, and disinformation. <br/><br/>\n<p>Climate change is accelerating and threatening our food, water, and energy security. Meanwhile, corporations and billionaires have bought influence while working people can’t afford healthcare, housing, or higher education. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nOur politics have become tribal theater instead of problem-solving. We’re more divided than ever, and that division is being fueled by lies, bad actors, and unchecked algorithms. If we don’t find common ground and put truth and service ahead of power and profit, we’re in for a rough decade. But I believe we can rise to it. We have overcome difficult times before. I know that we can do it again.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading16-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m all for term limits. Way too many folks have overstayed their welcome and turned public service into a career of comfort and control. <br/><br/>\n<p>At some point, it stops being about the people and starts being about power. You’ve got members of Congress missing votes, stalling progress, and clinging to influence they no longer use for good. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nIt’s ego. The job isn’t supposed to be a lifetime achievement award, it’s supposed to be about showing up and getting things done. If you’re not doing that, it’s time to step aside and let someone else take the reigns.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading17-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhy did Billy fall off his bike? Because Billy was a fish\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading18-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, absolutely. Compromise is essential for progress, but not at the cost of values or integrity. I’ll work with anyone to get good policy passed, but I won’t bargain away what’s right. Some lines don’t get crossed. I’m not for sale, and I won’t be a rubber stamp for anyone. If we can find common ground without losing ourselves, then let’s get to work.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading19-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt plays a big role. If I’m elected, I won’t just vote, I’ll advocate for budgets and bills that reflect our actual values. That means making sure our tax dollars serve the people: funding schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and protecting the environment; not padding the pockets of the wealthy or giant corporations. <br/><br/>\r\nThis power gives the House a key position in shaping how money moves in this country, and I’ll use it to push for fairness, transparency, and real investment in working families. It’s about choosing people over profits, every single time.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading20-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe House’s investigative powers should be used with discipline, integrity, and a focus on truth, not political theater. As someone with a background in law enforcement and security, I believe in facts, due process, and accountability. <br/><br/>\r\nThese powers should shine a light on corruption, waste, abuse of power, and threats to our democracy. They’re not for scoring points or making headlines, they’re for restoring public trust and making sure our government serves the people, not itself. When used correctly, investigations are a tool for justice and reform.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading21-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have 5 donors on Act Blue thus far. That is the extent of my endorsements.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading22-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’d want to serve where I can actually make life better for folks in Tennessee. That means committees like Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Veterans’ Affairs. <br/><br/>\r\nI’ve worked the land, served in uniform, and I’ve seen firsthand how federal decisions hit home. I’d also be interested in Oversight, because someone needs to keep the billionaires and bureaucrats honest. My focus would be practical: get things done, protect what matters, and speak up when nobody else will.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-351122-2025-04-23\" id=\"heading23-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-351122-2025-04-23\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-351122-2025-04-23\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-351122-2025-04-23\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEvery single taxpayer dollar should be traceable. Period. If the government spends it, the people should know where it went, what it bought, and who signed off on it. <br/><br/>\n<p>I support independent audits, real-time public spending dashboards, and strict penalties for misusing funds. No more black boxes or bloated budgets tucked into bills no one reads. Government should be held to the same standards we hold our families to, don’t spend what you don’t have, and don’t lie about where it went. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nTransparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of democracy. Without it, we’re running blind.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nMike Croley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Croley's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I’m Mike Croley; Navy veteran, former federal employee, environmental engineer, and lifelong problem-solver. I’ve spent my life serving this country, from serving as a Naval officer to managing public safety programs for the Federal Government. Most recently, I worked as a Presidential Management Fellow at NOAA, where I helped lead climate resilience efforts and supported community-centered science. Then, with the stroke of a pen, the program was shut down. My colleagues and I were left without a path forward; not because we failed, but because we refused to play political games. I’m running for Congress in Tennessee’s 6th District because I’ve seen what happens when no one stands up for working people. I’ve seen the cost of silence. And I’ve had enough. If they won’t fight for us, I will. I don’t believe power should only flow through two parties. I believe it should flow through people who care. I’m not here to sell you a party line. I’m here to talk about clean water, fair wages, better schools, and protecting the places we love. I was raised in these hills, raised by the values of grit, integrity, and looking out for your neighbor. That’s what drives me. Not money, not lobbyists, and not ego. I’m not running to build a career. I’m running to rebuild trust in government and remind folks in TN-6 that this is our seat, not theirs. The federal government has spent the last 18 months training me to be a leader. Please, TN6, put me to work! Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I’m running because I’ve seen what happens when no one stands up and fights back. After serving as a Navy veteran, a Tennessee State Park Ranger, and a federal public servant, I watched the government I worked for get gutted by billionaires and cowards. I’m not a polished politician, I’m a problem solver. I stepped up because I couldn’t sit back any longer while working families, teachers, and veterans got left behind. My campaign is grounded in common sense and service: protect our environment, legalize marijuana, pay teachers what they’re worth, and stop selling out rural Tennesseans for short-term profit. I’ll fight for fair wages, access to healthcare, and real investment in rural infrastructure, not performative culture wars. I’m building a grassroots movement. Not for power, but for people. This campaign is powered by volunteers, small-dollar donors, and folks who believe in truth, transparency, and accountability. I’m not running to come close. I’m running to win, and to give TN-6 a representative who actually works for them. The federal government has invested heavily in training me to be a leader in government. I have worked across many departments and agencies including the Department of State, the National Ocean Service, and the United States Department of Agriculture. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about environmental protection, public education, veterans' services, and rural revitalization. As a former Tennessee Park Ranger and environmental engineer, I’ve seen how policy can either protect or destroy what we love. I have family members working in education, I see the daily struggle of teachers and underfunded schools. I’m a disabled veteran who’s navigated the VA system and knows we can do better. I support legalizing marijuana and taxing it substantially to support economic growth. We are farmers in Tennessee and the soil is ripe for change. I want to capitalize on our region's natural beauty by promoting ecotourism that supports local jobs and protects the land. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to Bernie Sanders. He’s been consistent for decades, fighting for working people, calling out corporate greed, and never backing down from a tough truth. He speaks plainly, leads with conviction, and puts people over politics. That’s what I admire most. He’s not perfect, but he’s honest, and you always know where he stands. That’s the kind of representative I want to be, clear, committed, and unshakably on the side of the people. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? I’d point folks to Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Stoic principles guide how I lead, stay grounded, stay humble, focus on what you can control, and serve the people. 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 shaped how I see the risks of unchecked power and the importance of protecting truth. Also, The Life Aquatic is in there too. It’s raw and human. That oddball crew, chasing something bigger than themselves, it’s a fairly apt metaphor for public service. We need leaders who aren’t afraid to be honest, even if it means looking ridiculous in a red beanie sometimes. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? An elected official should be honest, accessible, and grounded in reality. We don’t need more polished suits who talk in circles. We need people who listen, show up, and follow through. Integrity means doing what you say you're going to do. Transparency means being real with people, not hiding behind PR spin or party lines. Empathy means actually giving a damn about folks who are struggling and being willing to act on their behalf. I believe you need to have backbone. You should be able to say the hard things, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you’re scared to speak up, you’re in the wrong line of work. Leaders should also know how to shut up and listen. Not every problem needs a speech. Sometimes people just need to know their concerns are being heard and taken seriously. You don’t run for office to impress people. You run to serve them. That means showing up in your district, being available, and not making folks jump through hoops to get help. It means putting your ego in check, knowing you're not the smartest one in the room, and being willing to learn. And above all, you need to remember who you work for. Not big donors. Not party insiders. The people. The folks back home. If you forget that, you’ve lost the path. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I'm grounded, honest, and stubborn in the best way. I don’t back down when something matters, but I listen when someone else has something to say. My life has been about service; military, law enforcement, federal work, and nonprofit leadership. I know how to lead, how to show up, and how to get things done without making it about me. I work hard, I treat people right, and I don’t make promises I can’t keep. That might sound simple, but that kind of consistency is rare in politics. I’m not doing this to build a brand. I’m doing it because it needs to be done. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibility of anyone elected to Congress is to serve the people who put them there. That means listening first, not lecturing. It means showing up—at town halls, at local events, in the communities that are hurting and staying connected to the folks who deal with real-world problems every single day. You can’t represent people you never see. Second, it’s about solving problems, not scoring political points. We need more public servants, fewer performers. That means doing the work: crafting good legislation, building coalitions, and knowing when to fight and when to negotiate. You don’t have to agree with someone to work with them. Accountability matters. If I screw up, I’ll own it. If something’s not working, I’ll say so. Too many politicians pretend everything’s fine when it’s clearly not. That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice. Lastly, an elected official should protect the Constitution and defend democracy, even when it’s not politically convenient. If you’re not willing to stand up for the process, the rights of voters, and the basic rules of the game, you don’t belong in office. My job is to be the voice of Tennessee’s 6th District, not the voice of a party or a donor class. I work for the people. Period. What legacy would you like to leave? I'm here to save the planet. I want my legacy to be about stepping up when it mattered most. I hope people will say I told the truth, even when it wasn’t easy, and that I stood with those who felt left out or pushed aside. I would hope that folks would say, “Mike listened, he showed up, and he never forgot where he came from and who he worked for,” then I’ll know I did my part. I’m not chasing titles or attention I’m here to make real, lasting change that outlives me. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The first historical event I remember is the Challenger explosion. I was a kid in elementary school, probably around 6 or 7. We were all in our little classroom \"pods\" when the teachers rolled in the TV on one of those big metal carts. I remember the long cord stretched across the floor, the buzz of the screen warming up, and then the footage: the shuttle launching, the streaks in the sky, and the confusion. No one really explained it at the time. The teachers quietly turned off the TV and walked us back to our rooms. It wasn't until years later that I fully understood what we had witnessed. That memory has always stuck with me, how something so monumental can feel so surreal when you're young. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked with my Uncle Bob every summer for three years. It started out as \"gopher\" duty; go for this, go for that, but over time I picked up real skills. By the end of it, I wasn’t just hauling tools; I was helping finish out homes. That early experience grounded me in the value of hard work and craftsmanship. When I turned 19, I joined the Navy, carrying those lessons with me. Both jobs, building homes and serving in uniform, instilled in me discipline, integrity, and the importance of having your team’s back. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Indiana Jones Smart, rugged, hates Nazis. Archaeologist with a whip and a doctorate? That’s a solid combo. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? What an excellent question! The last song that got stuck in my head was “Creep” by Radiohead. It wasn’t random, in that it hit during a five-day meditation retreat. Total silence. No phones, no distractions. Just me, my breath, and somewhere around day three… “I’m a creep... I’m a weirdo...” At first I was annoyed and couldn't understand why it was so persistent. But then I gave it my attention. That song captured something I think a lot of people feel, like they don’t quite fit. Like the world wasn’t made with them in mind. And it made me think of all the folks who’ve been pushed to the margins or told they don’t belong. That’s who I want to fight for. So yeah, “Creep” stuck with me, because it reminded me why I’m doing this. \"Whatever makes you happy...\" What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Something I’ve struggled with is watching the systems I believed in fail the people they were supposed to serve, especially in public service. I joined the military to serve, became a park ranger to protect, worked in federal government to improve lives and in each role, I’ve seen firsthand how bureaucracy, politics, or apathy can get in the way of real progress. It’s frustrating. But it’s also what drives me. I didn’t walk away. I stepped up. Now, I’m running for Congress because I know we can do better and I’m done waiting for someone else to fix it. I'm tired of asking for change. We are the change. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The House is the people’s branch. It is raw, responsive, and closest to everyday folks. It moves faster than the Senate, it represents smaller districts, and it’s where real voices can truly break through and be heard. It’s loud, dynamic, and often chaotic, but that’s part of the beauty. It reflects the real energy and urgency of the country. It was designed for accountability, with short terms and direct elections, and I respect that. It reminds any candidate that they can be replaced if they don't listen to the needs of their people. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Absolutely. Fresh perspectives are powerful and we need them, but understanding how government actually works matters too. The red tape, the committees, the procedures, all of it can slow things down or trip you up if you’re not prepared. Having walked those halls, worked in government, or served in public roles helps you navigate the system more effectively. That’s why I believe a blend is best: real-world experience paired with a fresh mindset. You’ve got to know how the machine works if you want to fix it. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? We’re facing a perfect storm of problems: environmental collapse, political corruption, wealth inequality, and disinformation. Climate change is accelerating and threatening our food, water, and energy security. Meanwhile, corporations and billionaires have bought influence while working people can’t afford healthcare, housing, or higher education. Our politics have become tribal theater instead of problem-solving. We’re more divided than ever, and that division is being fueled by lies, bad actors, and unchecked algorithms. If we don’t find common ground and put truth and service ahead of power and profit, we’re in for a rough decade. But I believe we can rise to it. We have overcome difficult times before. I know that we can do it again. What are your thoughts on term limits? I’m all for term limits. Way too many folks have overstayed their welcome and turned public service into a career of comfort and control. At some point, it stops being about the people and starts being about power. You’ve got members of Congress missing votes, stalling progress, and clinging to influence they no longer use for good. It’s ego. The job isn’t supposed to be a lifetime achievement award, it’s supposed to be about showing up and getting things done. If you’re not doing that, it’s time to step aside and let someone else take the reigns. Tell us your favorite joke. Why did Billy fall off his bike? Because Billy was a fish Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes, absolutely. Compromise is essential for progress, but not at the cost of values or integrity. I’ll work with anyone to get good policy passed, but I won’t bargain away what’s right. Some lines don’t get crossed. I’m not for sale, and I won’t be a rubber stamp for anyone. If we can find common ground without losing ourselves, then let’s get to work. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? It plays a big role. If I’m elected, I won’t just vote, I’ll advocate for budgets and bills that reflect our actual values. That means making sure our tax dollars serve the people: funding schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and protecting the environment; not padding the pockets of the wealthy or giant corporations. This power gives the House a key position in shaping how money moves in this country, and I’ll use it to push for fairness, transparency, and real investment in working families. It’s about choosing people over profits, every single time. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? The House’s investigative powers should be used with discipline, integrity, and a focus on truth, not political theater. As someone with a background in law enforcement and security, I believe in facts, due process, and accountability. These powers should shine a light on corruption, waste, abuse of power, and threats to our democracy. They’re not for scoring points or making headlines, they’re for restoring public trust and making sure our government serves the people, not itself. When used correctly, investigations are a tool for justice and reform. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? I have 5 donors on Act Blue thus far. That is the extent of my endorsements. What committees interest you? I’d want to serve where I can actually make life better for folks in Tennessee. That means committees like Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Veterans’ Affairs. I’ve worked the land, served in uniform, and I’ve seen firsthand how federal decisions hit home. I’d also be interested in Oversight, because someone needs to keep the billionaires and bureaucrats honest. My focus would be practical: get things done, protect what matters, and speak up when nobody else will. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Every single taxpayer dollar should be traceable. Period. If the government spends it, the people should know where it went, what it bought, and who signed off on it. I support independent audits, real-time public spending dashboards, and strict penalties for misusing funds. No more black boxes or bloated budgets tucked into bills no one reads. Government should be held to the same standards we hold our families to, don’t spend what you don’t have, and don’t lie about where it went. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of democracy. Without it, we’re running blind.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]