A native of the Chicagoland area, James T. "Jim" Trautz, Jr. has been a Virginian for more than 25 years. In that time, he’s been actively involved in serving the community in numerous roles, including PTA board member; softball, baseball, and football coach; high school Booster Club member; Civic League President; Ruritan member; community activist; and a host of others. The father of six children, Jim now resides in Sterling, Virginia.

Jim served in the Navy for over 20 years. After retiring as a Naval Officer, Jim continued to serve our country by managing a multi-million-dollar program as a defense contractor with great success. Jim is also an ordained minister who has worked side-by-side with the citizens of Virginia, serving them with friendship and a message of hope and love.

Jim is just a regular guy who, over the course of the last 30 years, has served his family, his community, and his country faithfully. Jim is not from a political family or "inner circle" and is not interested in becoming a career politician. He has no allegiance to any party platform or leadership. But, Jim has observed the government continually erode individual liberty and is committed to reverse this trend.

Jim understands that public service is not a political objective. It is a matter of character and calling. It is self-sacrifice for the good of others--not sacrificing others' interest for one's own political good.

Jim has never held an elected position in government, but he understands leadership is effective when it puts others first. Jim is seeking political office out of care and concern for his fellow citizens, and out of recognition that our elected representatives show every sign of putting themselves ahead of their constituents.

Though it is difficult for a new representative to change the culture in Washington, even a new political leader can make a big difference by focusing on a few key objectives and seeing them through to completion. Jim's objectives include scaling back the overgrowth of government by being a true leader. That includes raising public awareness on key issues, honoring those who are fighting the good fight, and developing legislation with rich incentives that place the onus on the people, the private sector, charities, and faith-based organizations to advance social justice in ways the federal government cannot and should not.

Leadership demands honesty, integrity, strength, and courage. Jim has developed his leadership abilities in the Navy, where he served our country for over 20 years.

Jim Trautz brings a sharpened understanding of success, struggle, and servanthood to his candidacy. Most of all, Jim understands what it means to be a leader. Through a deep personal commitment to lead by Honesty, Listening, and Conscience, Jim is eager to continue his track record of success serving as the next U.S. Representative for the 10th Congressional district of Virginia.