ABOUT ME
FIGHTING FOR CHANGE FOR ALL AMERICANS
My name is Joseph Lehman. I am a blue-collar worker, a devoted husband and a proud father of three. Make no mistake, I am not a career politician. I am a working family man who has grown increasingly frustrated as politicians on both sides of the aisle continue to divide our nation and place politics ahead of people while lining their pockets.
Now more than ever, we need strong leadership, fair and honest representation for all Americans, and a renewed commitment to unity. I am running to bring common sense, transparency, accountability, and the voice of everyday citizens back to Congress.
I invite you to stand with me and help get our nation back on track.
-THE ISSUES-
Immigration
This is one issue where I differ from my own party’s traditional approach. History shows that great nations with weak or ineffective border and immigration policies have faced serious consequences—either through external threats or internal instability. To remain a free and prosperous nation, the United States must maintain strong, effective border security and a clear, enforceable immigration system. I will work alongside fellow members of Congress to advance responsible and effective border and immigration policies. At the same time, the freedoms and liberties of every American citizen must be fully protected. That means enforcement must be carried out carefully and lawfully, with zero tolerance for errors that result in U.S. citizens being wrongly detained or deported. To ensure this, I support internal policy reforms that strengthen identification and verification procedures when individuals are apprehended, safeguarding constitutional rights while upholding the rule of law.
Taxation
Many modern taxes—particularly at the federal level—were originally introduced as temporary measures, yet they have become permanent burdens on American families. I believe excessive taxation limits opportunity, restricts personal freedom, and places unnecessary strain on hardworking citizens. Americans should have greater control over the fruits of their labor, not see them steadily eroded through ever-expanding tax policy. Our nation thrived for generations with limited federal taxation, and I believe we can move toward a system that restores economic freedom while maintaining responsible governance. If elected, I will introduce legislation to gradually wind down the federal income tax, with the long-term goal of reducing it to a simple, flat rate of one percent across the board. I will also introduce legislation to eliminate the federal estate tax, ensuring that Americans can pass the results of a lifetime of hard work on to their families without government penalty. In addition, I will introduce legislation to prohibit property taxes on owner-occupied housing, protecting homeownership and preventing Americans from being taxed out of their own homes. These reforms are aimed at empowering individuals, strengthening families, and restoring a tax system that respects freedom, fairness, and personal responsibility.
Political Integrity
For far too long, members of Congress have not been held to the standards of professionalism and accountability that the American people deserve. Partisan infighting has too often taken priority over problem-solving, while families and communities bear the consequences of inaction. Our political system was designed to serve the people—not political parties—and it is time to return to that principle. If elected, I will introduce legislation aimed at restoring accountability and trust in federal government. This includes legislation to eliminate congressional pay for every day the federal government is shut down due to congressional failure to reach agreement, with no access to back pay and no exceptions. If Congress cannot do its job, it should not be paid by the American taxpayer. I will also introduce legislation to impose term limits on both Senators and Representatives, establish reasonable upper age limits for federal elected office, and require natural-born United States citizenship for anyone seeking federal elected office. These reforms are intended to encourage fresh perspectives, reduce careerism, and ensure that federal leadership remains closely connected to the people it serves. In addition, I will work to reduce excessive partisan influence by introducing legislation to remove party affiliations from ballots and official candidate information platforms. This reform would encourage voters to evaluate candidates based on their ideas, qualifications, and character—rather than party labels—and would promote greater cooperation within Congress to deliver solutions that benefit all Americans, not just partisan interests. These reforms are about accountability, integrity, and putting the American people first.
Abortion
I believe that no level of government in the United States should have the authority to dictate an individual’s personal medical decisions. At the same time, there is a point during pregnancy at which a fetus should be recognized as human life. When that point is reached, and when the mother resides within the United States, the rights and liberties of that life must be respected alongside those of the mother. For that reason, abortion would be unlawful beyond that stage of pregnancy. As a member of Congress, I would work alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle to create and support legislation that reflects this balance—protecting personal liberty while upholding the value of human life. As a nation, we must approach this issue thoughtfully and collectively, with respect for differing views and a shared commitment to the common good.
2A/Gun Control
The Constitution is clear in its protection of the people’s right to keep and bear arms, stating that this right “shall not be infringed.” I strongly believe that lawful gun ownership is a fundamental constitutional freedom that must be defended. Addressing gun violence requires a serious and effective focus on mental health. Many acts of mass violence are committed by individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, and expanding access to timely, voluntary mental health care is a critical step toward prevention. I will introduce federal legislation to protect Second Amendment rights by overriding state laws that restrict the types of firearms law-abiding citizens may purchase, as well as legislation to remove magazine capacity limitations. Constitutional rights should not change from state to state, and Americans should not lose fundamental freedoms simply by crossing a state line. In addition, improving school safety must be a priority. Allowing properly trained and willing teachers to carry concealed firearms, along with ensuring that every school has well-trained resource officers on site, would provide meaningful deterrence and faster response in the event of an emergency. My approach is focused on protecting constitutional rights, addressing root causes of violence, and ensuring the safety of our communities—without punishing responsible, law-abiding citizens.
National Debt
It is no secret how severe our national debt has become. Trillions of dollars in accumulated debt represent a serious and growing threat to the economic security of the American people. Continuing on this path places future generations at risk while too many Americans struggle to afford basic necessities and too many veterans lack stable housing. Despite this reality, Washington continues to approve massive spending packages and send hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars overseas, even as our federal budget remains deeply unbalanced. Members of Congress from both major parties routinely speak about fiscal responsibility, yet continue to support the same excessive spending that drives our debt higher. This approach is unsustainable and must come to an end. If elected, I will work to restore fiscal discipline by supporting legislation that prioritizes balanced budgets, limits deficit spending during periods of economic growth, and requires that any new federal spending be offset by reductions elsewhere. I will advocate for comprehensive audits of federal agencies to identify waste, fraud, and duplication, with any savings directed specifically toward debt reduction. I also support reforming foreign aid and discretionary spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and in alignment with clear national interests, while reinvesting in programs that directly serve Americans at home. I have successfully balanced my household budget year after year in one of the most challenging economic environments our nation has ever faced—at a time when the gap between wages and the cost of living has never been greater. I believe the federal government should be held to the same standard of responsibility. I am ready to bring accountability, discipline, and common-sense budgeting back to Congress.
Hear Joseph speak at the Oregon Tax Rally:
