James T. "Jim" Marter

Republican | Illinois

Candidate Profile*

Conservative

*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.

BIOGRAPHY

Name

James T. "Jim" Marter


Party

Republican


Election Year

2026


Election

Republican Primary


Race

U.S. Representative, District 14


Incumbent

No


Links

James T. "Jim" Marter websitesJames T. "Jim" Marter phones James T. "Jim" Marter emailFacebookXYouTubeInstagramLinkedIn

EDUCATION

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, BSIM, 1981-1984

American Production and Inventory Control Society, n/a, CPIM - professional certification, 1995

WORK & MILITARY

I did not serve in the military

AFFILIATIONS

Boy Scouts of America, Oswego Troop 63, 17yrs. Asst. ScoutMaster & Committee member, 1999-2016

Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree, member since 2008, 2008-2025

Midland Dolphins Community Swim Team, Midland MI, Coach, Board Member, Vice president, 5 Years, 1992-1997

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Midland MI, Parishioner, Education committee member, 1985-1997

Illinois Conservative Union, Executive Committee, current Advisory Board, 2016-2022

ICRC Illinois Center Right Coalition, Steering Committee, past member, 2016-2018

Marter Enterprises, Business Owner, 2002-2025

OLGC Basketball boys & girls teams, 5th to 8th grades, Aurora, Head Coach & assistant coach, 2005-2010

St. Anne Catholic Church Oswego, Parishioner

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

Chairman Kendall County Republican Party, Elected three times, Served 2016-2018,2020,2024, 2016-2024

Oswego Library Board Trustee (elected board member), 2021-2025

14th District Deputy State Central Committeeman, Illinois Republican Party (Term ended 2022), 2022

Presidential Elector, 14th Congressional District, for President Donald J. Trump, 2020

2024 Delegate 14th Congressional District, for President Donald J. Trump, 2024

Precinct Committeeman Republican, Oswego 22, 2015-2025

Vice President Collar Counties (Kendall,Kane,McHenry, Will, Lake,DuPage) of the RCCA Republican County Chairman's Association, 2022-2024

Republican Nominee for US CONGRESS, Illinois 14th District, 2024-2024

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

United States Senate, 2016

United States Congress 14th Congressional District, 2020-2024

Race

Previous Races

ENDORSEMENTS*

*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (1)

*Illinois Family Action

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (3)

Endorsements Published at https://marter4congress.us/endorsements/

see website

2024-2025

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (15)

GOPAC (2025)

Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2025)

State Republican Party Organizations (2024)

Darren Bailey (2023)

Donald Trump (2023)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (21)

Mark Pukita (2025)

Oswego First PAC (2025)

Darin LaHood (2024)

Darren Bailey (2024)

Don Tracy (2024)


OTHER INFORMATION

Candidate participated in WWTW's Voter Guide in 2024.

Illinois Family Institute's 2024 Voter Guide.

The candidate received an "A" grade from Gun Owners of America in 2024.

Candidate was graded by NumbersUSA on issues of immigration. 

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.

Strongly Agree

I am PRO-LIFE. The Child in the mother's womb is the most innocent and vulnerable LIFE and must be protected. The LIFE of MOTHER and CHILD should always be protected. Medically both LIVES should be sought to saved in the event of medical issues with the mother, there are procedures that are not intended to kill the child that may need to be done to save the Life of the mother. E.g. Ectopic pregnancy.

The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.

Strongly Agree

Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

Never

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Strongly Disagree

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should NOT receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.

Strongly Agree


ECONOMY

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

Strongly Agree

Free enterprise is where market forces determine prices and production without government interference, allowing individuals to own and use economic resources. Private property rights are imperative as they provide incentives for individuals to invest, innovate, and produce goods and services, which are fundamental to economic growth, fostering a productive economy. American is the oldest and longest prosperous free enterprise system in the world, without it “We the People” are not free!

People who can afford to pay more taxes should do so in order to provide relief for working families.

Strongly Disagree

This is just another form of “progressive tax on the Rich”, which is Redistribution of income = Marxism, communism. It destroys the incentives in a free market system. . I do not support any form of redistribution of wealth, or government plunder.

The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.

Strongly Agree

We don't have a revenue problem in Washington; we have a SPENDING problem. We must eliminate WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, and unconstitutional government expansion into every aspect of American citizens lives.

List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.

I will be focused on Fighting waste, fraud, and abuse, and ensure accountability within ALL federal programs. NOTHING is off the table. Reduce all spending in non-defense, non-veterans, discretionary spending, 1st to pre-COVID levels, then move to zero-based budgeting and a balanced budget. I support a balanced budget Constitutional amendment with line-item veto on budget bills and President Trump's DOGE cut. I will vote to defund CRT, DEI, and abortion providers in all federal legislation.


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree

This false notion is a perfect example on the assault of FREEDOM of Religion, Speech, and due process. Forcing individuals or business owners or service provider to provide products or services that violate their moral, religious beliefs is a direct violation of the 1st amendment.

What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?

The actual meaning of the First Amendment has been twisted and contorted to a point where the Freedom of Religion is under attack by the very Amendment designed to protect it. It is crystal clear, it protects the individual: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."


HEALTHCARE

What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.

C. Improvements needed over funding, management, and coverage. Strengthen laws for protection of pre-existing conditions, tort reform, allowing for portability of insurance across state lines & from employer to employee, no limitations on when, where and how you can buy, health share networks, tax deductible health savings accounts for all, mandatory price lists and quotes without regard to a person's ability to pay or coverage, do not allow price gouging. Return to Free Market practices!

The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.

Strongly Disagree

This would violate the fundamental constitutional right to privacy and would lead to political abuse and political targeting.


NATIONAL SECURITY

With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.

C - America First, we should be cautious, judicious, and selective on any use of our military. ONLY the US CONGRESS may declare WAR, we need to abide by the Constitution which has been ignored for nearly 60 years on foreign entanglements.

The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.

Strongly Agree

Biden & son Hunter had long been engaged in corruption with CHINA with serious national security ramifications. H.Biden made $5.8 million, more than half his total earnings from 2013-2018, from 2 deals with Chinese businesses. According to records referred to in Senate report, Hudson West III, a venture funded by the Chinese oil & natural gas company CEFC & its chairman, Ye Jianming, paid $4,790,375 to Owasco P.C. over one year. Government Filings show Owasco P.C. is controlled by Hunter Biden.

Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?

Yes. I support our ally, Israel. I strongly condemn the terrorist organization HAMAS and the heinous, evil, and barbaric acts of war against Israel and its people. I denounce Anti-Semitism and the rising threats against the Jewish people promoted by the radical left in American/World. I denounce the radical members of Congress who engage in Anti-Semitism. I call on my opponent Lauren Underwood to denounce the actions/statements of Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib & other members.

Islamic terrorism is a threat to the United States' national security.

Strongly Agree

1) STOP funding TERRORIST Organizations and NATIONS (e.g. USAID, HAMAS, Foreign Criminal Cartels like MS-13 &Tren de Aragua), doing business with them, allowing them to be in the UN, 2) Continue to leverage our National Security apparatus to monitoring, intercede, and interfere with the operation of terrorist & cartel organizations, as well as countries and globalist who fund, support and do business with terrorist, and sponsors of terrorism.


IMMIGRATION

Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?

Individuals seeking to become an American citizen who LOVE America and FREEDOM, who possess, drive, skill, and ability to prosper, on a limited number basis capped at levels that protect American citizens interest first. And those who are legitimate in eminent danger and meet the full legal requirements for refugee and Asylum status.

I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.

Strongly Disagree

I support the constitutional immigration process. 1. Build / Finish the WALL 2. Enforce existing Immigration law. 3. No DACA and No Amnesty 4. End LBJ's Chain migration immigration. 5. End the practice of birthright citizenship for illegal aliens and foreign visitors. 6. Enforce the Border, deport illegal immigrant when detained. End catch-and-release. Require law enforcement to report 7. End Sanctuary Cities, States 8. Enforce the law against employers breaking it 9. Cap/reduce all Immigration


EDUCATION

I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.

Strongly Agree

Parents rights need to be restored; the public school system has been taken over by the woke Left. They have instituted their own forced indoctrination of left-wing radical beliefs, sexual grooming and promiscuity curriculum instead of fundamental education like math, reading, writing, science and trades. We need to end this disastrous anti-American and unconstitutional takeover of the education system, where children of all races, background and religions are failing in record numbers.

Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.

Strongly Agree

America First. We should never allow foreign countries to fund American education; they will use it to indoctrinate for their own purpose and to undermine America.


VALUES

Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.

Strongly Agree

God made them Make and Female. Leave our children alone, stop the sexual predators in schools, universities and hospitals from harming our children. I support the ACT the Republican House just passed, H.R.3492 The Protect Children’s Innocence Act. It's about time we protect our children from groomers and pedophiles. Under Biden and "Nurse" UNDERWOOD children were the target of perverts in the so-called medical community!

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.

Strongly Agree

Marriage is one man and one woman, anything else it not a marriage. That said, most states had enacted civil union acts, most all our laws before SCOTUS intervened had protections for civil unions, which is a contractual agreement and acceptable under the Constitution. SCOTUS erroneously intervened, much like in Roe, and forced institutions and individuals, against the 1st amendment to support that which is not so, squashing the religious freedom of Americans to live by God's law.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

Requiring a Valid Government issued Voter ID is needed to restore Americans trust in our elections, to ensure the integrity of the vote, that each legal citizen has one vote, only in the one jurisdiction where he/she resides. I support reducing/eliminating early voting to maximum of 1 week prior. Eliminate same day registration, Registration must be fully complete before the 1st day of voting commences. Paper ballots, Chain of custody, VBM should be rare, exception based: Military & Handicapped.


EQUALITY

Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.

Strongly Agree

I stand with Riley Gaines and Mom's for America! We need to protect women and girls, from males and boys in their sports, their locker rooms, bathrooms, and spaces! There have been stolen medals, scholarships, opportunities and there have been debilitating injuries, and even deaths from males competing in women's sports.


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

We all want clean air, water, and safe world for ourselves, and our posterity. We want a world where man can thrive, progress, & live in harmony with nature, and God's creatures. We don't need politicians/government picking or limiting our energy!


ABOUT YOU

Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.

never

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.

never

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Conservative

I am running for US CONGRESS to protect LIFE, LIBERTY, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I will defend our values, to SAVE America and the America Dream. I am only candidate who: will join the House Freedom Caucus; has supported President Trump un-apologetically since early 2016, puts America First, will STAND & FIGHT for your 2nd Amendment rights, respects the Flag & our Constitution; fights for Conservative values: Pro-Life & Pro-family values. I will ensure we Secure the Border. #SaveAmerica


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.

Strongly Agree

Leave our children alone, stop the sexual predators Online, in schools, and everywhere from harming our children. In the movie "The Sound of Freedom" child sexual predator networks were exposed. My opponent, "Nurse" UNDERWOOD claimed this was not the case and refused to watch the movie. Children are the target of perverts and groomers and It's about time we protect our children from groomers and pedophiles and human traffickers, as well as the online predators, and those lurking near schools.


2ND AMENDMENT

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

Congress job is to firmly support & defend the 2nd Amendment against federal, state and local efforts to infringe upon it. The right to bear arms as unequivocally stated in the Bill of Rights: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." It is the 2nd Amendment which protects the 1st and all other Rights of the American Citizen. Ultimately, its purpose is to protect us from a tyrannical state!

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