258 veterans are running for House, Senate in midterm elections
A record 258 military veterans are running for Congress in this year’s midterm elections, bringing a wide range of service experiences—and, for many, firsthand knowledge of running organizations under pressure—to the campaign trail. Their candidacies could matter to veteran entrepreneurs, whose businesses often depend on access to financing, skilled workers, federal contracts, and practical support during the transition from military to civilian life.
With Honor Action, a group that supports veteran candidates across the political spectrum, reports that 227 veterans are running for the House and 31 for the Senate. That is a 21% increase from the 213 veterans on the ballot in 2024, and more than the 195 who ran in the previous midterm election, in 2022. More than 750 veterans also ran in this year’s primaries, a 47% rise compared with 2024.
The candidates represent different political perspectives: 115 are Republicans, 80 are Democrats, and 63 identify as independents or members of third parties. Women account for 38 of the candidates—21 Democrats, eight Republicans, and nine independents or third-party members. That is up from 21 women veterans running in 2024. About one-quarter of the candidates are incumbents; 191 are competing for open seats.
Numbers alone do not tell us which policies these candidates will support. Veterans are not a single voting bloc, and military service does not guarantee agreement on taxes, regulation, health care, or federal spending. Still, the growing field creates more opportunities for business owners to ask candidates about issues that affect their day-to-day operations—not just their military backgrounds.
For veteran entrepreneurs, one key question is whether lawmakers will make it easier to compete for government contracts. Federal procurement can be a major growth path, but certification rules, complex applications, and the cost of meeting contract requirements can be difficult for a small company to manage. Candidates can be asked how they would improve access to clear guidance, timely payments, and contracting opportunities for qualified veteran-owned businesses.
Access to capital is another practical concern. Many founders need financing to buy equipment, hire employees, or bridge the gap between winning a contract and receiving payment. Congress influences small-business programs and the rules surrounding lending and federal support. Entrepreneurs can press candidates on whether those programs reach businesses in rural areas, underserved communities, and industries where veterans are building companies.
Workforce policy matters, too. Veteran-owned businesses can be powerful places for other veterans to find civilian employment, but translating military skills into recognized credentials is not always straightforward. Policies that support apprenticeships, licensing portability, and effective transition services could help employers find talent while helping service members move into stable careers. Business owners should ask candidates for specific proposals, not just general praise for veterans.
A July survey by Gallup and With Honor Action found that 77% of Americans said they trust people with military experience to perform well as elected officials. With Honor Action CEO and cofounder Rye Barcott has pointed to the candidates’ oath to the Constitution and a shared emphasis on putting the mission first. Public trust may open the door, but voters still need to evaluate each candidate’s record, plans, and willingness to work across party lines.
Veteran entrepreneurs can make that evaluation especially concrete. Share the obstacles your business faces, ask how a proposal would work in practice, and compare candidates’ answers with their actions. A larger veteran presence in Congress could bring valuable experience to policy debates, but its impact will depend on what lawmakers actually do. The opportunity is to turn service, experience, and public attention into practical improvements for the businesses and communities veterans help build.
👁️ READ MORE: 258 Veterans Are Seeking Seats in Congress This Election
🎖️ Veteransss.us 🎖️ VetBiz Resources 🎖️ Veterans Support Syndicate
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