Mike Kirchner

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Says he succeeds and solves problems, and that he has "significantly researched" Social Security's old age and survivor system.[6]
• Says the country should have a game plan for Social Security's old age and survivor system and currently does not.[6],[4]
• Names Social Security as his key issue and points voters to his paper on the topic; calls improving personal responsibility his "lesser initiative."[6],[3]
• Lists his goals as greater transparency, personal responsibility and "having compassion," with a focus on protecting Social Security, according to WKYC.[10]

Background

• Republican nominee, U.S. House (Ohio's 11th District), Won the May 5, 2026 Republican primary over James Hemphill, 65.6% to 34.4% · 2026[8],[7]
• Author, "Preparing for the OAS Catastrophe", Self-published paper on Social Security's Old Age and Survivors program, posted on his campaign website · 2026[3],[4]
• Consultant (retired); evaluated mostly pension plans, The Wyatt Company (known as Towers Watson by the time he retired) · About 30 years[2],[10],[7]

Education

• Degree in applied mathematics, University of Akron[2],[10]

Where they stand

• Social Security & Medicare
  Proposes stopping new Old Age and Survivors (OAS) benefit accruals in 2027 and redirecting the employee's 5.3% OAS payroll tax into a vested, tax-deferred account such as a 401(k), 403(b) or IRA; the employer OAS tax would continue until the system is financially stable, with no change to the disability program.[4]
• Social Security & Medicare
  Says the OAS trust fund is projected to run out of assets in the early 2030s and calls for more transparency about the program's unfunded obligations and direct communication to the public about expected benefit reductions.[4],[5]
• Taxes
  In his paper, lists raising FICA payroll taxes and applying them to wages above the current cap as possible responses once the trust fund is depleted, and says workers and employers would resist or adjust to such increases.[4]
• Foreign Policy
  Said he has no position on the Middle East war involving the U.S., Israel and Iran, saying domestic decisions are more important to him and that he would listen to those with stronger views.[6]
• Elections & Democracy
  Says he has not seen the voter suppression described by voting-rights advocates or the invalid votes cited by President Trump, and called the president's focus on past elections "a distraction."[9]

Voting record

Mike Kirchner has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.

In their words