Michael Kripchak is a Congressional candidate with a diverse and accomplished background, hailing from Youngstown, Ohio. Born to a retired union elementary school teacher and a US Army veteran turned union police officer, Kripchak's roots are deeply embedded in service and dedication.

A standout student, he graduated co-valedictorian from Chaney High School in 2000. Kripchak's pursuit of higher education led him to the US Air Force Academy, where he majored in Physics with minors in Mathematics and Japanese, graduating in 2004 as a Distinguished Graduate (cum laude).

Following his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force, he was stationed at the AF Research Laboratory at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA. His military career involved significant contributions to quantum computing and advanced weapons systems development, alongside managing over $1 million in federal funding to support troops during the War on Terror.

Kripchak also served in the Honor Guard, representing the Air Force across New England. After separating from the USAF in 2007, Kripchak returned to Youngstown before moving to Los Angeles to explore opportunities in the entertainment industry, engaging in acting, writing, and producing.

His academic journey continued at Santa Monica College and later at NYU-Tisch, where he earned a Master's degree in Interactive Telecommunications, focusing on virtual and augmented reality. During this time, he co-founded a start-up specializing in electronic signal location tracking, including applications for aerial drones.

In 2019, seeking to market their company's services, Kripchak and his team joined a business incubator in Erie, PA, working on manufacturing efficiency solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic eventually led to the closure of this venture, and Kripchak returned to Youngstown to support his family.

Motivated by a deep-seated belief in the values of freedom and societal equity, Kripchak is running for Congress with a platform focused on three main objectives:

Revitalizing Manufacturing: Establishing an Ohio River Valley Innovation District to attract and retain advanced manufacturing jobs, thereby reinforcing the region's economic foundation.

Education Reform:

Overhauling the PreK-12 education system by replacing the "teaching to the test" model with the "Whole Person Concept," emphasizing practical life skills, community engagement, and the reinstatement of civics education.

Agricultural Independence:

Liberating farmers from the control of large agricultural corporations, ensuring their rights to seed ownership, equipment repair, and land use. This includes working with Ohio's public research universities to develop new seed strains and crafting a Farm Bill to provide financial stability for farmers.

Kripchak's campaign reflects his comprehensive vision for supporting and enhancing the lives of his constituents, drawing upon his rich background in public service, technology, and community engagement.