Jodun Announces Candidacy for 5th Congressional District

A Lock Haven man has joined the field of Democrats who will look to challenge Rep. Glenn Thompson for Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District seat.

Wade Jodun recently announced he will seek the Democratic nomination in May’s primary. Marc Friedenberg, of Ferguson Township, and Kerith Strano Taylor, of Brookville, previously declared their candidacy to challenge the Republican incumbent.

The 5th Congressional District is Pennsylvania’s largest geographically and represents Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Venango and Warren counties, and parts of Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Huntingdon and Tioga counties.

‘“I hear from people everywhere who are living paycheck-to-paycheck or even two paychecks behind,’ Jodun said.  “I hear from people who are struggling to pay for health insurance and people who want to be able to afford to send their kids to college. They are tired of gridlock, partisan bickering, self-serving politicians and finger-pointing. They’re tired of career politicians and lawyers.

“They want straight talk, common sense and someone who will tackle issues head on. They don’t want words, hollow promises or campaign talking points. They want someone who is capable of bringing real change.’

Jodun, a native of Mill Hall, is the son of Ted and Shirley Jodun. His father is a Mill Hall borough council member. 

‘Growing up, I watched both of my parents work hard but struggle to make end’s meet to provide for my brother and myself,’ he said. ‘They sacrificed so we would have a chance at the American dream. Today, the system is so rigged against hard-working men and women, that the chance for ordinary folks to live the American dream is disappearing.”

He graduated from Lock Haven University and went on to a two-decade career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, spending the first half stationed in Lamar. He said that in 2011 he was asked by government officials to to falsify Hurricane Irene storm damage estimates and refused to do so, saving millions of dollars. He was granted federal whistleblower protection following an investigation by the Office of Inspector General, according to his campaign bio.

 “I’ll bring my insider’s knowledge of government, how it goes wrong and where it’s broken as well as new ideas and put them to work for you,’ he said. “As a federal whistleblower, I stood up to do what was right and fought government corruption even when I knew it would hurt my own career and I’ll show that same courage as I fight for what is best for the country.

“I want to continue my public service, and I am committed to working for the people of Pennsylvania’s Fifth Congressional District, where I was born and where I learned the value of hard work.’

Jodun added that his campaign would focus on ‘weeding the corrupting influence of money out of politics’ and rebuilding the middle class.

‘I believe we need to protect and create American jobs; pay a living wage; improve our schools; offer citizens access to quality and affordable health care as well as a college education; and, weed corruption out of politics,” he said.

Pennsylvania’s primary election is May 18.