The Gist
U.S. Representative, 12th Congressional District
Photo of James Hayes
James HayesCampaign photo — James Hayes for Congress (jameshayesforpa.com)

James Hayes

Candidate for U.S. Representative, 12th Congressional District

Republican

Background

Occupation
Economist; strategic planning and acquisitions
Lives in
Shadyside, Pittsburgh
Campaign website
jameshayesforpa.com

Economist who works in strategic planning and acquisitions; previously a vice president at Wabtec, an assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and a director at Eaton, Tyco Fire & Security and Motorola. He was the 2024 Republican nominee for this seat.

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Photo: Campaign photo — James Hayes for Congress (jameshayesforpa.com)

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Calls for reining in government spending, more transparency and a balanced budget.

    Policy Vision | James Hayes for Congress

    Campaign website · James Hayes for Congress · Restoring Fiscal Responsibility · jameshayesforpa.com

    “It's time to rein in wasteful government spending. I'll fight for transparency, balance the books”
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Public safety

  • Supports law enforcement, crime prevention funding and holding repeat violent offenders accountable.

    Policy Vision | James Hayes for Congress

    Campaign website · James Hayes for Congress · Protecting Public Safety · jameshayesforpa.com

    “That means supporting law enforcement, investing in crime prevention, and making sure repeat violent offenders are held accountable.”
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Education

  • Supports expanding school choice for families.

    Policy Vision | James Hayes for Congress

    Campaign website · James Hayes for Congress · Expanding Education Options · jameshayesforpa.com

    “I support expanding school choice so families can find the best fit for their children.”
    Report

Economy & jobs

  • Calls for reducing regulation and improving permitting to bring back union jobs and protect small businesses.

    Summer Lee, James Hayes set for rematch in Pa.'s 12th Congressional District

    Interview · Mon Valley Independent · Sep 2, 2026 · Hayes interview with TribLive · monvalleyindependent.com

    “improve the permitting processes”
    Policy Vision | James Hayes for Congress

    Campaign website · James Hayes for Congress · Reviving Our Economy … Reviving Our Economy · jameshayesforpa.com

    “I've seen how overregulation has crushed local businesses and sent jobs elsewhere. … I'm committed to policies that support working families, bring back good-paying union jobs, and protect small business owners.”
    Report

  • Supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy and greater use of Pennsylvania's natural gas.

    Summer Lee, James Hayes set for rematch in Pa.'s 12th Congressional District

    Interview · Mon Valley Independent · Sep 2, 2026 · Hayes interview with TribLive · monvalleyindependent.com

    “We have this unique, God-given resource here — natural gas — and we should be taking more advantage of that”
    Policy Vision | James Hayes for Congress

    Campaign website · James Hayes for Congress · Securing Energy Independence · jameshayesforpa.com

    “I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that keeps our lights on, creates local jobs, and breaks our dependence on foreign powers.”
    Report

Environment & parks

  • Says environmental protection and business growth are not a tradeoff.

    Summer Lee, James Hayes set for rematch in Pa.'s 12th Congressional District

    Interview · Mon Valley Independent · Sep 2, 2026 · Hayes interview with TribLive … Hayes interview with TribLive · monvalleyindependent.com

    “I don't see it as a tradeoff between protecting the environment and running a business. … we also agree that we want industry to be responsible and to care for the environment”
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Government & transparency

  • Says he will work across the aisle to bring accountability and civility back to Congress.

    Policy Vision | James Hayes for Congress

    Campaign website · James Hayes for Congress · Restoring Fiscal Responsibility · jameshayesforpa.com

    “work across the aisle to bring accountability and civility back to Congress”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from James Hayes on them.

  • HousingNo documented position found.
  • Health & human servicesNo documented position found.

All sources (6)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.