Captain Mike Bouchard’s Congressional Run on Veterans Day
This Veterans Day, Captain Mike Bouchard, who recently declared his candidacy for Congress, emphasizes his commitment to safeguarding America’s interests, particularly on domestic fronts.
At just 32 years old, Bouchard serves as a captain in the Michigan Army National Guard. He is also the son of the well-known Oakland County Sheriff, Mike Bouchard. He has witnessed, firsthand, the shifts in America’s foreign policy, especially those at the U.S. southern border once President Biden assumed office in 2021. He believes that shortly after taking over, Biden closed key immigration points, leading to what he characterizes as a “manufactured” crisis.
Bouchard discussed the rising capabilities of drug cartels, stating their advancements are now “comparable to some of the things we have.” “We need to up our game against them. Otherwise, we risk exposing ourselves to some really unpleasant outcomes,” he added in an interview.
He pointed out that U.S. military readiness has been hindered due to various changes during the Biden years. “I remember a week of training being canceled for a briefing. They brought in a transgender Navy SEAL to discuss empathy, which was unexpected,” he reflected.
Now, with Donald Trump back in the picture, Bouchard asserts that America’s military strength has seen a revival.
Having just returned from a nine-month deployment in Iraq, Bouchard was overseas amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran in June. He expressed that he and other U.S. troops in the region were not specifically targeted due to the military’s formidable reputation during the Trump era. “They feared a strong U.S. response,” he remarked.
While he feels America’s military power is recognized again globally, Bouchard is concerned about domestic turmoil, noting that some Americans seem to have strayed from traditional values, opting for “political violence” in disputes.
A pivotal moment for Bouchard was the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred while he was still serving in Iraq. It prompted him to dive into politics upon his return. “I didn’t finalize my decision until I got home. When I did, I took time to reflect, pray, and research. It just felt like the right time,” he shared.
Bouchard is contesting as a Republican in Michigan’s 10th District, currently represented by Republican John James, who is pursuing the governorship. Should he win, he believes this position will allow him to advocate for service members, veterans, and military families effectively.
He expresses significant concern regarding issues like veteran unemployment and the troubling suicide rates among veterans. Additionally, he aims to tackle the challenges of veteran homelessness, child care, and access to medical care. “The VA is a large bureaucracy, but there are ways to implement systems that drive efficiency,” he commented.
Regardless of the outcome in the upcoming elections, Bouchard is adamant that he will not forget his fellow service members, particularly those in the 82nd Airborne Division. “They are truly some of the best individuals one could know. Jumping out of planes is a testament to your character and resilience,” he said.
“You can trust them in any scenario.”
