Dr. Richard Moss, a conservative surgeon from southern Indiana, told Newsmax on Wednesday he will seek the U.S. House seat currently held by retiring Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind.
Moss, 69, is an immigration hardliner who has called for the end to birthright citizenship and chain migration. He also wants to improve an economy that has suffered under President Joe Biden and get big government off the backs of hardworking people.
"After much prayer and consideration, I am excited to launch our campaign for Congress," Moss said in a statement to Newsmax. "In just 3 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have turned our country upside down. Their reckless open-border, soft-on-crime, and socialist economic policies are putting our country at risk. Lawmakers in Washington have forgotten what it means to be hometown proud, and I will bring our hometown Hoosier values to Washington.
"I have lived the American dream because my single mother, who raised five children, made sure we understood the values of hard work and an honest living. Today, Democrats in Washington are fighting to prevent the next generation from enjoying the same dream I had. In Washington, I will continue to push Donald Trump's America First policies to put an end to Joe Biden's reckless agenda and turn our country around."
Moss and his siblings were raised in the Bronx, where his mother worked as a secretary.
"My background as a former street kid from the Bronx (with numerous black friends) whose single parent family was engulfed by drugs and other urban afflictions, allows me, I feel, to speak credibly and honestly about racial matters," Moss says on his website.
The head-and-neck surgeon attended Indiana University for both undergrad and medical school before traveling the world providing cancer treatment to impoverished communities.
Moss resides in Jasper, Indiana, with his wife, Ying, of 32 years. He owns and operates two medical practices. The couple has four children.
Indiana's 8th Congressional District, which the Cook Political Report rates the district as "solid Republican," includes Evansville and Terre Haute.
The only declared Democrat candidate in the race is progressive Kellie Moore, who supports legalizing cannabis for recreational use and raising the minimum wage.
On her X account, which includes a profile photo showing her with green hair, Moore says the current migrant crisis is a result of asylum seekers hearing Republicans say the border is "open."
Bucshon on Jan. 8 announced he will not run for reelection. He won in 2022 with 65% of the vote.
A total of 38 U.S. House members (22 Democrats, 16 Republicans) are not seeking reelection this year, according to Ballotpedia.
Republicans presently hold a 220-213 majority in the chamber with two seats vacant.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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