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You're So Right Podcast: Episode 12: Colonel John Will on Running for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District

  • Lonnie Spivak
  • Jul 25
  • 4 min read

Col. John Wilt, Ret. and Lonnie Spivak.

In the latest episode of You’re So Right, host Lonnie sits down with retired Colonel John Will, a candidate in the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. With the qualifying date set for August 12th and the primary on October 7th, Will is hitting the ground running in a compressed campaign timeline. His decision to run is deeply personal, rooted in a sense of duty to honor fallen comrades and a desire to address pressing national issues. Here’s a closer look at why Colonel Will is throwing his hat in the ring and what he hopes to bring to Congress.


A Life of Service


Colonel John Will’s story is one of dedication and resilience. A citizen-soldier in the National Guard, Will describes himself as “twice the citizen,” balancing civilian life with military service. His career has taken him from the DMZ in Korea to the jungles of Central and South America, Europe, Ukraine, and the Middle East. As a Green Beret, he built schools, ran clinics, and fought ISIS, capping his career commanding a unit in 2017 before finishing his service in Germany.

Will’s path to the military wasn’t always clear. Inspired by his father, a Korean War veteran, he joined the National Guard as a young man, finding discipline and purpose that transformed his life. From floundering in school to graduating at the top of his class, Will went on to become an infantry officer, later transitioning to Special Forces. His experiences shaped his worldview, emphasizing service, sacrifice, and the importance of protecting American freedoms.


Why Run for Congress?

Will’s campaign is driven by three core motivations. First, he feels a profound obligation to honor friends like Toby Meister, Paul Lloyd, and Eric Rossell, who gave their lives for the country. “I’ve got the capacity, the education, and the experience to do this job,” Will says, viewing his candidacy as a continuation of their legacy. Second, he’s alarmed by what he calls “incessant lawfare” against figures like President Trump and the unfair treatment of January 6 defendants. Finally, his love for Tennessee fuels his desire to serve its people, bringing jobs, infrastructure, and healthcare solutions to the 7th District.


Tackling the Big Issues

Will’s platform focuses on four key areas:

  1. National Debt: With a $36 trillion federal budget, Will sees fiscal responsibility as critical. He wants to work with House Speaker Mike Johnson to pass meaningful legislation, including rescission bills to cut wasteful spending.

  2. Border Security: Will emphasizes securing the border and addressing illegal immigration, calling it a national security issue. He supports empowering ICE and law enforcement to deport bad actors.

  3. National Defense: Citing threats from China, Russia, and Iran, Will advocates for investing in defense technology to maintain America’s edge. He warns that adversaries are closing the gap, and the U.S. must stay ahead.

  4. Tennessee’s Economy and Healthcare: Will is passionate about bringing federal jobs to Tennessee, supporting rural hospitals, and addressing mental health challenges. He highlights the need to adjust Medicare reimbursement rates and TennCare rates for mental health services, which haven’t been updated in over 20 years.


A Vision for Foreign Policy

With his extensive military background, Will has strong opinions on foreign policy. He criticizes the Biden administration’s handling of Ukraine, arguing that insufficient support led to unnecessary losses. In the Middle East, he supports Israel unequivocally, comparing Hamas to the Nazis and advocating for a decisive approach to achieve lasting peace. Will believes in the potential of the Abraham Accords to foster cooperation with friendly Arab nations like Jordan and Saudi Arabia, who share concerns about Iran and its proxies.


Campaigning in the 7th District

The 7th Congressional District spans 14 counties, from West Nashville to Perry County, covering a vast and diverse area. Will’s campaign strategy is hands-on: shaking hands, meeting voters, and sharing his vision. “I’m going to go out and see everybody I can,” he says, recounting a conversation with a young voter at a yard sale who asked, “Why should I vote for you?” Will’s answer? A commitment to fiscal discipline, secure borders, and a strong defense, all while bringing economic opportunities to Tennessee.

The primary is expected to be competitive, with six to eight candidates vying for the Republican nomination. Will estimates the campaign could cost $1 million to $3 million, especially if it extends to a general election against strong Democratic contenders like Justin James. Despite the challenges, Will is undeterred, drawing on his military grit and faith in Tennessee’s values.


A Personal Touch

Will’s family anchors his campaign. His wife, Dr. Donna, a nuclear scientist with a PhD from Northwestern, embodies the American Dream, rising from humble beginnings to a career at Los Alamos National Lab. Their daughter, Hannah, is a first-team All-American goalkeeper at Shepherd University, and their son, Luke, works in Republican politics in Washington, D.C. Will’s pride in his family reflects his commitment to building a better future for Tennessee’s next generation.


Looking Ahead

As Will navigates Tennessee’s stringent Republican Party rules and the state’s executive committee, he remains focused on connecting with voters. His website, WillForCongress, is in the works, and he’s actively filing with the FEC and gathering signatures. Whether he secures the nomination or not, Will is clear: “This is not the last time you’re going to sit across from John Will.”

Listen to the full episode of You’re So Right on YouTube, Rumble, or wherever you get your podcasts to hear Colonel Will’s story in his own words. From the Smoky Mountains to the heart of Nashville, his campaign is a call to serve Tennessee with the same dedication he brought to the battlefield.





 
 
 

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