James Hayes
Republican candidate for U.S. House in Pennsylvania
$2.0K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds — PA-12 House winner?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
3.9%chance to win
$2.0KNOV 7, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleBusiness executive
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationPennsylvania
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BackgroundBusiness executive
EducationGeorgetown University — B.A./B.S. in international economics
Notable personal detailsJames Hayes is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. His campaign biography describes a career spanning business and economics roles, including work at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and advanced degrees in economics, finance, and business administration. He has been active in Republican politics since youth, including serving as president of the Lancaster County Teenage Republicans, and has lived in the Pittsburgh area since 2005.
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
James Hayes presents himself as a social and economic conservative. His platform emphasizes reviving the economy through support for small businesses, union jobs, energy development, and tighter control of government spending, with a focus on fiscal responsibility and balancing the books.
Healthcare
Supports government-funded health insurance available for all who want it alongside private insurance options. Frames this as a way to expand choices for small businesses and gig workers.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
James Hayes supports restrictions on abortion, including limiting elective abortion to cases of rape, incest, or risk to the mother’s life. He also opposes taxpayer funding for abortion providers and says abortion policy should be handled at the state level rather than through federal limits.
Climate & Energy
James Hayes supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy and frames energy policy around energy independence, local jobs, and reducing dependence on foreign powers. He also says natural gas is the most secure, reliable, and affordable source of energy and that Western Pennsylvania should fully develop its energy potential.
Public Safety & Guns
James Hayes presents himself as pro-Second Amendment and emphasizes safer communities and tougher prosecution of crime. His campaign messaging favors law-and-order themes rather than new gun restrictions.
Latest News
James Hayes is in the news because he is expected to be the Republican nominee facing U.S. Rep. Summer Lee in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District general election. Lee has already won the Democratic nomination and will advance to November, setting up the matchup. Hayes ran unopposed in the GOP primary.
Endorsements
2Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls