For David McIntosh, the readiness to lead was not shaped merely by diplomas or the accolades of position, but by a mother’s strength, the will to work, and an abiding faith. Losing her husband to cancer with four young children, Jean McIntosh instilled in her son David the belief that Americans have never allowed adversity or circumstance to deny them the opportunity for great things.
Raised in Kendallville, David’s early years were shaped by a community that embodies the agricultural and manufacturing roots that define the Hoosier Heartland. He studied hard in school, and from an early age learned that a good name is more valuable than means, and that integrity matters. With Jean’s support, he earned his Eagle Scout and graduated second in his class.
Determined to earn money for college, David took a job at the Kendallville Foundry, working long hours to set up the cupola furnaces to smelt gray iron into car parts. His work ethic provided him the conviction to reach his goals, being accepted to Yale University, then law school at the University of Chicago. Through these early years David recognized that each step and opportunity was not the result of chance or will, but the gifts of a God who provides. That steadfast provision shaped David’s desire to direct his passion to effect change.
Reacting to a generational drift of government away from its Constitutional moorings, David joined a growing movement of young conservatives ready to change America from within. His passion for Constitutional law earned him a position serving as a young advisor in President Reagan’s White House. The role left an indelible mark on his conservative convictions. For David, and an entire generation, President Reagan was the catalyst for a conservative revolution to promote freedom through limited constitutional government.
Upon returning home, Hoosiers ready for change, elected David to Congress in the “Republican Revolution,” marking the first shift away from a government of unchecked growth in generations. He quickly earned a solid record as a full-spectrum conservative and developed a national reputation as the leader in the fight against government overregulation.
It was also during this time David fell in love with, and married, his wife, Ruthie. In 1997, David and Ruthie welcomed their daughter, Ellie, into the family, and 4 years later, their son, Davey. After serving within his term limit pledge, God led David and Ruthie away from politics and into the private sector to raise their family.
Now, David feels called upon to bring a lifetime of preparation to serve the families of Indiana’s new 5th Congressional District. With his abiding faith, will to work, and continued belief that even in uncertain times we as Americans will overcome adversity, David will fight to ensure that every generation has the opportunity to live in freedom and pursue the American Dream. David McIntosh is ready to serve on day one.