In his own words: Micah Quinney Jones, candidate for Congress

Micah Quinney Jones of Essex is one of two candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot for U.S. House in the 6th Congressional District, which includes all of Cape Ann. The Republican faces Democrat Dan Koh of Andover.

The Cape Ann Current sent both candidates the same questionnaire with the same deadline, 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Jones was the first to answer. His responses appear below in quotation marks, as he wrote them. The Current reports each candidate's positions and does not endorse anything a candidate says. Koh's answers will run the same way when they arrive, and both candidates will appear side by side in our voter guide. You can read the exact questions every candidate received.

Campaign website: micahqjones.com

About the candidate, in his words

“I served as an infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed to Afghanistan, attended Northeastern University School of Law, and later spent nearly seven years as an attorney at Morgan Lewis. My wife and I live in Essex with our two young children. I'm running for Congress to restore accountability in Washington, lower the cost of living, and bring common-sense, bipartisan leadership to the North Shore and Merrimack Valley.”

On the issues

Cape Ann. What is the most important thing you would do in this office for Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea?

“As an Essex resident, I understand what makes Cape Ann special and the challenges facing our communities. My priority would be making it more affordable to live, work, and raise a family here while preserving the character of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea.

“That means lowering energy costs, expanding housing opportunities while respecting local control, and supporting the small businesses, commercial fishing industry, maritime economy, and tourism that are so important to our region.

“I would also work to ensure our communities receive their fair share of federal infrastructure investments, particularly for roads, bridges, harbors, and coastal resilience.

“Cape Ann has a rich history and a bright future. I want to ensure that the next generation has the same opportunities to build a life here that my family and I have enjoyed.”

First priority. What is your first priority if elected, and how will voters know whether you delivered?

“My first priority would be restoring accountability in Congress. I believe Congress must reassert itself as a co-equal branch of government, regardless of who occupies the White House.

“That starts with banning congressional stock trading, advancing term limits, and demanding greater transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent. I've already signed a pledge to serve no more than three terms in Congress, because public service should be about serving others, not building a career in Washington.

“Voters should judge me by my actions, not just my words. Did I introduce or support meaningful legislation? Did I work across the aisle to deliver results? Did I stand up to my own party when necessary?

“As a former Army infantry officer, I learned that leadership means accountability, responsibility, and putting the mission first. Those are the same principles I would bring to Congress.”

The nine ballot questions

Each candidate was asked for a position on every statewide question, with an optional one sentence reason.

Question 1, Public records for the Legislature and Governor: Yes. “Government should be accountable to the people it serves. Greater transparency in the Legislature and Governor's office is long overdue and consistent with my commitment to restoring accountability in government.”

Question 2, Union rights for public defender staff: Yes. “I support the right of public defender staff to organize and bargain collectively. These professionals perform an essential public service, and I will be supporting their union.”

Question 3, One open primary, top two advance: No. “I support greater participation in our elections, but political parties should retain the ability to select their nominees, and voters deserve meaningful choices in general elections.”

Question 4, Register to vote on Election Day: No. “I support making voting accessible to every eligible citizen while maintaining accurate voter rolls, reliable verification, and public confidence in the integrity of our elections.”

Question 5, New cap on state tax revenue: Yes. “Massachusetts families already face a high cost of living. State government must exercise fiscal discipline, control spending, and return excess tax revenue to the people who earned it.”

Question 6, Nature for All Fund: Yes. “As a sportsman and Cape Ann resident, I believe protecting our natural resources, coastline, and outdoor recreational opportunities is essential for future generations.”

Question 7, Single-family homes on smaller lots: No. “We need more housing that working families can afford, but a one-size-fits-all statewide mandate is not the answer. Local communities must retain meaningful control over zoning, infrastructure, and development.”

Question 8, End retail recreational marijuana: No. “I oppose repealing the existing legal framework for recreational marijuana sales. We should focus on responsible regulation, public safety, and keeping sales within a licensed and accountable marketplace.”

Question 9, Keep or repeal the 2024 gun law (Yes keeps the law, No repeals it): No. “I support responsible firearm ownership and public safety, but I oppose regulations that unnecessarily burden law-abiding citizens. Our focus should be on enforcing existing laws and keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals.”

Want to know what each question would do? Our voter guide explains every one, with who is campaigning on each side. The Current does not endorse candidates or ballot questions and does not accept political advertising.

To get election updates and other free public information each morning, sign up for the free daily email.