Justin Tjaden

My name is Justin Tjaden, and my choice to run as an Independent candidate stems from a deep conviction that our district deserves representation that genuinely echoes the needs and aspirations of our  communities. My story isn't one of political lineage, but is crafted from diverse experiences, unwavering commitment, and a passion to serve.
 
Raised in Julesburg, Colorado (pop. 1,266) by two public school
teachers, I learned early on to embrace education and the essentials
of teamwork. They taught me that true success isn’t measured by
individual achievements, but by the positive impact we leave
on our community and the power of shared accomplishment.
My father, a member of the Colorado High School Coaches Hall of
Fame, was instrumental in my growth as a four-sport athlete in
basketball, football, baseball, and track. While I earned personal
accolades like being a two-time all-state basketball player and state
tournament MVP, an all-state first basemen, and all-state honorable
mention quarterback and wide receiver, the deeper lessons were about the 
                                 grit required to excel and the collective joy of achieving as a
                                 team. I tested those lessons and skills at Morningside
                                 College in Sioux City, Iowa, where chronic injuries altered my
                                 career and caused me to transition to a role as an
                                 assistant/student coach for my senior year.
 
                                 Beyond athletics, my commitment to my community was
                                 evident from a young age. Whether it was volunteering at
                                 local concession stands or pioneering the "Looking Up" mentorship
                                 program during high school, my aim has consistently been to uplift those around me.
                                 This spirit persisted during my tenure at Morningside College, where I
                                 co-founded Morningside SERVE, a community service initiative, while simultaneously
                                 pursuing joint bachelors degrees in U.S. History and Business Administration.
 
                                 I've been fortunate to experience a lot in my 33 years on this planet, both good and bad.
                                 Every job I've undertaken, from lifeguarding to bartending, from roofing houses to being
                                 a greenskeeper, and from spending time in a business incubator to the practice of law,
                                 has enriched my perspective on the challenges and dreams that people navigate. These
                                 jobs blessed me with immersive lessons in empathy, resilience, and the shared
                                 human experience. Meeting people from all walks of life, I've come to appreciate the
                                 unique stories everyone holds, reinforcing my belief that every individual has a wealth 
                                  of potential waiting to be unlocked.
 
                                 A pivotal moment in my life came during my tenure as the editor and publisher of the
                                 Julesburg Advocate, my hometown newspaper. I applied for and was strongly
considered for a judicial position in Sedgwick County, CO. What makes this story unique is that, at the time, I did not have a law degree. I was approached by members in my community who pushed me to apply and interview. While I may have had the best temperament for the job, this moment underscored the necessity of a legal education to enact meaningful community change.

Knowledge, after all, is power.
 
My journey led me to the University of Akron School of Law in Ohio. Wanting to get a
jump on my legal education, I began my journey mid-year by being a part of 
Akron's first "Spring Start" class. There, I not only honed my legal skills, graduating
with a certificate in Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution (maintaining a 3.5 GPA
in those fields), but also continued to serve my community. I was a Student
Ambassador to prospective students and participated in Akron's nationally
ranked trial advocacy team, breaking school records for best finishes at the
nation's largest trial advocacy competition. After passing the Ohio bar exam in 2019,
I championed the causes of small businesses and individuals as a litigator in Akron.

Then, COVID-19 threw the world for a loop.

In the midst of the challenges that 2020 presented, a silver lining emerged for me.
I met my incredible wife, Hannah, on Hinge, a dating app that prides itself on being
"designed to be deleted." Our connection was immediate, a beacon of hope and
companionship during the isolating times of the pandemic. As our relationship
blossomed, we made the decision to move to Geneva-on-the-Lake, embarking on a labor of love to remodel her childhood home. This journey not only brought me closer to Hannah, but also introduced me to the vibrant community of District 99, a place I've come to deeply cherish.
 
                                                                                       Our bond, forged in the unique circumstances of a global crisis,
                                                                                       culminated in a beautiful commitment. On May 28, 2022,
                                                                                       with the roaring backdrop of Niagara Falls, NY, Hannah and I
                                                                                       exchanged vows, solidifying our partnership and shared vision for
                                                                                       the future. Together, we're not just rebuilding a home, but actively
                                                                                       investing in and becoming part of the fabric of Northeast Ohio.
 
                                                                                       Today, my commitment to community and civic engagement has
                                                                                       found a new arena.  I run my own  law practice in Madison, OH,
                                                                                       focused on estate planning and business law, ensuring families
                                                                                       and entrepreneurs have a robust legal ally. 

                                                                                       My decision to run for office is rooted in my unwavering belief in the
                                                                                       boundless potential of District 99. Throughout my journey, I've had
                                                                                       the privilege of listening to your stories, understanding the
                                                                                       challenges you face, and celebrating the achievements that make
our community unique. Each conversation, each shared experience, has only reinforced my commitment to be a voice for all, irrespective of political affiliations. As an Independent candidate, I am not bound by party lines or predetermined agendas. Instead, I am driven by a singular mission: to
bring fresh, unbiased, community-centric solutions to the forefront of our communities.
 
My experiences, from the bustling energy of the Great Geauga
County Fair to the vibrant pulse of Geneva-on-the-Lake, have
provided invaluable insights into the heart and soul of our
district. In an era where politics is almost exclusively more
divisive than unifying, my Independent candidacy stands as a
symbol of collaboration and genuine representation. I am here
not to push a party's agenda but to listen, understand,
and act for you. While I am confident in my abilities and proud
of my achievements, I recognize that true and lasting success is
a collective endeavor. Together, let’s weave a future where
every voice in District 99 is heard, every dream is nurtured, and
our communities stand as a testament to progress and unity.