Second District Rep. Brad Wenstrup won't seek re-election

Second District Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Cincinnati, has announced that he will retire from Congress at the end of 2024.

“I’m just a fortunate guy who’s been blessed with a wonderful wife, and two loving children under the age of 11,” Wenstrup said in a video posted to X.

“I’m blessed with good health, and I look forward to fighting for truth, justice and the American way, in whatever I do in the future,” Wenstrup said.
 
Wenstrup has served in Congress since 2013 and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and chairs the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. He previously served in the Army Reserve from 1998 to 2022 and spent time in Iraq as a combat surgeon in the mid-2000s.

Wenstrup was elected in November 2012 to represent the people of Ohio's Second Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. He brings experience as a doctor, Army Reserve officer, Iraq War veteran, and small business owner to help Congress tackle the economic and security challenges facing the nation.

In the 118th Congress, Wenstrup serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He also serves as Chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Previously, Congressman Wenstrup spent six years on the Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. As a member on the Ways and Means and Intelligence Committees, Brad is working to address the national health and systemic poverty issues, while strengthening our national security. He has long been a voice of support for southern Ohio's veteran community. He also serves as a Co-Chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus.

A Cincinnati native, Wenstrup graduated from Saint Xavier High School and the University of Cincinnati. He went on to earn a medical degree in Chicago as a podiatric physician and after completing his surgical residency he established private practice in Cincinnati, treating patients for 26 years.

Wenstrup served in U.S. Army Reserve from 1998-2022, retiring with the rank of colonel.  In 2005-06, he served a tour in Iraq as a combat surgeon, and was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service. In 2018, Colonel Wenstrup was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism.

Brad and his wife, Monica, reside in southern Ohio with their two children.