On Monday, Gedert announced his campaign to represent Ohio’s 9th Congressional District in Washington, running as the Libertarian Party nominee. His goal: to “end the two-party stranglehold” that dominates state and national politics.
Calling himself a dark-horse challenger to incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and Republican frontrunners Derek Merrin and Josh Williams, both state representatives, Gedert said the current political structure has failed everyday Ohioans.
“The two-party system isn’t working for us, and I’m sick of pretending otherwise,” Gedert declared. “Democrats have become the anti-Trump echo chamber, defending institutions like sacred cows, while Republicans peddle moral panic.”
Beyond party politics, Gedert’s campaign centers on fighting corruption and curbing government interference in education and small business.
“I’ve flipped burgers for McDonald’s corporate, negotiated real estate deals, and worked as a para-educator at the Autism Model School,” he said. “I’ve seen incredible kids with special needs thrive — in spite of state interference, not because of it.”
Now 42, Gedert is an openly intersex drag queen, small business owner, and longtime advocate for marginalized communities. His mac-and-cheese food truck, *Maybe Cheese Born With It*, gained national attention when it appeared on Food Network in 2022.
A native of Royal Oak, Michigan, and Toledo, Gedert has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ rights, small businesses, and legalization — paired with sensible regulation — of substances such as marijuana, kava, and kratom.
“I’m betting that people are ready for something new in American politics,” he said. “No, not the drag queen part — something even rarer: a politician with brains, guts, and honesty. That’s the real radical change — actually representing people.”