JOHN F. CAIN
SOUTHWICK – John F. Cain, a Republican and Southwick native, says he will represent all western Massachusetts residents if elected to U.S. Congress.
Cain, 30, announced last week he was running for longtime U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal’s seat. Neal, a Democrat, is also being challenged by fellow Democrat Alex Morse, mayor of Holyoke.
Cain said being a Republican and not being a politician will work to his advantage.
“Career politicians have not helped us,” said Cain. “I don’t think being a professional politician is the right stance.”
Instead, Cain believes he is the “fresh face” people need in Washinton, DC.
“I’ve been gathering support from both Democrats and Republicans,” he said. “People, overall, are on the same page –they want someone who will do something for the citizens, not the office.”
Cain reached out to the Southwick Select Board and state Sen. Donald F. Humason Jr. He was hesitant to say he received their full support, but he did say he received positive feedback.
Cain believes representation of western Massachusetts in the nation’s Capitol is not what it should be.
“Washington doesn’t know anything west of Worcester,” he said.
The son of a teacher and small business owner, Cain said he grew up constantly on the move; playing outside, racing BMX, building full-scale construction sites in his sand box and working alongside his father repairing heavy equipment. Cain graduated from Cathedral High School and was a multi-sport athlete. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and said he loved the military and civil service from a young age.
Cain received his Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Systems with a minor in Nuclear Power from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. His time at the academy took him to over 20 countries around the world, and post-graduation he worked in the U.S. Coast Guard. Cain spent eight years as a U.S. Naval Reserve lieutenant and returned to his hometown where he served as a volunteer firefighter.
Cain took over his father’s Feeding Hills company, operating both a mechanical repair business and a construction business.
While growing his businesses, Cain was involved in an industrial accident that fractured his right arm and then lost his best childhood friend to the opioid crisis. Cain said he drew upon the King’s Point motto “Acta Non Verba,” which means deeds, not words, to overcome tough times.
Cain lives in Southwick, is an avid cyclist and enjoys spending time with his fiancé and 9-year-old daughter.
Cain said he would begin his campaign locally at upcoming town fairs and other public events.
