I’m Julie Ann Wagner—a proud wife of an Air Force veteran, mother to two amazing young adults, and a passionate advocate for veterans, animal welfare, and farmers.
I’m running for Jackson Township Trustee, Porter County, Indiana. I would greatly appreciate your vote on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
My husband, John, is an Air Force Veteran (K9 Security Services), former Department of Homeland Security Officer and recently retired from the US Department of Justice. Our son, Daniel, is a K-12 history/social studies teacher and high school football coach. Our daughter, Katherine, has a passion for animals and is finishing her sophomore year studying veterinary science. My future daughter-in-law, Ava, is starting physical therapy graduate school this summer. The glue that holds this family together is my mother, Kathleen.
My path has been shaped by resilience, faith, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. Earning my Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1997 laid the foundation for a career grounded in purpose and integrity, but the roots of who I am began long before that.
I grew up on a large farm in Rockford, Michigan, where early mornings tending livestock and working share crops taught me discipline, humility, and a deep respect for the land. Those formative years instilled in me a work ethic that has guided every chapter of my life.
My desire to engage, contribute, and make a difference emerged early. As a high school student, I walked door‑to‑door supporting George H.W. Bush’s 1988 campaign—a defining experience that reinforced the power of civic involvement. Over the years, that dedication continued through volunteer efforts with the McCain‑Palin campaign in 2008 and later as a Republican Precinct Delegate, Executive Committee Member, and Trump Campaign Volunteer in both 2020 and 2024. Through it all, my faith and conservative values have remained steady anchors.
Arriving in Porter County for graduate school in 1994 was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It opened doors, shaped my career path, and introduced me to a community I have cherished ever since. Having the opportunity to return last year feels like a blessing—an unexpected full‑circle moment that has renewed my gratitude and sense of purpose.
My journey—rooted in family, faith, hard work, and a desire to stand up for what I believe in—continues to inspire me to serve, lead, and give back wherever I can.