Meet Joseph Alfonso
Born to a Puerto Rican mother and immigrant father in New York City, I was raised by the working and union class. Their support led me to begin my career in the trades as a handyman and fast food service to help support my family.
After graduating High School, I joined the United States Marine Corps, fueled by my passion to fight for my fellow citizens. There, I joined my fellow Marines in the installation of infrastructure for multiple bases and create action plans for Aid Assistance in East and South-East Asia.
After being stationed in San Diego, I met my wife Leah Alfonso (Plockmeyer), a West Michigan native and fellow Marine; we got married in the summer of 2012. Once Leah's military contract was completed, we both chose to move back to Michigan.
Here in Michigan, I worked as an electrician, sales attendant, and banker before I realized that I missed working in public service. Soon after, I began working at the City Inspections Department in the City of Kentwood.
Why I'm running
As the son of working-class immigrant father and Puerto Rican mother, I was raised by the service workers, laborers, and union members in my community. Honesty, humility, and hard-work were core traits I learned to value. My childhood also instilled me a sense of giving back to the community, like the workers that raised me. That's why upon graduation, I joined the United States Military. A decade later, and as a public servant, I've seen the way representatives fight for themselves over my neighbors, friends, and family. The core traits I learned to value have been abandoned by Washington, but they haven't abandoned me. I was raised to fight for my community, and I'm running to do just that. I want to give West Michigan a strong voice in Congress by bringing jobs back to our state, protecting your healthcare rights, and keeping toxic chemicals out of our pipelines. As a citizen, husband, and father, I will do whatever it takes to protect and fight for the interests of West Michigan. That is why we are running for Michigan's 4th Congressional.