Man Runs for Congress to Receive Paychecks for Doing Nothing

Chet Matthews, a 35-year-old construction foreman from suburban Ohio, launched his bid for a House seat this week with a campaign promise that skips the usual rhetoric about draining swamps or building walls.

Instead, he is pitching voters on the unbeatable employee benefits package that comes with the job. Matthews, who hauls rebar and mixes concrete for a living, says the real appeal lies in the generous downtime baked into the congressional calendar, complete with steady paychecks that keep flowing during those breaks.

The House of Representatives operates on a schedule that includes frequent recesses, allowing members extended periods away from Capitol Hill for what lawmakers describe as constituent outreach and committee work back home.

In practice, this means lawmakers enjoy roughly 20 weeks off each year, far exceeding the standard two weeks of vacation allotted to most American workers in the private sector.

Matthews highlighted this disparity during a low-key announcement at his local diner.

"I look at my current career, and it's two weeks if I'm lucky, maybe a long weekend here and there if the site's ahead of schedule," Matthews said. "Members of Congress are looking at months off, paid in full, with travel reimbursements. It's the American Dream."

Matthews has no endorsements from party leaders and no plans to attend fundraisers, preferring instead to spend potential campaigning hours researching airline miles programs for official trips.

His campaign manager, a cousin who moonlights as a bartender, confirmed that the operation runs on a shoestring budget drawn from Matthews's overtime pay.

Matthews, who voted in the last midterms but otherwise doesn't engage in politics, discovered the perk while scrolling job listings on a slow workday.

"People talk about changing Washington, but honestly, I just want a month off," Matthews added. "I'll show up for the votes they need me for, nod along in committees, and then it's back to the beach."

Matthews' opponent, a longtime state senator, dismissed the challenge as a publicity stunt during a separate event across town.

"We cannot afford another member of Congress who does absolutely nothing," said state Senator Samuel Jameson. "We can't all treat public service like an extended happy hour."

Voters will ultimately decide in November 2026.

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