Rob Jones, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and double amputee who ran 31 marathons in 31 days to raise money for charities supporting wounded warriors, Monday announced his campaign for the House of Representatives, challenging Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., for the seat in Virginia's 10th District.
I'm running for congress, because I noticed a lack of leadership and selfless service in the capital, the retired Marine, who served as a combat engineer, told Fox News' "Fox and Friends," noting that he has been trained, through his military service to look out for others, regardless of the circumstances.
Nine years ago, both of Jones' legs were amputated above the knees after an improvised explosive device exploded beneath him in Afghanistan.
He said he was left with a choice, either to coast through life on his disability or find another way to fulfill his purpose.
Jones had been deployed to Iraq in 2008 and Afghanistan in 2010, according to a press release from his campaign. After he was injured, he learned to walk, bike, row, and run again, and in 2012, after his honorable discharge the year before, represented the United States in the 2012 Paralympic Games, winning a bronze medal in rowing.
In 2013, he rode his bike across the country to raise $126,000 for wounded warriors' charities, and in 2017, ran the 31 marathons.
He officially announced his campaign through a YouTube video on Monday.