Illinois 14th Congressional District — Veterans for America First (VFAF), the original 2015 Veterans for Trump grassroots organization, proudly announces its endorsement of Jim Marter for Congress in Illinois’ 14th District for the 2026 election cycle.
Jim Marter is a proven conservative leader, grassroots organizer, and successful business owner with a long-standing record of public service and Republican Party leadership in Illinois. As the 2024 Republican nominee for Congress in the 14th District, Marter earned his nomination with a commanding primary victory, securing more than 79% of the vote. He also served as a 2024 Delegate for President Donald J. Trump in the 14th District, receiving the highest vote total among all delegates on the ballot.
Marter currently serves as an Oswego Library District Board Trustee (2021–2025) and has been elected four times as Precinct Committeeperson for Oswego 22, most recently winning his 2024 primary race with an 80% to 20% margin. From 2016 through 2024, he served three full terms as Kendall County Republican Chairman, during which time more than 15 new Republican officeholders were elected and Republican control in the county was maintained and expanded. He has also served as Deputy on the Illinois GOP State Central Committee for the 14th District (2022) and as a 2020 Presidential Elector for Illinois’ 14th District.
In addition to his political leadership, Marter brings more than 35 years of professional experience in information technology, project management, and business process implementation. After graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management and a minor in Computer Science, he began his career at The Dow Chemical Company, where he rose to global technology leadership roles and earned professional certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM). He later joined SAP America, Inc., managing complex, multi-million-dollar projects across the United States and internationally before founding his own successful software consulting company in 2002. His work has supported industries including defense and aerospace, agriculture sciences, automotive, life sciences, energy, and manufacturing.
Raised in Bartonville, Illinois, Marter developed leadership skills early through academics and athletics, including NCAA Division I swimming at Purdue University. His commitment to faith, family, and community remains central to his life. He and his wife Jill have been married for 40 years, have four children and six grandchildren, and are active parishioners at St. Anne Parish in Oswego.
