This week, we invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 5 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Bentley Hensel, who is running for House of Representatives – 8th District as an Independent.
America is at a breaking point, and we need leaders ready to cut through the noise and focus on what matters. I’m not here to recycle tired promises or play into partisan tactics. I’m running for office because I believe we deserve more—a government that serves everyone, not just those with power or influence.
What this country needs most right now is transparency and accountability. I’ve made these values the cornerstone of my campaign by ensuring every dollar raised and spent is visible in real-time and by helping to organize an open debate, giving voters a clearer understanding of where each candidate in this race stands. If elected, I won’t stop there. I’ll fight for reforms that make government more accessible and transparent, so every voter knows how decisions are made and where their tax dollars are going.
I get the frustrations many feel because I feel them, too. I’m not a career politician—I’m someone who has spent years focused on solving problems and creating solutions that actually work. Like so many of you, I’ve watched as Washington has ignored real issues, letting problems pile up without ever truly addressing them. That’s why I’m running for Congress: to bring new, practical solutions free from party politics and ideological gridlock.
Right now, America is in a leadership crisis. We need representatives who will challenge the status quo, break away from the establishment, and actually listen to the voices of real people. The two-party system has become too focused on protecting its power, often leaving the people it claims to serve behind. My focus is on real, lasting solutions—advocating for government transparency, reforming outdated systems, safeguarding our environment, and protecting digital privacy. These aren’t just policy points; they’re commitments to a future where government is open, accountable, and focused on the well-being of every citizen.
At the heart of this campaign is a simple belief: we deserve leaders who act, not just talk. This election, you have the chance to vote for someone who’s committed to fundamental reform, who isn’t beholden to corporate interests or outdated party leadership. I’m here to represent you, to hear your concerns, and to help create an America that’s fair, transparent, and genuinely responsive to the people.
If you believe in a future built on integrity, accountability, and bold, fearless leadership, then I ask for your vote. Together, we can break free from the cycles of partisanship and move toward the future America deserves.
