Brad Wenstrup facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brad Wenstrup
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 2nd district |
|
| In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2025 |
|
| Preceded by | Jean Schmidt |
| Succeeded by | David Taylor |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Brad Robert Wenstrup
June 17, 1958 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Monica Klein
(m. 2012) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Cincinnati (BA) Rosalind Franklin University (BS, DPM) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | |
| Years of service | 1998–2022 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 344th Combat Support Hospital |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards |
|
Brad Robert Wenstrup, born on June 17, 1958, is an American politician, a high-ranking officer in the United States Army Reserve, and a doctor who specializes in foot and ankle care (called podiatric medicine). He served as a U.S. representative for Ohio's 2nd district from 2013 to 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party.
In 2012, he won the primary election against the person who held the seat before him, Jean Schmidt. In November 2023, he shared that he would not run for re-election in 2024. Wenstrup is a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and served in the Iraq War. He was recognized for his bravery during the Congressional baseball shooting in 2017, where he helped an injured Congressman. For his quick actions, he received the Soldier's Medal.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Brad Wenstrup grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents were Joan and Frank John "Jack" Wenstrup. He also has a sister named Amy.
In 1976, he finished high school at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. He then went to the University of Cincinnati, graduating in 1980 with a degree in psychology. He was a very good student there.
After college, he studied at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. He earned a science degree and became a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in 1985. This means he is a doctor who treats feet and ankles.
A Doctor and Soldier
Before he became a politician, Brad Wenstrup worked as a podiatric doctor in Cincinnati for over 24 years. He helped many people with their foot health.
Serving in the Army Reserve
In 1998, Wenstrup joined the United States Army Reserve. He continued to serve and became a colonel in 2017.
From 2005 to 2006, he was sent to Iraq with the 344th Combat Support Hospital. He described his time there as both challenging and rewarding. For his service, he was given the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
While in Iraq, Wenstrup saw that many local people had very little. He asked his sister to help collect donations like toys, school supplies, and hygiene items from companies back home. He then worked with the base chaplain to give these supplies to the people in Iraq.
Becoming a Politician
Running for Mayor
In 2009, Wenstrup decided to run for mayor of Cincinnati. He ran against the mayor at the time, Mark Mallory. He did not win this election.
Joining the U.S. House of Representatives
In 2012, Brad Wenstrup ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Ohio's 2nd district. He won the primary election against the current representative, Jean Schmidt. This was a bit of a surprise win.
After winning the primary, he went on to win the general election against William R. Smith. He was re-elected several times, serving multiple terms in Congress.
What He Did in Congress
As a U.S. Representative, Wenstrup worked on many important issues. In 2013, his office asked people what they thought of their service. Most people were happy with the help they received.
In 2016, Wenstrup worked with other representatives to look into military intelligence. They found that some reports about fighting groups like ISIL were too positive.
Wenstrup also helped create a law called the VA Prescription Data Accountability Act in 2017. This law helps protect veterans who receive prescription medicines and prevents misuse of those medicines.
In November 2023, Wenstrup announced that he would not run for re-election in 2024. He plans to finish his work on a special committee that is studying the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and how to prepare for future health crises.
Helping Veterans
Wenstrup voted against the PACT Act in 2022. This law aimed to expand benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service.
Committees and Groups
While in Congress, Brad Wenstrup was part of several important committees and groups:
- Committee on Ways & Means: This committee deals with taxes and other money matters.
- Subcommittee on Oversight
- Subcommittee on Worker & Family Support
- United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: This committee focuses on national security and intelligence.
- Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Warfighter Support
- Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation
- United States House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic: This special committee studies the coronavirus pandemic.
He was also a member of groups like the Republican Study Committee and the GOP Doctors Caucus, which is made up of doctors serving in Congress.
Brad Wenstrup's Family Life
Brad Wenstrup is Roman Catholic. He is married to Monica Wenstrup, who works as a financial consultant. They have two children, including a daughter they adopted in 2019.
Sadly, his niece, Anne Marie Gieske, was one of the American victims in the Seoul Halloween crowd crush.
