Biography
Jack Warren Bergman, born on February 2, 1947, in Shakopee, Minnesota, is a retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant general and a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 1st congressional district since 2017. His district encompasses the entire Upper Peninsula and the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, covering approximately 44% of Michigan's land mass.
Bergman's military career spanned 40 years, during which he served as a naval aviator, flying both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, and held command positions including Deputy Commander of Marine Forces Europe and Commander of Marine Forces Reserve. After retiring from active duty in 2009, he settled in Watersmeet, Michigan, with his wife, Cindy. They have five children and ten grandchildren.
In the private sector, Bergman founded and operated two successful medical equipment businesses and worked as a commercial airline pilot for 22 years.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Business from Gustavus Adolphus College
- Master of Business Administration from the University of West Florida
Political Experience
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan's 1st District in 2016; re-elected in subsequent terms
- Serves on the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- Member of the Republican Study Committee and the Climate Solutions Caucus
As the highest-ranking combat veteran ever elected to Congress, Bergman has been instrumental in advocating for veterans' affairs and national defense. He played a key role in the passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, ensuring resources for the armed forces.
Bergman has also been active in promoting broadband infrastructure in rural areas, securing over $2 billion in funding for broadband programs in Fiscal Year 2021. He introduced legislation such as the Big Tech Accountability for Broadband Act and the Rural Broadband Window of Opportunity Act to further enhance connectivity in underserved regions.
