Jim Alton is the kind of public servant who never wanted the spotlight but earned it anyway. Born and raised in the industrial town of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Jim grew up in a blue-collar household shaped by hard work and sacrifice. His father, a Vietnam veteran and machinist, and his mother, a diner waitress, instilled in him the values of loyalty, integrity, and service. Jim never pursued a traditional college path, opting instead to learn through decades of hands-on work in the manufacturing sector. Over 25 years, he rose from machine operator to plant manager, gaining a reputation for steady leadership and quiet resolve. Jim entered politics reluctantly—motivated by the economic decline he saw firsthand—and ran for County Commissioner in 2014. By 2018, he was elected County Executive, where he led Westmoreland County through a grassroots economic revival. Known as a "blue-collar Republican," Jim focused on broadband expansion, streamlined regulations, and veterans' support. His no-frills approach and deep community ties earned him trust across political lines. In 2025, following Michelle Bauer’s elevation to Vice President, Jim was appointed U.S. Senator by Governor Leonard Cox—a longtime friend and labor ally. Now in Washington, Jim remains deeply loyal to his Pennsylvania roots, committed to fighting for forgotten communities and revitalizing American manufacturing. He lives in Greensburg with his wife Linda and stays grounded through fishing trips, classic rock, and volunteering at the local VFW.