Former Poker Player Decides to Run for Congress

James Hinton makes the move from online poker to politics, aiming to unseat congressman Mike Thompson.

The 39-yeard-old candidate used to make thousands of dollars playing online poker sites in the US when it was still legal. This year, he decided it was time for a new challenge: competing for a new career in politics. Hinton will be running in the heavily Democratic 5th Congressional District, against Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson.

“I’m running for U.S. Congress ... in order to work with and for the people to protect our beautiful God-given environment, strengthen our economy and improve our health,” his campaign leaflet says.

“I think people are fed up with the idea of career politicians. Most people I talk to say they want term limits on politicians. I feel the community is ready for a fresh new perspective.”

From poker to politics

Hinton says he was doing pretty well playing online poker, until authorities changed American gambling laws and banned internet gambling. In a recent interview with the Times-Herald, he described himself as a social libertarian. Among other things, he believes marijuana should be legalized and Wall Street should be taxed.

The former poker player’s main rival, Mike Thompson, has been a congressional representative since 1999. Before that he served several terms in the Legislature. Hinton will also be competing against Douglas Van Raam, who ran for president in 2012.