Thomas Gregory Weiler is an American former U.S. Navy officer[1], and defense consultant.[2] He served 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a submariner[3], holding Executive Officer of the USS Michigan (SSGN-727) and Submarine Operations and Training Officer for Carrier Strike Group 10.[4] He received Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and Battle “E” awards.[5]
He is running for the Republican nomination in the 2026 United States Senate election in Minnesota.[6][7]
Early life and education
editWeiler was born in Corpus Christi and raised in Chicago and Minneapolis.[8] He attended Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota and the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering through the Naval ROTC program.[9] He later earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at National Defense University, and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.[10]
Career
editMilitary career
editWeiler served aboard multiple submarines, including the USS Chicago, USS Charlotte, USS Columbia, and USS Michigan. As Executive Officer of the Michigan, he oversaw operations, maintenance, and personnel during critical deployments.[11] He also served as Submarine Operations and Training Officer for Carrier Strike Group 10, deploying aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and coordinating complex undersea and strike group operations.[4]He retired from active duty in 2021.[12]
Political career
editIn 2022, Weiler was the Republican nominee for Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District[13][14] but was defeated in the general election.[15] In 2024, he announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in the 2026 election, seeking the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by Tina Smith.[16] As of 2026, he remains a declared candidate.[17]
References
edit- ↑ Radelat, Ana (2022-08-31). "Yes, there's a lot of food, but plenty of politics too at the state fair". MinnPost. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ Brown, Kyle (2025-08-11). "Navy veteran Tom Weiler to seek Republican nomination for open U.S. Senate seat". KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ "Tom Weiler: The best day to secure our schools is today | AlphaNews.org". Alpha News MN. 2025-09-27. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- 1 2 Clynes, David. "Interview with Tom Weiler, Congressional Candidate". 49 MN GOP. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ Prairie, Eden (2026-04-03). "Commentary: Give me liberty or give me my vacation". Alexandria Echo Press. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ "Tom Weiler for US Senate 2026". Duluth News Tribune. 2026-02-18. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ Long, Hank (2025-08-09). "Navy veteran Tom Weiler launches campaign for open US Senate seat | AlphaNews.org". Alpha News MN. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ Reports, EPLN Staff (2022-04-25). "GOP endorses Weiler in bid to unseat Phillips". Eden Prairie Local News. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ "About Tom Weiler". Local candidates.
- ↑ "Thomas Weiler, Eden Prairie native, serves aboard USS Eisenhower". hometownsource.com. 2020-09-08. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ George, Kathleen (2014-04-18). "DeSimone-Weiler". The Star Democrat. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ Radelat, Ana (2022-07-11). "Phillips runs on optimism while Weiler focuses on nation's ills in Minnesota's 3rd District race". MinnPost. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ Thamer, Sarah; White, Kaila (2022-10-18). "Voter guide: See 3rd District candidates' stances on abortion, crime, more". MPR News. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ Brown, Kyle (2022-08-19). "Navy veteran Tom Weiler challenging Rep. Dean Phillips for US House seat". KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ "Rep. Dean Phillips wins reelection to 3rd Congressional District - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. 2022-11-08. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ Yang, Pafoua (2022-04-15). "Tom Weiler opens up on battle with Parkinson's, life as a submarine officer | AlphaNews.org". Alpha News MN. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- ↑ "Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya joins Minnesota GOP primary for Senate | Just The News". justthenews.com. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
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