Samuel Wurzelbacher

About

Conservative activist, motivational speaker, author and commentator most widely known by his nickname of "Joe the Plumber." He earned nationwide recognition after he expressed concerns regarding then-candidate Barack Obama's proposed tax policy during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign season. He later appeared at several campaign events for John McCain and became a symbol for middle-class Americans. 

Before Fame

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was a Utility Systems Specialist. After leaving the Air Force in 1996, he became a plumber's assistant and later worked for the Global Crossing telecommunications company. He first entered the public eye when he confronted Barack Obama during a visit to Toledo, Ohio before the final presidential debate at Hofstra University. 

Trivia

He ran for election on the 2012 Republican ticket to represent Ohio's 9th congressional district in the House of Representatives. He lost to his Democratic opponent, incumbent Marcy Kaptur.

Family Life

He was the son of Kay and Frank Wurzelbacher. He was the father of 4 children, including 1 from his 1st marriage, and 3 from his 2nd marriage to Katie Schanen. After a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer he passed away at his home in Wisconsin in August of 2023.

Associated With

In 2008, he appeared on an episode of CBS Evening News, where he spoke with journalist Katie Couric. Later that year, he appeared on Fox News, where he spoke with Neil Cavuto. He also spoke with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America and Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes on their program, Hannity & Colmes.