James Hurysz got interested in enhancing the quality of life in Arlington and ran in the Democratic primary for the Arlington Board of Supervisors. Subsequently, he abandoned the Democratic Party and campaigned as an Independent for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004 and 2006. (there is no party registration required in the Commonwealth of Virginia and it is common for candidates to run for political office as Independents). In his campaign for Congress, he advocated that the United States avoid Third World wars and prepare for major domestic population expansion in the 21st century.