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SHUBUTA, MISSISSIPPI — Democratic congressional candidate Michael A. Chiaradio joined the American Small Business League Podcast this week for a wide-ranging conversation about rebuilding economic competitiveness, revitalizing rural communities, and restoring integrity to federal contracting.
In the interview, Chiaradio highlighted his belief that the path to a stronger national economy begins with smart public investment.
“We have an economy that’s unsustainable,” Chiaradio said. “Some people want to fix it with taxes, some with spending cuts — I want to fix it with investment. The best way to grow is by unlocking the potential of rural America and small business.”
Chiaradio, who owns and operates a regenerative farm in Shubuta, emphasized that rural growth and small business development are key to America’s long-term competitiveness. He argued that burdensome bureaucracy and uneven regulation have held back entrepreneurs for too long, especially in communities that need opportunity the most.
“We’ve regulated the small farmer right off the farm,” he said. “And it’s not just farming — it’s the whole rural economy. We need to streamline regulations, expand access to capital, and create a level playing field for real small businesses.”
The discussion also touched on federal contracting reform and the Don’t Cheat Women initiative, which seeks to ensure that small and women-owned businesses receive their fair share of federal contracts. Chiaradio strongly supported transparency and accountability in how government dollars are distributed.
Throughout the conversation, Chiaradio connected economic reform to larger questions of national strength and leadership — themes central to his campaign.
The American Small Business League Podcast is known for its in-depth conversations with business advocates, policymakers, and reform-minded candidates across the country.
Click Here to watch the full interview.
