Wurzelbacher became better known as "Joe the Plumber" after posing a question to then-candidate Obama, in the 2008 debate,regarding his tax policies and the potential negative impact on small businesses. He quickly became synonymous with the quintessential "everyman," which the Republican Party latched onto in their presidential campaign at the time.
Came to national attention when he was referenced numerous times by Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama during their debates. He had asked candidate Obama about his small business tax policy during a campaign stop in 2008 in Ohio.
Won the Ohio Republican congressional primary on March 6, 2012. Will run against Rep. Marcy Kaptur in the general election in November.