John Peterson earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law. Early in his career, he was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives, where he chaired the Public Health and Welfare Committee. After a brief foray into congressional politics, he retired from elective office and practiced law for a quarter-century. Peterson then founded a lobbying firm focused on the Kansas Legislature, dedicating the next two decades to influencing state policy.

John Peterson's political identity is marked by a distinctive blend of free-market advocacy and selective environmental pragmatism. His economic philosophy champions corporate tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate business growth, while his environmental stance surprisingly favors moderate regulations that do not overly impede economic progress. Peterson's healthcare proposals pivot on market-based solutions, contrasting sharply with his opposition to the Affordable Care Act. His educational policy emphasizes school choice and reduced federal oversight, aligning with his broader ideological preference for limited government intervention. Despite his conservative social views, Peterson's nuanced approach to environmental and economic policies presents an intriguing ideological flexibility.