Matt Shaheen

Republican | Texas

Candidate Profile*

Conservative

*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Matt Shaheen


Party

Republican


Election Year

2024


Election

General


Race

State Rep., Dist. 66


Incumbent

Yes


Links

Matt Shaheen websitesMatt Shaheen phones Matt Shaheen emailFacebookX

EDUCATION

Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, BA, 1987

SMU, Dallas, TX, MA, 2003

WORK & MILITARY

(Candidate did not provide)

AFFILIATIONS

Prestonwood Baptist Church, Deacon, Prestonwood Pregnancy Center

Board Member, Golden Corridor Republican Women, Associate Member

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

Collin County Commissioner, 5

State Representative, 9

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

(Candidate did not provide)

SCORECARDS

CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS


LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS

ENDORSEMENTS*

*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (12)

Young Conservatives of Texas

National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF

Rick Perry

Texas Home School Coalition (THSC)

Texas Values Action

OTHER (4)

Texas Alliance for Life PAC (TAL)

Texas Humane Legislation Network

Americans For Prosperity - Texas

Plano Police Association

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)

Collin County Association of Realtors

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (30)

DFW Conservative Voters (2024)

Republican Women's Organizations (2024)

Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2023)

#PROJECTREDTX (2022)

Carrie Isaac (2022)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (86)

Greg Abbott (2024)

Henry Ross Perot (2024)

James Frank (2024)

Larry Gonzales (2024)

PSEL PAC (2024)


LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)

Leticia Van De Putte (2023)

OTHER INFORMATION

Candidate graded F by pro-marijuana group NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).

The 2023 TX House from right to left according to Rice University analysis.

The candidate was the 13th most conservative State House member according to Rice University 2021 analysis.

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

I believe every little baby in the womb is made in the image of God and I have always fought for life and am very pleased about the reversal of Roe v. Wade. I support current Texas law that bans abortion except when the mother's life is at risk.

Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.

Strongly Agree

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Strongly Agree

I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Strongly Disagree


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

None. I passed HB 525 during the 87th legislative session which permanently prevents governments from closing churches or interfering in any church activity.

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree


NATIONAL SECURITY

The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.

Strongly Agree

Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?

God is clear in Genesis that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel. Additionally, from a geopolitical perspective, Israel is a strong ally who shares our democratic values. Finally, I will always be clear that antisemitism is evil and has no place in the Republican Party.


HEALTHCARE

What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.

C. Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but free market reforms are desperately needed to reduce the administrative costs and the damage caused by failed government run healthcare.

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

None.


ECONOMY

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

Strongly Agree

What is your position on the minimum wage?

The minimum wage has a negative effect on the economy, artificially reducing jobs, specifically entry-level jobs that are important to starting a career and escaping poverty. The minimum wage also creates greater incentives to automate jobs.

Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?

No


IMMIGRATION

The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.

Strongly Agree


EDUCATION

The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.

Strongly Agree


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.

Strongly Disagree


2ND AMENDMENT

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

The 2nd Amendment protects our rights to defend ourselves in the U.S. Constitution and I fully support the right to bear arms.

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?

Yes


ABOUT YOU

Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.

No

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.

No

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

The general purpose of government should be limited to protecting liberty by providing law enforcement and a court system to administer justice and through a national defense and provide for infrastructure services such as water and roads.

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Very Conservative


VALUES

Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.

Strongly Agree

I passed Senate Bill 12 out of the Texas House that criminalizes any live sexual performance in front of a child.

Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.

Strongly Agree

Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

Strongly Disagree

I cosponsored SB 14 which bans the gender modification of children.

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.

Strongly Agree

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I came to Christ as a young man, led by my mother. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and my faith provides a life of understanding and peace. My faith gives me confidence and freedom to live according to God’s plan and purpose for my life.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.

Strongly Disagree


EQUALITY

Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

No, America is not a racist country like many liberal Democrats claim for the purpose of dividing our nation and driving their base to the polls. Although there are some individuals who hold racist views, the security threat to the United States are liberal Democrat extremists organizations such as BLM, Antifa, etc.

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

Strongly Disagree

Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.

Strongly Agree


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.

A and C

What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

Dispatchable fuel sources such as natural gas, nuclear and coal.

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