
Brandt Smith Jr.
Republican | Arkansas
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Brandt Smith Jr.
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 1
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Capella University, Minneapolis, PhD, 2011
Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Memphis, M.A.R.E., 1997
National Louis University, Evanston, BA, 1990
WORK & MILITARY
Human Terrain System TRADOC/G2, Sr. Social Scientist, GS 15-1, 4
International Board, Strategy Coordinator/Country Leader, 16
AFFILIATIONS
Southern Baptist Convention, Pastoral Ministries, American Military University
Former Associate Professor, School of Security & Global Studies, Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce, Member During Time in Baghdad
Hope Iraq, Donor/Advisor to the NGO, Arkansas Mission of Mercy
Past Volunteer/Mandarin Linguist, Rotary Club, Guest Speaker
Lion's Club, Guest Speaker, Craighead County Republican Committee
Active Member, Liberty University, Associate Professor, School of Business
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
State Representative, Disctrict 58, 2014-2022
N/A, N/A
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
AR 1st Congressional District, N/A
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2021
100%
2020
81%, 79% (cum.)†
2019-20
67%
2021
|100%
2020
|81%, 79% (cum.)†
2019-20
|67%
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Gun Owners of Arkansas
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Jack Ladyman (2014)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (12)
AsaPAC (2016)
Black Hills Corporation (2016)
Growing Arkansas PAC (2016)
John Payton (2016)
Ken Bragg (2016)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Perimeter PAC (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Perimeter PAC (2016)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive 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
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only when the life of the mother is at risk.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only when the life of the mother is at risk.
ECONOMY
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Disagree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Disagree
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
I would carefully consider a flat tax for all legal aged citizens based on income.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
I would carefully consider a flat tax for all legal aged citizens based on income.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
The state and federal government should stay out of religious institutions.
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
The state and federal government should stay out of religious institutions.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
None. This decision is a matter of personal choice. No one should be forced to take a vaccination that violates their conscience.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
None. This decision is a matter of personal choice. No one should be forced to take a vaccination that violates their conscience.
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)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
C) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.
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)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
C) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger.
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Use overwhelming force to completely eradicate these Islamic terrorists. Total annihilation is necessary. Muslims have the right to worship in peace, but not radicalize and terrorize others. Council On American-Islamic Relations (C.A.I.R.) should be dismantled in the United States and not allowed to fund raise when evidence shows they are a fundraising arm for Hamas and Hezbollah. The Muslim Brotherhood should also be banned from operating in the United States.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Use overwhelming force to completely eradicate these Islamic terrorists. Total annihilation is necessary. Muslims have the right to worship in peace, but not radicalize and terrorize others. Council On American-Islamic Relations (C.A.I.R.) should be dismantled in the United States and not allowed to fund raise when evidence shows they are a fundraising arm for Hamas and Hezbollah. The Muslim Brotherhood should also be banned from operating in the United States.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
We are a nation of immigrants. Legal immigrants should be welcomed if they go through the proper process. Immigrants need to come with skills that bring value to our nation. Refugees should also be welcome once the vetting process proves no threat to national security.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
We are a nation of immigrants. Legal immigrants should be welcomed if they go through the proper process. Immigrants need to come with skills that bring value to our nation. Refugees should also be welcome once the vetting process proves no threat to national security.
VALUES
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I value the Word of God (Bible). I believe in the depravity of mankind and the need for a personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. Personal and Private worship is essential to the Christian life.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I value the Word of God (Bible). I believe in the depravity of mankind and the need for a personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. Personal and Private worship is essential to the Christian life.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
In Arkansas we in the legislature passed several bills which are now law in support of voter integrity. I support a photo ID, Proof of residency and citizenship. I also support laws making ballot harvesting illegal.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
In Arkansas we in the legislature passed several bills which are now law in support of voter integrity. I support a photo ID, Proof of residency and citizenship. I also support laws making ballot harvesting illegal.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
As long as left wing Democratic politicians continue to focus on racism and use the race card for every issue, we are going to have problems. We may not be where we want to be in our nation, but President Obama and now the Biden Administration have set up back instead of moving us forward.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
As long as left wing Democratic politicians continue to focus on racism and use the race card for every issue, we are going to have problems. We may not be where we want to be in our nation, but President Obama and now the Biden Administration have set up back instead of moving us forward.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. This is evidenced by shutting down the XL Pipeline and putting 1000's of people out of work.
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. This is evidenced by shutting down the XL Pipeline and putting 1000's of people out of work.
ABOUT YOU
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
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
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://youtu.be/zberiznkQIo https://youtu.be/kQpmEZvUYSw https://youtu.be/Tg-1dWXgPzc https://youtu.be/AKUt9VnRyX8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE9DqpaRgPA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpc9Yi_Odic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9SFM1nhyC4 https://youtu.be/5ZkIG6veIDc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WegriO8b-ec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HljOW4xciTk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCb_EplEBas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Zne-pr4os https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMMdVa6oYwk https://youtu.be/yCrfOucgumk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzfh7Maaxd4&t=4s https://youtu.be/Sg41WoF90b4?list=PLPZ3ef4sx3uhwzFxp6_EKiiEpLo783KPm https://youtu.be/Tg-1dWXgPzc?list=PLPZ3ef4sx3uhwzFxp6_EKiiEpLo783KPm
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://youtu.be/zberiznkQIo https://youtu.be/kQpmEZvUYSw https://youtu.be/Tg-1dWXgPzc https://youtu.be/AKUt9VnRyX8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE9DqpaRgPA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpc9Yi_Odic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9SFM1nhyC4 https://youtu.be/5ZkIG6veIDc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WegriO8b-ec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HljOW4xciTk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCb_EplEBas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Zne-pr4os https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMMdVa6oYwk https://youtu.be/yCrfOucgumk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzfh7Maaxd4&t=4s https://youtu.be/Sg41WoF90b4?list=PLPZ3ef4sx3uhwzFxp6_EKiiEpLo783KPm https://youtu.be/Tg-1dWXgPzc?list=PLPZ3ef4sx3uhwzFxp6_EKiiEpLo783KPm
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No, not even accused.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No, not even accused.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My wife and I were appointed by the International Mission Board as career missionaries in 1992. We learned the Mandarin language while living in Taiwan. Six years later we were relocated to Northern Thailand where we were able to enter China and Myanmar to conduct our work among the minority groups in Yunnan. A number of years later we were sent to the Middle East where we served in Iraq from 2006-2008. We were evacuated out of Baghdad in mid-2008 to Jordan and eventually flew back to Arkansas. Once back in Arkansas I was asked by the U.S. Army to return to Iraq where I served until the end of the war on two extended deployments.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My wife and I were appointed by the International Mission Board as career missionaries in 1992. We learned the Mandarin language while living in Taiwan. Six years later we were relocated to Northern Thailand where we were able to enter China and Myanmar to conduct our work among the minority groups in Yunnan. A number of years later we were sent to the Middle East where we served in Iraq from 2006-2008. We were evacuated out of Baghdad in mid-2008 to Jordan and eventually flew back to Arkansas. Once back in Arkansas I was asked by the U.S. Army to return to Iraq where I served until the end of the war on two extended deployments.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Law abiding citizens who want to own firearms should have no restrictions placed on them.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Law abiding citizens who want to own firearms should have no restrictions placed on them.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
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