Brian Dansel
Republican | Washington
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Brian Dansel
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 5
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Republic High School, Republic
Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla, Associate of Arts
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Advisor
National Economic Council, Advisor
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Farm Service Agency, WA State Executive Director
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pacific Northwest Regional Director
AFFILIATIONS
Ferry County Public Development Authority, Ferry County EMS Board
Chair, Ferry County Canvassing Board, Former Chair
Donald J. Trump for President Campaigns: 2016 and 2020, First elected official to endorse Donald J Trump for President in 2015
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Ferry County Commissioner, 2011-2014. 2023-Present
Washington State Senator, 2013-2017
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (2)
Mason County Republican Party - Washington
Washington State Republican Party
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Washington State Republican Party - Sole Endorsed Candidate
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2013)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (7)
Gun Owners Action League of Washington (2014)
Jon Wyss (2014)
National Rifle Association (2014)
Republican Women's Organizations (2014)
Rob Chase (2014)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (5)
American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (2018)
American Federation of Teachers (2014)
National Education Association (national, state & local affiliates) (2014)
Service Employees International Union (2014)
Washington State Association for Justice (2014)
OTHER INFORMATION
Dansel voted against SB 5748 (2015), a bill requiring teacher evaluations to be based on student test scores: Vote to pass a bill that requires the use of student test scores in teacher and principal performance evaluations.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
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
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Only in the cases of rape, incest, and the health of the mother.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
The Supreme Court was very clear in its ruling that this is a states issue and that there is no Constitutional right to abortion. I support passing strong pro-life laws at the state level.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
I will fight to lower taxes on hard working Americans and small businesses, will vote against efforts to raise taxes, will fight to cut wasteful government spending which has caused inflation to skyrocket, and will push to eliminate the death tax.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
I strongly oppose attempts like those we are seeing from President Biden to “forgive” student loan debt. Hard working people in Eastern Washington, many of whom are working multiple jobs and struggling to make ends meet, should not be expected to pay off others’ student loan debt. I would vote against any attempts to push through a plan like this.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means that the government, in regards to the law, should not favor or establish a state religion. However, it is important to understand that does not mean legislators can not be guided by their faith. My faith is very important to me and guides how I approach difficult questions every day. We must be weary of those who cite "church and state" to attack religious liberty and our First Amendment Rights. I will always fight back on all attacks on religious liberty.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I am 100% against blanket vaccine mandates. No person should have to choose between their faith and their livelihood. What we saw during COVID in regards to mandates, from doctors being fired to soldiers being discharged, can not happen again.
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
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 Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
China is one of the biggest threats to American national security. While I served in President Trump’s Department of Agriculture, I saw it first hand. China seeks to undermine America both militarily and economically. They regularly harm Eastern Washington farmers with unfair trade practices, and launch cyber attacks on our companies. I will use my experience to fight for Eastern Washington against Chinese threats, whatever form they may take.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes. Our relationship with Israel is very important. On October 7th, the world watched Hamas terrorists kill innocent men women and children solely because they are Jewish. Further, Hamas does not just want to wipe Israel off the map, they also want to wipe America off the map. The same terrorists that chant death to Israel also chant death to America. It is important that we provide Israel with the weapons and resources they need to defend themselves and destroy Hamas once and for all.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
One of the major causes is the politicalization of the U.S. military by the current administration. The Biden administration’s efforts to push radical leftist ideologies on our military have lowered morale and harmed both recruitment and retention. From pushing vaccine mandates to mandating DEI in the military, President Biden has left our military weaker. I will push against these efforts in Congress.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The situation at our border is a national security crisis. Under President Biden, we have seen record numbers of illegal migrant crossings at our Southern border. Law enforcement has reported that nearly 400 illegal migrants on the terror watch list have been apprehended at the Southern border. Further, deadly drugs like fentanyl are pouring across the open border and killing Americans in our own neighborhoods. I will fight to finish Trump’s wall and secure the border on day one.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Skilled workers who can fill needs in our country should be allowed to immigrate, but only if they follow the law and wait their turn. Our focus right now has to be on securing the border and stopping illegal immigration. Every day we wait, our country is less safe.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
I strongly support school choice.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Agree
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a man of faith and believe Jesus is the light of the world.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I strongly support a mandatory voter ID law and would sponsor one in Congress.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
In Congress I would fight to ban CRT from our military and other institutions where the Biden administration has pushed it.
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
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Disagree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I support unleashing American energy and innovation by cutting red tape and big government regulations. One energy source that has potential to supply electricity is nuclear power.
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
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The general purpose of government is to protect life, liberty, and property rights. I believe that the government that governs least governs best. Unfortunately, over the last several decades, the government has spiraled in size and encroached on too many of our freedoms. Government should defend national security and ensure that our Constitutional rights are protected, but it should not be an unaccountable bureaucracy like it is now.
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
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I fully back the blue and support our brave men and women in law enforcement. In Congress I will always advocate to make sure law enforcement has the tools and resources they need to keep our communities safe. I support the rule of law and tough on crime policies that put dangerous criminals behind bars.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I am a staunch supporter of law-abiding citizens’ 2nd Amendment rights. I have always, and will always, oppose gun control and any efforts to infringe on law abiding citizens’ right to bear arms. We need less restrictions on gun ownership, not more.
