Jeff Leach
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
Jeff Leach
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 67
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas, JD, 2009
Baylor University, Waco, BA, 2005
WORK & MILITARY
Gray Reed & McGraw, LLP, Counsel, 8
AFFILIATIONS
Texas House of Representatives, Representative, District 67, Golden Corridor Republican Women's Club
Associate Member, Texas House Republican Caucus, Member
Texas Conservative Coalition, Board Member, Texas Republican Party
Houston Baptist University, Board of Trustees
PTA, Lifetime Member, Collin County Conservative Republicans
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
State Representative, 2013-
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2017
100%
2019
90%, 93% (cum.)†
2019
90%
2019
69%, 82% (cum.)†
2019
78%
2019
71%
2019
66%, 66% (cum.)†
2019
63%
2019
60%
2019
|90%, 93% (cum.)†
2019
|90%
2019
|69%, 82% (cum.)†
2019
|78%
2019
|71%
2019
|66%, 66% (cum.)†
2019
|60%
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2019
60%, 33% (cum.)†
2019
30%
2019
F
2019
0%
2019
|60%, 33% (cum.)†
2019
|30%
2019
|F
2019
|0%
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (5)
Huck PAC
National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
Texas Home School Coalition
Texas State Rifle Association
Texas Values Action
OTHER (8)
*Americans for Prosperity Action
Greg Abbott
*National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Texas
*Texas Alliance for Life PAC (TAL)
Texas Association of Realtors/TREPAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Governor Greg Abbott
Local Police & Fire Associations
Entire Collin County Commissioners Court
Majority of City Council & School Board Trustees
Pro-Life Organizations
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (33)
Angela Paxton (2018)
Angie Chen Button (2017)
Bryan Hughes (2015)
Charles Lee Perry (2014)
Charlie Geren (2017)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (28)
American Majority Action (2012)
Candy Noble (2016)
Capital Leadership Fund (2018)
Cathie Adams (2018)
Conservative Republicans of Texas (2013)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (5)
Alma Allen (2016)
Carlos Uresti (2016)
Local, County, and District Democratic Organizations (2016)
Texas Trial Lawyers Association (2014)
Texas Values in Action Coalition (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (2)
David Trone (2013)
International Association of Firefighters (includes national, state & local affiliates) (2020)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
The most important duty of any elected official is to protect our fundamental rights - starting with the right to life. I look forward to a day when the dark stain of abortion is a thing of the past in this Country. With God’s help and guidance, we must do everything possible to protect, safeguard and fight for the sanctity of life, from the womb to the tomb. I have been on the front lines in this fight in Texas and will continue to be for as long as I am blessed to serve in public office. We will continue to pass strong, smart and strategic pro-life legislation that creates a culture of life, protects Texas babies, supports our pro-life pregnancy resource centers and prevents Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers and their affiliates from receiving taxpayer funds. Also, we must continue to come alongside women and their families and with love, mercy, grace and compassion, meeting them at the point of their need.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
No Answer
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We must be vigilant in rooting out wasteful spending and reducing the burden of government taxation and regulation on the people of Texas. Texans know much better how to steward their hard-earned money than any politician in Austin. Last session, I authored and passed the enabling legislation Prop 4 – a constitutional amendment banning the imposition of a state income tax on individuals. Texans overwhelmingly agreed, and Prop 4 passed with nearly 75% of the vote.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The references to “God” in our Nation’s founding documents are numerous, direct and unmistakable. This Nation was founded by men and women of faith — brave patriots who were called by God to birth a new Nation of freedom, rooted in the belief that God governs in the affairs of men. They literally gave their very lives and fortunes for the promise of America. The words “separation of church and state” are found nowhere in the Constitution. Clearly, the very people who founded the “state” were active members in their “Churches”. I, like them, believe strongly that the state should safeguard the liberties of every citizen - including the freedom to worship, to assemble, to practice and share our faith. But while the state should stay out of the affairs of the Church, that doesn’t mean the Church should stay out of the affairs of the state.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
While healthcare and prescription drug costs continue to skyrocket, we must work collaboratively to deliver market-based solutions that drive down the cost of healthcare and promote and protect the patient-doctor relationship. This includes, among other things, partnering with our healthcare providers and institutions, promoting telemedicine and other innovative healthcare options, cracking down on waste, fraud and abuse, and working with our counterparts at the federal level to unleash the power of the free-market, encouraging competition and choice in an effort to meet the needs and drive down costs for all Texans.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
The United States is a nation of immigrants. We always have been. And we must continue to be. That said, the continued flow illegal and unlawful immigration to our shores is simply unsustainable. We must continue to protect our borders and ensure the rule of law in our Country. At the same time, our immigration system should be reformed and improved to be more efficient and effective so that new lawful citizens - those who desire to follow our laws and are committed to doing so - can be welcomed and integrated.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Promotion of the LGBT agenda in public schools, including teaching of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity”, is completely inappropriate and should be opposed at the state and local level.
Strongly Agree
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Jesus is Lord.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Voters are free to visit my website, www.jeffleach.com, where we have provided an exhaustive list of my work in the Texas House of Representatives, including a long list of our legislative accomplishments. All of that information is publicly verifiable and I am happy to provide references to that information upon request. Additionally, the “Texas Legislature Online” website is a great way to access all of this information, including lists of bills filed, bills passed, record votes, public statements, etc. That website can be found at capitol.texas.gov.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I have always believed that my “principles” are much more important than my education or experience. That said, I do believe that my education and experience have assisted me in being an effective advocate and leader for those “principles” in Austin. Since taking the oath of office, I have authored and passed nearly 40 pieces of legislation, and Co-Authored dozens of additional landmark bills, that lower taxes, protect Texans’ paychecks, boost the Texas economy, ensure safe communities, strengthen our civil justice system, and keep Texas strong and free. That’s why I’ve been recognized by leading Texas organizations as a Champion for Free Enterprise, Courageous Conservative, and Faith & Family Champion, among others. I’m also endorsed and supported by community leaders, elected officials, advocacy groups and, most importantly, countless neighbors, friends and constituents.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am proud of all that we’ve accomplished over the past four terms TOGETHER. This record of achievement is one that we can be proud of – and it spurs me on, as your advocate in Austin, to be more committed than ever to roll-up my sleeves to deliver results for you, your family, our community and the entire State of Texas. More than ever, I know that the best public policy ideas come from you – the people I am elected to serve. This is why I continue to hold a 100% meeting policy to provide constituents with an opportunity to voice their concerns and provide feedback on the issues facing our community and state, while working collaboratively to deliver meaningful solutions for my district and the people of Texas. So, if you have a concern, idea or question - or if you just want to get to know each other better - I invite and welcome you to call me anytime. God Bless Texas!
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
No Answer
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I will continue to fight to safeguard our fundamental liberties and freedoms, including the sacred right to keep and bear arms. This right to defend ourselves and our families is not granted by the Constitution. It’s a right granted to us by God - and the Constitution protects that right. For as long as I’m in public office, I’ll protect that right as well.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
(1) Legislation protecting our Texas values, including a Constitutional Amendment protecting our houses of worship - churches, synagogues, etc. - from being closed or restricted by Executive Order or legislative action, as well as additional legislation safeguarding our fundamental liberties, starting with the right to life. (2) Legislation Ensuring Safe Communities - including supporting our law enforcement and ensuring they have the tools and training necessary to safely and effectively do their job. (3) Legislation Strengthening the Texas Miracle - lowering taxes, safeguarding our elections, repealing unnecessary and burdensome regulations, and unleashing the Texas spirit of free-enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism, bigotry, hate and discrimination are a threat to anyone and everyone wherever those things exist in any corner of the world. Such evil has no place in the United States - and certainly no place in Texas. The content of people’s character matters. The color of their skin does not. I will continue to speak out and fight against racism and injustice whenever and wherever I see it.
