Derrick Edwards
Democrat | Louisiana
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Derrick Edwards
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Senator
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Tulane University, New Orleans, Bachelor in Accounting, 1997
Tulane University, New Orleans, Masters in Accounting, 1998
Loyola University School of Law, New Orleans, JD, 2003
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Louisiana Housing Corporation, Board Member, American Bar Association
Member, Louisiana State Bar Association, Member
Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting Fraternity, Member, Mayor's New Orleans Advisory Committee for Citizen
Former Member, Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority, Former Member
Shell Oil Company Diversity Action Team, Former Member, Louisiana State Bar Association Diversity Committe
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Louisiana State Treasurer, 2017
Louisiana State Treasurer, 2019
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
The Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
State Democratic Party Organizations (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (7)
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (2019)
Foster L. Campbell (2017)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (2019)
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (2017)
Local, County, and District Democratic Organizations (2017)
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.
Disagree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I am pro-life except to save the life of the mother, incest and rape. These are the three scenarios that may allow cause for an abortion if the mother's life is in danger, incest or rape.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
As your next United States Senator, I would guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations by paying 6.5% out of your paycheck instead of 6%.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
As you next United States Senator with a legal and business background, the way I would reduce government spending and balance the budget are: 1. Stop paying Social Security to the rich, 2. Allow veterans to use any United States clinic or hospital for medical healthcare and treatment, and 3. Let Medicare negotiate for cheaper prescription drug prices or negotiate and buy prescription drugs from Canada.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
I do not believe taxpayers should be burdened with paying off student loans, but I do believe large corporation earning over $10 million a year or more should pay their fair share of taxes to pay off student loans and this can easily be accomplished by amending the tax code.
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.
Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
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?
Separation of Church and state means to me that the government should not pass any laws that ban or interfere with freedom of religion.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Agree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
As your next United States Senator, I would legislate a Bill to promote healthcare coverage through social media and provide inexpensive healthcare coverage costs with the selected items of healthcare pick by the consumer from a list of healthcare options to make this process as simple as possible with the cheapest healthcare coverage to benefit one individual or a family in need of good healthcare coverage, all healthcare coverage would include dental coverage.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
As your next United States Senator and practicing attorney, I would continue to fund homeland security and follow the laws that are in place to eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism.
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.
Disagree
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Disagree
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.
Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
As your next United States Senator and practicing attorney, I would continue following the Immigration and Nationality Act that was enacted in 1952. This Act has been amended many times over the years. Also, I would meet with at least 3 immigration legal scholars annually to determine if additional amendments need to be made in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Agree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
No Answer
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a schoolteacher, my mother raised me and my two brothers as a single-parent in the Catholic Church. My mother taught us the importance of an excellent education and making a difference in the lives of others, that's why I am running for public office to serve others. I am an individual of integrity and strong faith in GOD.
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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
As an attorney that graduated from Loyola University School of Law, which is a Private Catholic University with a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Accounting from Tulane University, I am conservative regarding the laws of our land the United States Constitution and finances regarding our country budget.
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?
The reason I am running for U.S. Senator is because the people of Louisiana and the United States dessert a qualified politician that will champion and fight for social justice, racial justice and economic justice for all of us. I am asking for a donation, your support and vote on November 3, 2020. To read my political platform and donate to my campaign, please go to my website www.voteDerrickEdwards.com
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I strongly believe in the Second Amendment right to bear arms, but I do believe we need universal background check anytime a gun is sold.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
As your next United States Senator, the three areas of legislation I would propose to author or sponsor are: 1. Affordable Housing, 2. Properly Funding Small Business until the Coronavirus Pandemic is over and 3. Fixing the United States Infrastructure, this will strengthen our economy with over 1 million good paying jobs.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I believe any and all Racism poses a threat to our United States Constitution and our State Constitution and politicians should do everything in their power to eradicate racism.
