Christopher S. Hodge
Republican | Mississippi
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Christopher S. Hodge
Party
Republican
Election Year
2023
Election
Primary
Race
State House, Dist. 88
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, bachelor, 1989
WORK & MILITARY
BClean LLC, Sales Nanager, 2008-2019
Sanderson Farms, Contract Broiler Farm, 2010-2019
Wayne Farms, Manager, 1991-2008
AFFILIATIONS
Pathway Community Church, Pastor, Bogue Homa Baptist Church
Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Pastor
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
OTHER (1)
Business and Industry Political Education Committee
OTHER INFORMATION
Buck Naked Truth podcast episode: April 19, 2023 debate between HD 88 candidates Christopher Hodge and Tommy Parker. Timestamps of questions discussed:
- 08:35--If elected, what do you hope to accomplish the first year?
- 10:35--Do you believe the current make-up of the Mississippi House of Representatives reflects the values of the average Mississippian and why?
- 13:25--Because of a technical glitch, we haven't had a ballot initiative in a number of years. Is this an issue to you?
- 17:08--Would you personally have voted to change the state flag?
- 20:25--What do you think about the job the predecessor Robin Robinson did, and what would you do differently?
- 25:40--One of the most important races is for Lt. Governor, between Chris McDaniel and Delbert Hosemann. Which will you be supporting?
- 28:35--What is your view of term limits?
- 32:45--What do you think it means to be a Republican?
- 36:00--If elected, Republican leadership at some point is going to ask you to break a campaign promise, or a core belief. What do you do when that happens, especially if they're threatening you with some kind of punishment or trying to intimidate you if you don't change your core principles?
- 38:30--Do you believe we will have free and fair elections in Mississippi as well as Arizona and other places?
- 41:00--Do you believe Republicans and specifically, Trump supporters, are being targeted by our government--the DOJ, FBI, and other agencies?
- 46:00--How do we fight back against "wokeism"? And where do you stand on CRT?
- 53:25--Would you fight to get the state income tax abolished?
- 56:00--[There is a] push to expand Obamacare in MS via Medicare expansion. Do you support expanding?
- 1:00:00--How to get people back into the workforce?
- 1:04:20--Some in the legislature think we should raise the gas tax to support road maintenance. Do you support raising the gas tax?
- 1:08:30--What sets you two apart? Why should voters choose you?
- Closing statements
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I believe in the sanctity of life. I believe in the sovereignty of God. It is not our choice to terminate an unborn baby.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I believe in the sanctity of life. I believe in the sovereignty of God. It is not our choice to terminate an unborn baby.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
1Cor. 3:16 describes a person as God's temple. It also states anyone who destroys that temple will be destroyed by God.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
1Cor. 3:16 describes a person as God's temple. It also states anyone who destroys that temple will be destroyed by God.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants and Medicaid funding).
Strongly Agree
I believe we as a nation are already guilty of the death of millions of unborn children. We do not need to further incriminate ourselves before God by continuing to funding these unholy acts.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants and Medicaid funding).
Strongly Agree
I believe we as a nation are already guilty of the death of millions of unborn children. We do not need to further incriminate ourselves before God by continuing to funding these unholy acts.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
In the state of Mississippi it is clear most people would like to see the elimination of our state income tax. I agree with elimination of the state income tax. However, property owners should not be penalized by a shifting of the tax burden from income based tax to an ownership tax. I believe in a fare tax which encourages success instead of penalizing success. The most important goal is to continue to reduce the size of government; therefore, decreasing the need for taxation.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
In the state of Mississippi it is clear most people would like to see the elimination of our state income tax. I agree with elimination of the state income tax. However, property owners should not be penalized by a shifting of the tax burden from income based tax to an ownership tax. I believe in a fare tax which encourages success instead of penalizing success. The most important goal is to continue to reduce the size of government; therefore, decreasing the need for taxation.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would reduce spending on any social program encouraging citizens to excuse themselves from the work force. Also it is not our responsibility to take care of people who enter this country illegally. I would eliminate any opportunity for illegals to take advantage of our taxes.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would reduce spending on any social program encouraging citizens to excuse themselves from the work force. Also it is not our responsibility to take care of people who enter this country illegally. I would eliminate any opportunity for illegals to take advantage of our taxes.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
I believe this violates free enterprise ideals. We should be able to choose who we do business with. It is our obligation as Christians to point out acts or beliefs contrary to God's Holy Word. We cannot by our own conviction condone ungodly activity.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
I believe this violates free enterprise ideals. We should be able to choose who we do business with. It is our obligation as Christians to point out acts or beliefs contrary to God's Holy Word. We cannot by our own conviction condone ungodly activity.
Under what circumstances should government close churches?
Never. A group of pastors in Jones County met last year, and vowed under no circumstances will we close our churches again.
Under what circumstances should government close churches?
Never. A group of pastors in Jones County met last year, and vowed under no circumstances will we close our churches again.
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 options (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 the government should reform healthcare to maximize private health insurance options; D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
(C) best describes my current beliefs. Our goals should always be focused on the reduction of governmental interference in our lives. Getting our Republic back on track is a marathon not a sprint. We need to return govt. to a constitutional intent.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare? A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare options (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 the government should reform healthcare to maximize private health insurance options; D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
(C) best describes my current beliefs. Our goals should always be focused on the reduction of governmental interference in our lives. Getting our Republic back on track is a marathon not a sprint. We need to return govt. to a constitutional intent.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
There was a time when we trusted our health organizations to mandate vaccination; however, due to political take-over of this system and our knowledge of globalization, it puts us in a situation to question intent. Therefore choice-based vaccination programs must be the way forward.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
There was a time when we trusted our health organizations to mandate vaccination; however, due to political take-over of this system and our knowledge of globalization, it puts us in a situation to question intent. Therefore choice-based vaccination programs must be the way forward.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Secure our borders, stand firm with Israel, reallocate time spent spying on political opponents in the US to international threats, stop trying to be political with our enemies and use the weight of our total power to isolate them internationally and redirect them to a more peaceful existence, and truly live as Christians not pagans.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Secure our borders, stand firm with Israel, reallocate time spent spying on political opponents in the US to international threats, stop trying to be political with our enemies and use the weight of our total power to isolate them internationally and redirect them to a more peaceful existence, and truly live as Christians not pagans.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
It is the biggest threat to our security. It should be a combination of structures, electronic, and personnel. All illegal crossers should be immediately expelled back across the nearest border and never allowed legal entry again. However, legal entry should be made available including fees to cover the cost of vetting process and enforcement. We should also hold countries Mexico accountable for security on their side of our southern border.
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
It is the biggest threat to our security. It should be a combination of structures, electronic, and personnel. All illegal crossers should be immediately expelled back across the nearest border and never allowed legal entry again. However, legal entry should be made available including fees to cover the cost of vetting process and enforcement. We should also hold countries Mexico accountable for security on their side of our southern border.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Only proven law abiding citizens of other countries. They must be able to support themselves financially. The must have an American citizen sponsorship. Asylum seekers must have a history of freedom supporting activity. Foreign students must be properly vetted and have a clear plan including financing and career goals.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Only proven law abiding citizens of other countries. They must be able to support themselves financially. The must have an American citizen sponsorship. Asylum seekers must have a history of freedom supporting activity. Foreign students must be properly vetted and have a clear plan including financing and career goals.
EDUCATION
The state should prioritize education funding by allowing dollars to follow the child instead of focusing on programs and administrators.
Strongly Agree
Keep the education dollar close to the student.
The state should prioritize education funding by allowing dollars to follow the child instead of focusing on programs and administrators.
Strongly Agree
Keep the education dollar close to the student.
If you support giving parents more educational options, please list all of the following options that apply and in priority order: A) A universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program; B) An ESA program for low-income children only; C) Expanding tax credits for businesses to give to private schools; D) Expanding public charter schools; E) Allowing homeschoolers to take classes at the local public school.
I believe in parents being able to choose the educational paths for their student. There are disasters in all options and there are great successes in all options. The less control the government has in educating students the more likely students will become successful citizens. My wife is a public school teacher of 26 years: last 9 as a dyslexic therapist. The road forward educating our students is rough. God, Parent, teacher, and student will provide the correct map, not government.
If you support giving parents more educational options, please list all of the following options that apply and in priority order: A) A universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program; B) An ESA program for low-income children only; C) Expanding tax credits for businesses to give to private schools; D) Expanding public charter schools; E) Allowing homeschoolers to take classes at the local public school.
I believe in parents being able to choose the educational paths for their student. There are disasters in all options and there are great successes in all options. The less control the government has in educating students the more likely students will become successful citizens. My wife is a public school teacher of 26 years: last 9 as a dyslexic therapist. The road forward educating our students is rough. God, Parent, teacher, and student will provide the correct map, not government.
What most closely matches your view on pornography? A) I agree with the American Library Association that any person of any age should have access to any book; B) Library collections, displays and events should be curated using age-appropriate guidelines, similar to what we do for movies (G, PG, R, etc.); C) Mississippi libraries should follow state laws that prevent pornography from being accessible to minors.
(C) best describes my opinion, however the public promotion of any pornography is never appropriate.
What most closely matches your view on pornography? A) I agree with the American Library Association that any person of any age should have access to any book; B) Library collections, displays and events should be curated using age-appropriate guidelines, similar to what we do for movies (G, PG, R, etc.); C) Mississippi libraries should follow state laws that prevent pornography from being accessible to minors.
(C) best describes my opinion, however the public promotion of any pornography is never appropriate.
VALUES
What most closely matches your view on marriage? A) Anything goes; B) Marriage between one man and one woman should be promoted and encouraged; C) A divorce should be hard to get; D) Marriage is important, but no-fault divorce should be allowed.
(B) I believe in the biblical marriage of one man and one woman. (C) A divorce should be almost impossible
What most closely matches your view on marriage? A) Anything goes; B) Marriage between one man and one woman should be promoted and encouraged; C) A divorce should be hard to get; D) Marriage is important, but no-fault divorce should be allowed.
(B) I believe in the biblical marriage of one man and one woman. (C) A divorce should be almost impossible
Judeo-Christian values establish a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Self government must adhere to strong morals
Judeo-Christian values establish a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Self government must adhere to strong morals
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
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
I've been married for 36 years to my wife Jennifer. We met at the age of 17 and 16. We married at 19 and 18. We have served God and raised three children in our state. We now have two grandsons and hope to instill in them the same principals.
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
I've been married for 36 years to my wife Jennifer. We met at the age of 17 and 16. We married at 19 and 18. We have served God and raised three children in our state. We now have two grandsons and hope to instill in them the same principals.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I love every race and have no reason to apologize for that belief.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I love every race and have no reason to apologize for that belief.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Evangelical Christian. I received Christ at the age of 15. I am an ordained Southern Baptist Pastor since 2004. I believe in the Biblical World View. I am looking forward to the return of Christ, but as long as I am in this body I plan to resist the devil an his agenda on this earth
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Evangelical Christian. I received Christ at the age of 15. I am an ordained Southern Baptist Pastor since 2004. I believe in the Biblical World View. I am looking forward to the return of Christ, but as long as I am in this body I plan to resist the devil an his agenda on this earth
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
We need to verify a person's identity before they cast the ballot.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
We need to verify a person's identity before they cast the ballot.
What most closely matches your view on ballot measures? A) Ballot measures should be able to amend the constitution with few, if any, restrictions; B) Ballot measures should only be able to propose changes to laws when signatures are collected from people all across the state; C) The current process of allowing the Legislature to propose constitutional amendments will result in the best outcomes.
(B) I believe we should have the option of ballot initiative.
What most closely matches your view on ballot measures? A) Ballot measures should be able to amend the constitution with few, if any, restrictions; B) Ballot measures should only be able to propose changes to laws when signatures are collected from people all across the state; C) The current process of allowing the Legislature to propose constitutional amendments will result in the best outcomes.
(B) I believe we should have the option of ballot initiative.
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?
Racism to a degree always has existed in societies. It is far less a problem in the US verses other countries. Minorities are protected to the point in the US that it infringes on the basic rights of majorities. Political high-jacking of the civil rights movement is a much greater problem to domestic security.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism to a degree always has existed in societies. It is far less a problem in the US verses other countries. Minorities are protected to the point in the US that it infringes on the basic rights of majorities. Political high-jacking of the civil rights movement is a much greater problem to domestic security.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
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)
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)
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To uphold and adhere to our constitution. To protect our individual rights. To protect us from foreign threats
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To uphold and adhere to our constitution. To protect our individual rights. To protect us from foreign threats
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
I am a Platform GOP 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
I am a Platform GOP Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I recently was debated on "The Buck Naked Truth" pod cast. I was declared the winner in Vol. 17 NO. 51 of the Saturday 4/29/23 edition of the Laurel Leader Call.
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
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I recently was debated on "The Buck Naked Truth" pod cast. I was declared the winner in Vol. 17 NO. 51 of the Saturday 4/29/23 edition of the Laurel Leader Call.
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
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I will uphold Christian values, Conservative views, and stay Connected to our community while serving in our legislature.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I will uphold Christian values, Conservative views, and stay Connected to our community while serving in our legislature.
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
If an officer adheres to approved policy, he is doing his job. The policy needs to be attacked, not the officer.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
We do have mental health issues in the state, but these are two completely different issues. Keep police funded and find other ways to address our mental health issues.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
If an officer adheres to approved policy, he is doing his job. The policy needs to be attacked, not the officer.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
We do have mental health issues in the state, but these are two completely different issues. Keep police funded and find other ways to address our mental health issues.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Gun ownership is completely protected by the Second Amendment. No new restrictions are needed.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Gun owners and manufacturing companies should be protected against these types of lawsuits. More time needs to spent on what lead to the act; instead of the tool used in the act.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Gun ownership is completely protected by the Second Amendment. No new restrictions are needed.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Gun owners and manufacturing companies should be protected against these types of lawsuits. More time needs to spent on what lead to the act; instead of the tool used in the act.
