Jeff Byrd
Republican | New Mexico
Candidate Profile*
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jeff Byrd
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
Commissioner of Public Lands
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
NMSU, Las Cruces, B.S., 1995
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
The Divine Connection, Board, Quay Rural Fire Department
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Commissioner, Public Regulation Commission, 4
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
U.S. House of Representatives, 2
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (3)
Abortion Free New Mexico
*New Mexico Family Action Movement
*Coalition of Conservatives in Action
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Right to Life
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (4)
Greg Sowards (2013)
James Strickler (2014)
National Right to Life Committee (2013)
Richard Priem (2014)
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate served on the NM-PRC.
QUESTIONNAIRE*
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
This is policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
This is policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
We need to focus on education kids effectively through 12th grade first. Why give someone more duties when they can't handle the ones they have. As Commissioner of Public Lands, the offices' responsibility to work to provide funding for the public school system, K through 12th grade. How the money is spent is up to the Legislature, Governor, and School Boards.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
We need to focus on education kids effectively through 12th grade first. Why give someone more duties when they can't handle the ones they have. As Commissioner of Public Lands, the offices' responsibility to work to provide funding for the public school system, K through 12th grade. How the money is spent is up to the Legislature, Governor, and School Boards.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands. This is supposed to be a free country. No one should have to provide service for anyone they chose not to, for whatever reason, rather I agree or not. Individual freedom is the utmost important goal as outlined in the Constitution.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands. This is supposed to be a free country. No one should have to provide service for anyone they chose not to, for whatever reason, rather I agree or not. Individual freedom is the utmost important goal as outlined in the Constitution.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands
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 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.
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
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.
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands. A true vaccine that is proven to eliminate or prevent the spread of a disease should be used when possible. Experimental, "emergency approved" shots should not be mandated on anyone.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands. A true vaccine that is proven to eliminate or prevent the spread of a disease should be used when possible. Experimental, "emergency approved" shots should not be mandated on anyone.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
This is not a policy question relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands. But to the use of public lands for securing the boarder, I will do all that is possible.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
This is not a policy question relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands. But to the use of public lands for securing the boarder, I will do all that is possible.
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.
Disagree
Not a policy question relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
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.
Disagree
Not a policy question relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
This is not a policy question relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands, however, any state trust land used to secure the boarder will be fully supported by me.
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
This is not a policy question relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands, however, any state trust land used to secure the boarder will be fully supported by me.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
This is not a policy question relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
This is not a policy question relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
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
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
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
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a firm believer in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am Christian, a husband, and a father. I give God the glory for all in my life and thank Him daily for the blessings that he gives.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a firm believer in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am Christian, a husband, and a father. I give God the glory for all in my life and thank Him daily for the blessings that he gives.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Not Relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Not Relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioenr of Public Lands.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioenr of Public Lands.
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.
Using the best available technology to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized is a far superior choice over eliminating business in America and transferring it to other countries who will not protect the environment. If protecting the environment is the top priority, then industry in America ensures that true protections and remediation practices are fully implemented. Allowing other countries to pollute recklessly is an atrocity being allowed by those refusing to allow business in America.
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.
Using the best available technology to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized is a far superior choice over eliminating business in America and transferring it to other countries who will not protect the environment. If protecting the environment is the top priority, then industry in America ensures that true protections and remediation practices are fully implemented. Allowing other countries to pollute recklessly is an atrocity being allowed by those refusing to allow business in America.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
Fracking has been used for over 100 years. Fracking is a safe and viable means to ensure that a well is a strong producing well. Again, using the best available technology in a controlled system is far superior to reckless methods out of our control.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
Fracking has been used for over 100 years. Fracking is a safe and viable means to ensure that a well is a strong producing well. Again, using the best available technology in a controlled system is far superior to reckless methods out of our control.
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To look after the general welfare of the citizens and protecting the freedoms of the people.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To look after the general welfare of the citizens and protecting the freedoms of the people.
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).
There are numerous interviews and posts available over the last decade in newspapers, TV spots, YouTube, and other Social Media sources.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
There are numerous interviews and posts available over the last decade in newspapers, TV spots, YouTube, and other Social Media sources.
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.
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?
This purpose of the Office of Commissioner of Public Lands is to generate revenue for the State of New Mexico's public schools, as well as other institutions. The actions of the office currently result in almost half of all revenue to the state government, mostly from the petroleum industry. That industry is already warning us that they will be regulated out of the state within 10 years. Regardless our electricity supply, petroleum is a critical chemical used in all industries, including the alternative fuel industry. Also, we need to look at utilizing state lands to support other industries so that we are not so reliant on one. Another industry that NM has great potential to support is the alternative energy industry. I will focus resources on bringing more industry into New Mexico. I will work with broadband companies to improve deployment of fiberoptic cable to rural NM. I will work with the agriculture industry to ensure that lease rates are just and fair. And I will work with the Game and Fish Department to ensure the lands are used to greatest extent possible. I will use the influence of the office to support federal legislation that will return the authority of the lands in New Mexico to New Mexicans.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
This purpose of the Office of Commissioner of Public Lands is to generate revenue for the State of New Mexico's public schools, as well as other institutions. The actions of the office currently result in almost half of all revenue to the state government, mostly from the petroleum industry. That industry is already warning us that they will be regulated out of the state within 10 years. Regardless our electricity supply, petroleum is a critical chemical used in all industries, including the alternative fuel industry. Also, we need to look at utilizing state lands to support other industries so that we are not so reliant on one. Another industry that NM has great potential to support is the alternative energy industry. I will focus resources on bringing more industry into New Mexico. I will work with broadband companies to improve deployment of fiberoptic cable to rural NM. I will work with the agriculture industry to ensure that lease rates are just and fair. And I will work with the Game and Fish Department to ensure the lands are used to greatest extent possible. I will use the influence of the office to support federal legislation that will return the authority of the lands in New Mexico to New Mexicans.
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
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
This is a policy question not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not related to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy question not related to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
There will be no restrictions, within the law, from me as Commissioner of Public Lands.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
There will be no restrictions, within the law, from me as Commissioner of Public Lands.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy issue not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
This is a policy issue not relevant to the Commissioner of Public Lands.
