
Jesse Jensen
Republican | Washington
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jesse Jensen
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary & Secretary of State Special
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 8
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Columbia Business School, New York, MBA, 2016
The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., BA, 2006
WORK & MILITARY
US Army Special Operations, Captain, 3
US Army Airborne Infantry, Captain, 4
AFFILIATIONS
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Member, American Legion
Member, Reformed Presbyterian Church of America, Member
Sophie's Place, Contributor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
ENDORSEMENTS
OTHER (2)
Robert C. O’Brien
War Veterans Fund PAC
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (4)
Kristi Noem (2010)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2022)
State Republican Party Organizations (2022)
WinRed (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (18)
American Liberty Fund (2020)
Bill Posey (2020)
Clayton Hinchman (2021)
CMR PAC (2020)
Eye of the Tiger PAC (2020)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
As a constitutional conservative, I believe we must always allow Americans the freedom to practice any faith of their choosing. The Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution explicitly states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. When I was getting shot at by the Taliban I was proud to serve alongside Christians, Muslims, and Jews in defense of a Nation that protects the free exercise of all Religions including your right to have no faith at all.
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.
B
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.
Agree
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
President Trump was successful in lowering the threat of Islamic terrorism through facilitating the Abraham Accords. Having served in the Joint Special Operations Command and deployed four times to defend this country from all forms of Terrorist threats, I found that engaging in relationship-building in the Middle East and promoting economic growth, shows young men and women that they do not need to rely on terrorist groups. They now better have a chance at a better life. I believe to continue eradicating the threat of terrorism, we must finish securing our southern border. We cannot keep the American people secure at home if we have no idea who is entering our country illegally. We must also continue promoting further dialogue in the Middle East along with peace accords and trade pacts.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I believe it is up to each individual to choose whether or not they receive a vaccination.
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.
B/C We must work to incentive health insurance companies to lower their premiums. Whether it is by promoting competition by ideas like opening up insurance across state lines or by allowing small businesses to pool together for a more affordable premium, I ultimately believe that private-sector competition will lead to lower costs and better options. For those who are willing to work but are unable to receive healthcare benefits, the government should help provide care on a sliding scale basis based on income.
ECONOMY
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Agree
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Continued efforts to simplify the tax code along with reducing taxes on the middle class.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
President Ronald Reagan was well-known over his time in public office as referring to America as a “Shining City on a hill,” which is something we must still thrive to be. We are also a nation of immigrants from all walks of life who seek out a better life in America. But people must come through our country legally. We must secure the border and put a stop to Democrat policies that have essentially made America a nation without borders. Above all else, it is a national security risk. But it is also a tremendous disservice to those immigrants who came here legally and adhered to the rules of our nation.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Disagree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe in our Second Amendment right to bear arms. I served four tours in combat in service of the United States to liberate women and men living under oppressive dictators where the regime was the only ones allowed to have guns. Citizens need to have the ability to protect themselves. If you look at some of the states with the most restrictive gun laws in the country, there is little to no correlation with gun violence. Criminals are going to break the law. There is room for policy to decrease gun violence, but it needs to be focused on mental health and making sure folks who are a danger to themselves or others do not have access to firearms.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
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
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
Press Mentions: Exclusive — WA GOP Candidate Jesse Jensen: Biden has Embarrassed America on the International Stage https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2022/03/21/exclusive-wa-gop-candidate-jesse-jensen-biden-embarrassed-american-international-stage/ Exclusive — Republican Candidate Jesse Jensen Slams Democrat Kim Schrier’s Corruption, Voting Record https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2022/03/21/exclusive-republican-candidate-jesse-jensen-slams-democrat-kim-schriers-corruption-voting-record/ ‘I Lost James.’ An American Dad Hunts for His 8-Year-Old in the Chaos of Afghanistan’s Fall. The Wall Street Journal | April 15, 2022 “America needs to step back up to the plate and demonstrate that we don’t abandon allies or children of American citizens,” said Jesse Jensen, a co-founder of Task Force Argo. “If the U.S. government won’t do that, we will.” ‘An Unprecedented Mobilization’ The Dispatch | October 25, 2021 Jesse Jensen, a 2022 congressional candidate in Washington state and veteran, became involved in the coordination of flights out of Afghanistan after working alongside a fellow soldier from the 2nd Ranger Battalion to evacuate an interpreter. The impromptu mission in the days following the fall of Kabul got the interpreter, along with several others, out of the country by way of the Kabul airport. After the US military evacuations stopped, this group got an 80-year-old grandmother out of Afghanistan Washington Examiner | October 24, 2021 The evacuees they’ve rescued include an 80-year-old grandmother and a newborn who was only 3 days old at the time she got on an aircraft out of Afghanistan. Jensen also described the end of the Afghan War as an "unmitigated disaster" and said it was an "absolute failure" that is "not up for debate." New mission for Afghanistan War veterans running for Congress: evacuate Afghan allies Fox News | September 2, 2021 Jensen, one of roughly 15 veterans who served in the Afghanistan War who are running for Congress as Republicans in next year's elections is part of the so-called Task Force Pineapple, a group that says it’s so far helped more than 1,000 people escape from Afghanistan after the country was overrun last month by repressive Taliban forces. Jesse Jensen: ‘If You Fire Nancy Pelosi,’ U.S. Is ‘Back to a Better Way of Life’ Breitbart | July 10, 2021 Boyle asked what the difference will be for Washington’s Eighth Congressional District and the country if the Republicans take the House and Pelosi is out of the speakership. “Well, your taxes won’t go up, for one. Inflation will go down and Critical Race Theory won’t be taught in your classrooms. The list goes on and on, we’ll have the economy be better, we’ll have a more secure border, and law and order will be essentially established,” Jensen said.
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 spent my life believing in the American Dream. Growing up in a working-class family as the son of a pastor father and janitor mother, I got a firsthand lesson on the importance of hard work. Thanks to my grandfather, a World War II veteran who co-signed my student loans, I became the first person in my family to graduate college. After graduation, I met a wounded soldier at the height of the Iraq War who inspired me to enlist in the military to serve my country. During my seven years in the military, I attained the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army, served in the elite Ranger Regiment, and deployed on four combat tours in Afghanistan. With a deep sense of patriotism and sense of service to others, I learned that the best leaders are servants to those they are entrusted to lead. During my time serving our country, I was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s badge, Army Commendation Medal, and two Bronze Stars. After serving my country as an Army Ranger, I was accepted into Business School, recruited into the private sector, and became a director in the healthcare and technology industries. Most recently, I co-founded Task Force Argo, a volunteer group formed following the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan that left thousands stranded behind enemy lines. We helped over 2,500 Americans and Afghan Allies flee an oppressive regime. I’m running for Congress because we need more servant leaders. Full Democrat control of the federal government has resulted in skyrocketing inflation, crime, and energy prices. We are at a crossroads between an extreme ideology and a balanced approach to governance. I will fight in Congress for an America where we all have the right to self-determine and pursue our American Dream.
VALUES
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I grew up the son of a pastor and was inspired by my Dad who preached love and kindness from the pulpit. My faith has instilled in me the importance of servant leadership and the need to follow the Golden Rule or to do unto others as you wish them to do unto you. My faith continues to guide me in all aspects of my life.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Americans deserve to have faith in our elections and requiring identification to vote goes a long way in instilling that faith. If we need identification to get on an airplane, donate blood, or open a bank account, it seems pretty reasonable to require that same identification to vote.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Any and all forms of hatred have no place in America. The way to improve domestic security in the United States is to put a stand up to those in the Democrat Party who seemingly never waste an opportunity to separate every single American into different divisive buckets based on race, color, and creed.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
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 . However, we need a balanced approach to protecting the environment that doesn’t lead to $6/gallon gasoline like we are seeing under the Biden Administration I've been fortunate to have climbed Mt. Rainier three times and summited it twice. I would be absolutely devastated if this majestic glacier is not there when my kids are old enough to join me at the summit
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