Karyn Brownlee
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
Karyn Brownlee
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 115
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, B.S. Education, 1989
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, M.Ed. Educational Leadership, 1996
WORK & MILITARY
Self-employed, Writer/Speaker/Consultant, 2007-2019
Coppell ISD, Campus Principal, 1998-2007
Coppell ISD, Campus Assistant Principal, 1996-1998
Lubbock ISD, Classroom Teacher, 1990-1996
AFFILIATIONS
Prestonwood Baptist Church, Adult Leader / Teacher, Proven Way Ministries
Executive Team, Life Romania, Volunteer / Contributor
Outcry of the Barrio Dallas -formerly Victory Home, Volunteer / Contributor, Roaring Lambs
Volunteer / Contributor, YMCA Coppell, Board of Directors
TX Right to Life, Heroic Media, PBC Pregnancy Cntr, Contributor, TFRW, RPT, and local affiliates
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Texas Credit Union Commission Member, 2019-2020
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (3)
*Mayes Middleton
*Sid Miller
Texas Right to Life
OTHER (4)
*Dan Flynn
Greg Abbott
*National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Texas
*Texas Alliance for Life PAC (TAL)
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Governor Greg Abbott; Commissioner Sid Miller
Representative Bill Zedler
Representative Mayes Middleton
Former Representative Rodney Anderson
Congressional Candidate (CD 24) Beth Van Duyne
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (7)
Donald Trump (200 )
Greg Abbott (2018)
Marco Rubio (2016)
Matt Rinaldi (2018)
Republican Women's Organizations (2020)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (4)
Matt Rinaldi (2019)
National Federation of Republican Assemblies (2019)
Republican National Hispanic Assembly (2019)
Republican Women's Organizations (2020)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
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
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?
It should be allowed when the life of the mother is in danger.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
It should be allowed when the life of the mother is in danger.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
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?
Reducing spending across the board disperses the negative impact and pain felt from budget cuts. This may require limiting travel and postponing capital improvements. Agencies may need to start at zero this time and decide what is necessary, building from the ground up, rather than looking at previous allotments and deciding what they can live without. Such a thorough reevaluation of spending offers fresh perspective. We must avoid cuts to two areas: education, and health and human services.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Reducing spending across the board disperses the negative impact and pain felt from budget cuts. This may require limiting travel and postponing capital improvements. Agencies may need to start at zero this time and decide what is necessary, building from the ground up, rather than looking at previous allotments and deciding what they can live without. Such a thorough reevaluation of spending offers fresh perspective. We must avoid cuts to two areas: education, and health and human services.
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 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.
No Answer
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.
No Answer
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
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
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 church stands separate and autonomous from state authority, and the state is separate and autonomous from the church. They are not intertwined. Their roles and powers are separate such that the church does not deliver sentences for crimes, and the state does not deliver sermons by a taxpayer-funded preacher. Contrary to popular belief, this phrase is not in the U.S. Constitution. While it is recognized as a guiding principle by some, it’s origin and intent are misunderstood by most. Ultimately it is trumped by the weight of the First Amendment which guarantees the right to the free exercise of one’s religion.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The church stands separate and autonomous from state authority, and the state is separate and autonomous from the church. They are not intertwined. Their roles and powers are separate such that the church does not deliver sentences for crimes, and the state does not deliver sermons by a taxpayer-funded preacher. Contrary to popular belief, this phrase is not in the U.S. Constitution. While it is recognized as a guiding principle by some, it’s origin and intent are misunderstood by most. Ultimately it is trumped by the weight of the First Amendment which guarantees the right to the free exercise of one’s religion.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
The cost of healthcare coverage is directly related to the enormous cost of healthcare. So, efforts to reduce overall costs is a worthy goal. The healthcare industry should be more competitive. One way to increase competition and ultimately reduce expenses is for providers is to quote prices prior to services rendered, so that patients may consider options and attempt to negotiate. Telemedicine has been made more available during the pandemic of 2020, and continued use should be encouraged. Skyrocketing prescription drug prices may be curtailed by advancing competition, rebates, and discount programs. Encouraging preventative care lowers overall healthcare costs over time, which should also reduce insurance rates. More control should be given to patients and private practitioners, and less control to government officials. Encouraging free market principles in the healthcare industry will lead to greater affordability and accessibility of healthcare coverage.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
The cost of healthcare coverage is directly related to the enormous cost of healthcare. So, efforts to reduce overall costs is a worthy goal. The healthcare industry should be more competitive. One way to increase competition and ultimately reduce expenses is for providers is to quote prices prior to services rendered, so that patients may consider options and attempt to negotiate. Telemedicine has been made more available during the pandemic of 2020, and continued use should be encouraged. Skyrocketing prescription drug prices may be curtailed by advancing competition, rebates, and discount programs. Encouraging preventative care lowers overall healthcare costs over time, which should also reduce insurance rates. More control should be given to patients and private practitioners, and less control to government officials. Encouraging free market principles in the healthcare industry will lead to greater affordability and accessibility of healthcare coverage.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
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
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.
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.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
People from around the world of many professions and economic levels should be afforded opportunities to legally immigrate to the U.S. These immigrants may want to come for a variety of reasons, and these should be heard and considered. Those who love America and wish to contribute to its greatness by being productive members of society should be allowed an opportunity, regardless of their vocation. They deserve a system that is clear and fair, leading them to live in the light rather than the shadows. Our system should be transparent to the taxpayers and to immigrants, providing accurate information and enforceable expectations. Deciding who may immigrate should not be based on who can buy their way in for the highest price, but on who will earn their way once they are here. Money should not buy citizenship. American passion should.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
People from around the world of many professions and economic levels should be afforded opportunities to legally immigrate to the U.S. These immigrants may want to come for a variety of reasons, and these should be heard and considered. Those who love America and wish to contribute to its greatness by being productive members of society should be allowed an opportunity, regardless of their vocation. They deserve a system that is clear and fair, leading them to live in the light rather than the shadows. Our system should be transparent to the taxpayers and to immigrants, providing accurate information and enforceable expectations. Deciding who may immigrate should not be based on who can buy their way in for the highest price, but on who will earn their way once they are here. Money should not buy citizenship. American passion should.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
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
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
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
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.
I believe in the Living God, the intelligent and all-knowing Creator, and in his son Jesus Christ. My faith inspires me to love all people, regardless of their beliefs, and use my gifts to make a positive impact in their lives. I believe all life has purpose and is worthy of love and respect. I fully support our nation's founding documents establishing our union under God, and protecting each person's life, liberty and property. These principles have made America the most prosperous and free country in the history of the world. These tenets must be preserved. Americans must remember our government is "of, by and for the people." We must protect our nation - her history, her future, and above all, her people. Investing in education, expanding opportunity and empowering families is of utmost importance. I support the police, law and order, a strong military, a limited government, the democratic process, life as created by God, personal liberty and personal responsibility.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in the Living God, the intelligent and all-knowing Creator, and in his son Jesus Christ. My faith inspires me to love all people, regardless of their beliefs, and use my gifts to make a positive impact in their lives. I believe all life has purpose and is worthy of love and respect. I fully support our nation's founding documents establishing our union under God, and protecting each person's life, liberty and property. These principles have made America the most prosperous and free country in the history of the world. These tenets must be preserved. Americans must remember our government is "of, by and for the people." We must protect our nation - her history, her future, and above all, her people. Investing in education, expanding opportunity and empowering families is of utmost importance. I support the police, law and order, a strong military, a limited government, the democratic process, life as created by God, personal liberty and personal responsibility.
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
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.
Reviewing my website and/or posts on my campaign Facebook page should easily validate my answer.
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Reviewing my website and/or posts on my campaign Facebook page should easily validate my answer.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
My solid experiences as a school principal and subsequent experiences as a consultant for leaders in various industries have afforded me a combined understanding of both public service and the private sector. As an educator for 18 years I served people of all races, beliefs and income levels. My charge was to lead a safe school adhering to Texas law, meeting the needs of individual students and families by working collaboratively with others. Together we strategized for success and resolved conflicts when necessary. What we need in Austin are more real leaders with real experience leading the real public. We need more public servants who are proven servants. We need more representation for families and educational professionals from someone with a professional background in education, especially public education. My life has been one of public service because I have a heart to care for people - all people. Serving as State Representative will be an extension of my life's work.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
My solid experiences as a school principal and subsequent experiences as a consultant for leaders in various industries have afforded me a combined understanding of both public service and the private sector. As an educator for 18 years I served people of all races, beliefs and income levels. My charge was to lead a safe school adhering to Texas law, meeting the needs of individual students and families by working collaboratively with others. Together we strategized for success and resolved conflicts when necessary. What we need in Austin are more real leaders with real experience leading the real public. We need more public servants who are proven servants. We need more representation for families and educational professionals from someone with a professional background in education, especially public education. My life has been one of public service because I have a heart to care for people - all people. Serving as State Representative will be an extension of my life's work.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No, I have not.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No, I have not.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
My life has been largely devoted to public service. I am driven to listen to people, resolve conflicts and find solutions. I believe in using common sense and finding common ground. Our society is more divided than ever. Texans must return to a more “united state,” so that we will continue to be a great leader in our United States. I have a master’s degree in leadership, served many years in leadership, and worked with others to improve their leadership. Texas needs leaders, not followers; change agents, not complacent pawns. I will work to protect life, liberty and property. I will stand for faith, families, education, justice, law enforcement, a strong border and a stronger military, small government, low taxes, transparency, and fiscal accountability to the taxpayer. I have lived in my district for over 20 years. I am and will be a real representative of the people in House District 115.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
My life has been largely devoted to public service. I am driven to listen to people, resolve conflicts and find solutions. I believe in using common sense and finding common ground. Our society is more divided than ever. Texans must return to a more “united state,” so that we will continue to be a great leader in our United States. I have a master’s degree in leadership, served many years in leadership, and worked with others to improve their leadership. Texas needs leaders, not followers; change agents, not complacent pawns. I will work to protect life, liberty and property. I will stand for faith, families, education, justice, law enforcement, a strong border and a stronger military, small government, low taxes, transparency, and fiscal accountability to the taxpayer. I have lived in my district for over 20 years. I am and will be a real representative of the people in House District 115.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
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.
No Answer
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
No Answer
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Existing laws prevent convicted felons from owning a gun without a pardon, and also aim to protect us from those adjudicated as mentally defective. I believe these are appropriate and adequate to protect public safety, and do not infringe upon the second amendment rights of the majority.`
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Existing laws prevent convicted felons from owning a gun without a pardon, and also aim to protect us from those adjudicated as mentally defective. I believe these are appropriate and adequate to protect public safety, and do not infringe upon the second amendment rights of the majority.`
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
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. A bill to delineate disaster and emergency powers and responsibilities between the State, the Counties, and the Cities, so that immediate changes necessary to ensure the safety of the people are not confused or contradicted in communication to the masses; and to require the calling of a Special Session of the Texas Legislature after a 30 day period, so that the people’s elected representatives have a voice in decisions, providing the necessary checks and balances to ensure the separation of powers, the prevention of government overreach and the protection of the people’s freedoms. 2. A bill commonly known as "The Heartbeat Bill." 3. A bill to create a required civics curriculum for grades K-12 to include extensive study of the founding documents of the United States.
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1. A bill to delineate disaster and emergency powers and responsibilities between the State, the Counties, and the Cities, so that immediate changes necessary to ensure the safety of the people are not confused or contradicted in communication to the masses; and to require the calling of a Special Session of the Texas Legislature after a 30 day period, so that the people’s elected representatives have a voice in decisions, providing the necessary checks and balances to ensure the separation of powers, the prevention of government overreach and the protection of the people’s freedoms. 2. A bill commonly known as "The Heartbeat Bill." 3. A bill to create a required civics curriculum for grades K-12 to include extensive study of the founding documents of the United States.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat to our security, but not for the reasons the media presents. It has worsened significantly in the past 15 years because of poor leadership and evil intent on the part of some who have led many down the wrong path. By declaring our nation is plagued with systemic racism, recent voices have contributed to the growth of a problem far greater than previously existed in recent decades. False narratives instill false beliefs in the minds of our youth. Our young adults and even children are becoming more and more emboldened to speak against their own country. Their youthful passion to be noticed and make an impact has been hijacked by a movement of evil. Resultingly, vandalism and violence are on the rise. Lives are being taken. The increased number of gun owners in America and the decreased amount of ammunition available for purchase illustrate the resulting reality of current threats to our domestic security. Law and order must prevail.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat to our security, but not for the reasons the media presents. It has worsened significantly in the past 15 years because of poor leadership and evil intent on the part of some who have led many down the wrong path. By declaring our nation is plagued with systemic racism, recent voices have contributed to the growth of a problem far greater than previously existed in recent decades. False narratives instill false beliefs in the minds of our youth. Our young adults and even children are becoming more and more emboldened to speak against their own country. Their youthful passion to be noticed and make an impact has been hijacked by a movement of evil. Resultingly, vandalism and violence are on the rise. Lives are being taken. The increased number of gun owners in America and the decreased amount of ammunition available for purchase illustrate the resulting reality of current threats to our domestic security. Law and order must prevail.
