Leon Benjamin Sr
Republican | Virginia
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
Leon Benjamin Sr
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
U.S. House, Dist. 4
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Huguenot High School, Richmond, Diploma, 1986
Virginia Union University, Richmond
Rovear University, Petersburg, Masters, 2015
WORK & MILITARY
US Navy, Avionics Electronic Technician, 6
AFFILIATIONS
New Life Harvest Church, Bishop, Coalition of Leaders United
President, Richmond City Republican Committee, Former Chairman
Fox and Friends, Trump Surrogate, Fox Business
Trump Surrogate, Heritage Foundation, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Richmond City Council, 2016
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (4)
BlakPac
*Family Research Council Action PAC
Government is Not God PAC
*New Journey PAC
OTHER (1)
Amanda Chase
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Bishop EW Jackson
Senator Amanda Chase
Ryan McAdams
Pastor Elbert Guillory
BLAK PAC
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2020)
State Republican Party Organizations (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (3)
Elbert Guillory's America (2020)
Government Is Not God PAC (2020)
William H. Goodwin, Jr. (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
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.
Strongly Agree
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.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
No circumstances for an abortion unless the mother's life is in danger.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
No circumstances for an abortion unless the mother's life 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
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
I believe that hard working Americans who have served and labored should be rewarded for their work through our Social Security benefits program. I would work to ensure that those benefits are allocated to proper channels to those who should qualify for them. There is also an educational piece that I would implement for our hard working Americans that they also have other means of retirement in addition to social security that would shore up their lives in their latter years of retirement so as to not be dependent on the social security alone.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
I believe that hard working Americans who have served and labored should be rewarded for their work through our Social Security benefits program. I would work to ensure that those benefits are allocated to proper channels to those who should qualify for them. There is also an educational piece that I would implement for our hard working Americans that they also have other means of retirement in addition to social security that would shore up their lives in their latter years of retirement so as to not be dependent on the social security alone.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would put together a task force to investigate where we as a government are spending money that could be eliminated and set up a strategy and plan to execute it.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would put together a task force to investigate where we as a government are spending money that could be eliminated and set up a strategy and plan to execute it.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
None
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
None
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
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?
Separation of church and state mean no government shall infringe on the right of individuals to free worship openly and freely express their faith in God. Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Worship are essential to one ability to express their Faith in God.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Separation of church and state mean no government shall infringe on the right of individuals to free worship openly and freely express their faith in God. Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Worship are essential to one ability to express their Faith in God.
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
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Health care should be provided on a Free Market System where individuals and families can get health care competitively priced across state lines and being able to choose their own primary health physician. Getting government out of the health care business will be a key pursuit and goal that will allow the free enterprise system to develop adequate, affordable and accessible health care for all. Also limiting the government regulations on private businesses that would prevent them from giving the best care for American Citizens would also be a hearty pursuit and goal.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Health care should be provided on a Free Market System where individuals and families can get health care competitively priced across state lines and being able to choose their own primary health physician. Getting government out of the health care business will be a key pursuit and goal that will allow the free enterprise system to develop adequate, affordable and accessible health care for all. Also limiting the government regulations on private businesses that would prevent them from giving the best care for American Citizens would also be a hearty pursuit and goal.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
We should set up a special task force that will understand, penetrate and give intel as to the whereabouts of radical Islamic Terrorism. Then through proper intel a detail plan should be put in place to eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
We should set up a special task force that will understand, penetrate and give intel as to the whereabouts of radical Islamic Terrorism. Then through proper intel a detail plan should be put 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.
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
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Strongly 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.
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.
Strongly Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those who want to follow our Constitutional guidelines for entry to become a Citizen of the USA. Those who apply to work temporarily through Work Visa's but not a to create a loop hole around our procedures and protocols if they wish to become a citizen. Those who are fleeing because of persecution in their country who wish to seek asylum once asylum status is confirmed that they are a political refugee.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those who want to follow our Constitutional guidelines for entry to become a Citizen of the USA. Those who apply to work temporarily through Work Visa's but not a to create a loop hole around our procedures and protocols if they wish to become a citizen. Those who are fleeing because of persecution in their country who wish to seek asylum once asylum status is confirmed that they are a political refugee.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly 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
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a born again believer in Christ Jesus. I gave my life to the Lord during Gulf War in Jetta, Saudi Arabia in December 31, 1990. I believe in the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). I believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I believe That God's Chosen People is Israel and All Israel will be Saved. I believe that marriage is between one male and one female. I believe that life begins at conception in the womb and that abortion is that murder of a human being in the womb. I believe that one day we will have the give an account of the works done in our body. I look to the Grace and Mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe that there is only one Race: The Human Race, we all bleed that Same Blood, but God is not Color Blind.. We celebrate all the shades of color and His Wonderful Display and His Unique Design in all of Mankind. Racism is of the Devil. God is Love. The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ and Jesus is the Head of the Church.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a born again believer in Christ Jesus. I gave my life to the Lord during Gulf War in Jetta, Saudi Arabia in December 31, 1990. I believe in the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). I believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I believe That God's Chosen People is Israel and All Israel will be Saved. I believe that marriage is between one male and one female. I believe that life begins at conception in the womb and that abortion is that murder of a human being in the womb. I believe that one day we will have the give an account of the works done in our body. I look to the Grace and Mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe that there is only one Race: The Human Race, we all bleed that Same Blood, but God is not Color Blind.. We celebrate all the shades of color and His Wonderful Display and His Unique Design in all of Mankind. Racism is of the Devil. God is Love. The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ and Jesus is the Head of the Church.
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.
I believe as a Conservative there are some things that are non-negotiable, like marriage being between one male and one female and that life begins at conception. I believe as a Conservative there is a way to Lead that all will benefit as a Win-Win. When we compromise our values and principals that are rooted in faith and a personal relationship with Christ, we lose the foundation by which we all as humans stand on to manage this planet. We actually end up weakening ourselves and relationships with others when we do not stand for our principles and moral values.
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I believe as a Conservative there are some things that are non-negotiable, like marriage being between one male and one female and that life begins at conception. I believe as a Conservative there is a way to Lead that all will benefit as a Win-Win. When we compromise our values and principals that are rooted in faith and a personal relationship with Christ, we lose the foundation by which we all as humans stand on to manage this planet. We actually end up weakening ourselves and relationships with others when we do not stand for our principles and moral values.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
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?
I am a husband of 28 years, a Navy Combat Veteran serving in the Gulf Wars (Dessert Shield/Desert Storm). I am a business owner & entrepreneur. I love helping people and seeing people prosper.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am a husband of 28 years, a Navy Combat Veteran serving in the Gulf Wars (Dessert Shield/Desert Storm). I am a business owner & entrepreneur. I love helping people and seeing people prosper.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Gun owners, dealers, and collectors must follow state and federal laws if they wish to possess a firearm or run a business selling guns.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Gun owners, dealers, and collectors must follow state and federal laws if they wish to possess a firearm or run a business selling guns.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Strongly Disagree
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Neutral
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Neutral
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. America First - we should take care of our American Citizens 2. Defunding Plan Parenthood 3. Building the Border Wall
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1. America First - we should take care of our American Citizens 2. Defunding Plan Parenthood 3. Building the Border Wall
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes racism is a threat to domestic security because it causes our nation to become divided. We are one race - The Human Race.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes racism is a threat to domestic security because it causes our nation to become divided. We are one race - The Human Race.
