Joshua Dyer
Republican | Iowa
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Joshua Dyer
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
State Senator, Dist. 24
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, BA, 2018
Iowa State University, Ames, IA, BS, 2015
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Sons of the American Revolution, Member, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Member, National Rifle Association, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
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
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?
If the life of the mother is in danger or if the pregnancy was the result of rape, or incest.
ECONOMY
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
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
The amount of money going to state universities that is being put towards areas of study or research that are not in demand or relevant to Iowa taxpayers.
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.
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.
Disagree
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
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means we do not have a specific church or denomination establishing the laws of the country, however that does not mean those in office cannot, or should not, still hold true to the values of a specific church or denomination. One's faith is apart of who they are and will obviously impact how they vote.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I would do all I could to ensure clinics and hospitals across the state of Iowa stay open and provide as many services as possible. Accessibility to me means you do not have to travel great distances or move altogether in order to receive the care you need. Adequate care to me means that if you have a clinic or hospital in your community, that it offers as many, if not all, of the services needed by the community it serves. As far as affordability I believe that private health insurance is important and should not be denied to someone due to previous conditions. I would do what I could to ensure prescription medications, financially, are not out of reach to the people that need them, and I believe ensuring competition in this area is necessary.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly 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
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
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Individuals with a clean criminal record, and who have gone through the appropriate channels established by the United States. I do not like to see open border policies that not only threaten our country, but also undermine the rule of law.
EDUCATION
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
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was brought up in a Christian household and hold the values that were taught to me by my church community and family. I believe one's faith, family, and friends are the most important things in life, and they are what will bring you happiness. Honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic are also very important values I hold tight to. I will always work to leave a positive impact on those around me.
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
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I have volunteered for Republican candidates in the past going door to door and phone calling in order to get out the vote. I have also spoken openly about by Pro life stance and support of the 2nd amendment.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I studied US History and US Government at both Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa graduating from both institutions. I teach US History and US Government at the high school level and so I will be coming into office with a wealth of knowledge about where our country, and state, have been, which will inform my decisions about where I would like to help take them.
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 would want voters to know I am apart of both the Sons of the American Revolution and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. I am humbled by what those who came before me had to overcome to bring us to where we are today. The best part of studying and teaching history is the greater perspective it has given me. The amount of gratitude I have for all that I have been given is immeasurable.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
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.
Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Age restrictions - currently in Iowa you need to be 18 to purchase rifles or shotguns and 21 in order to purchase handguns. I believe 18 is the right age for gun ownership to begin, it is when we allow young people to serve in the military and to vote, so naturally I believe your other rights should also kick in at that point. Background Checks - stopping weapon sales to individuals who have mental illness or who have committed violent crimes in the past.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
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. Education - In order for Iowa to compete today and tomorrow we need a workforce that is educated and trained for the jobs in demand here in the state of Iowa today and in the foreseeable future. 2. Healthcare - Iowans across the state should be able to have access to the care they need, from the doctor of their choice, without traveling hours to do so. 3. Infrastructure - Iowa needs to work towards having high speed internet access across the state to compete in today's world.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I believe judging individuals on anything but their own words and actions promotes identity politics, which in turn pits groups of people against one another. A divided people will always create a weaker country than a unified one. We need to focus on what we have in common and less on the small ways in which we may differ, such as appearance. So, I believe race should not be an issue, but some like to make it one.
