Jay Adkins Jr.
Republican | Tennessee
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jay Adkins Jr.
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 1
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, BS, 2017
Northeast State Technical Community College, Blountville, TN, AAS, 2012
WORK & MILITARY
Tennessee Army National Guard, 19D Cavalry Scout - Specialist, 2008-2015
AFFILIATIONS
ETSU Marksmanship Club, Vice President, Hosanna Fellowship Security Team
Leader, Tennessee Republican Party, Member
Tennessee Firearms Association, Member, Gun Owners of America
Member, 40 Days for Life Bristol, Volunteer
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
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?
Abortion should not be allowed under any circumstance. I believe that we should not kill the innocent because of who their parents are, and emergency procedures are available to protect mothers and attempt to save babies.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Abortion should not be allowed under any circumstance. I believe that we should not kill the innocent because of who their parents are, and emergency procedures are available to protect mothers and attempt to save babies.
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 Social Security accounts should be set up, at least partially, as private accounts that are connected to the worker. Private retirement investment has a much greater return for individuals than Social Security and this would prevent the federal government from stealing the people's money. I do believe that any change to the Social Security system must be implemented in a way that does not adversely affect those at or near retirement.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
I believe that Social Security accounts should be set up, at least partially, as private accounts that are connected to the worker. Private retirement investment has a much greater return for individuals than Social Security and this would prevent the federal government from stealing the people's money. I do believe that any change to the Social Security system must be implemented in a way that does not adversely affect those at or near retirement.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I don't believe that there is a part of the budget that shouldn't be cut. Every part of our government has unnecessary bureaucratic bloat.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I don't believe that there is a part of the budget that shouldn't be cut. Every part of our government has unnecessary bureaucratic bloat.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
I only support programs where the government pays off some or all student loan debt as part of public/military service.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
I only support programs where the government pays off some or all student loan debt as part of public/military service.
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" is a twisting of the First Amendment that is not in the Constitution. The Constitution is clear that religious tests are forbidden for the holding of office, but the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment are meant to protect religion from the government, not the other way around.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
"Separation of Church and State" is a twisting of the First Amendment that is not in the Constitution. The Constitution is clear that religious tests are forbidden for the holding of office, but the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment are meant to protect religion from the government, not the other way around.
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?
I believe that competition and price transparency are needed to bring healthcare costs down. Ultimately, I would like to see the country move back to a marketplace where individuals cover their health maintenance costs and insurance is used for catastrophic issues. I am not opposed to social safety net programs like Medicaid/Medicare for those who truly need it.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I believe that competition and price transparency are needed to bring healthcare costs down. Ultimately, I would like to see the country move back to a marketplace where individuals cover their health maintenance costs and insurance is used for catastrophic issues. I am not opposed to social safety net programs like Medicaid/Medicare for those who truly need it.
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?
I believe in strong, precise military action to stop our enemies, while not engaging in perpetual war.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
I believe in strong, precise military action to stop our enemies, while not engaging in perpetual war.
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?
I believe that in order for someone to immigrate under normal circumstances they should have to show that they are willing and able to contribute to our society and that they will embrace the values and Rights enshrined in our founding documents. I do believe that there should be some limited compassionate immigration of refugees. However, I do not believe that we should allow anyone to enter this country until we know who they are and they have been thoroughly vetted.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe that in order for someone to immigrate under normal circumstances they should have to show that they are willing and able to contribute to our society and that they will embrace the values and Rights enshrined in our founding documents. I do believe that there should be some limited compassionate immigration of refugees. However, I do not believe that we should allow anyone to enter this country until we know who they are and they have been thoroughly vetted.
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 believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God and that we receive the Gift of Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, the Word made man who died on the Cross for all who will believe in Him. I know that I am a sinner and cannot attain salvation on my own, but only through His grace.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God and that we receive the Gift of Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, the Word made man who died on the Cross for all who will believe in Him. I know that I am a sinner and cannot attain salvation on my own, but only through His grace.
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?
Very 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?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I voted in the last 4 Republican Primaries. I have participated in 40 Days for Life, Bristol. I attended the January 2020 Lobby Day Rally in Richmond, Va. I attended the 2020 TFA/GOA Lobby Day in Nashville to promote Constitutional Carry in Tennessee.
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I voted in the last 4 Republican Primaries. I have participated in 40 Days for Life, Bristol. I attended the January 2020 Lobby Day Rally in Richmond, Va. I attended the 2020 TFA/GOA Lobby Day in Nashville to promote Constitutional Carry in Tennessee.
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 believe that I have been called to serve the people of the First District. I am a Veteran, I served in Iraq with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard. I support term limits for Congress and pledge to only seek 4 terms in the House, 8 years is enough for the President so it's enough for me. I will never put a person or party above the Constitution. President Trump was elected to "Drain the Swamp." We need to do that by flushing it out with fresh water, not sending Tennessee's Swamp water to DC.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I believe that I have been called to serve the people of the First District. I am a Veteran, I served in Iraq with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard. I support term limits for Congress and pledge to only seek 4 terms in the House, 8 years is enough for the President so it's enough for me. I will never put a person or party above the Constitution. President Trump was elected to "Drain the Swamp." We need to do that by flushing it out with fresh water, not sending Tennessee's Swamp water to DC.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Disagree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe that the 2nd Amendment enshrines our Right to have weapons parity with the military. I do not believe in restricting gun ownership for adults (18+) that are not currently serving a criminal sentence.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe that the 2nd Amendment enshrines our Right to have weapons parity with the military. I do not believe in restricting gun ownership for adults (18+) that are not currently serving a criminal sentence.
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.
Neutral
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Neutral
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
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) Completely defunding Planned Parenthood, reduce the cost of adoption, and help foster parents. 2) Criminal Justice Reform - I believe we should be tough on crime, while at the same time allowing people who have paid their debt to society a way to re-enter the workforce and become contributing members of the community. 3) The Hearing Protection Act - This is this first step in retaking our Second Amendment Rights, a process that I will fight for until the repeal of the National Firearms Act.
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1) Completely defunding Planned Parenthood, reduce the cost of adoption, and help foster parents. 2) Criminal Justice Reform - I believe we should be tough on crime, while at the same time allowing people who have paid their debt to society a way to re-enter the workforce and become contributing members of the community. 3) The Hearing Protection Act - This is this first step in retaking our Second Amendment Rights, a process that I will fight for until the repeal of the National Firearms Act.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
The recent protests and riots have shown that racial tensions can explode at any moment. I know the American experience still isn't the same for everyone, and some of that can be attributed to racism. However, I believe that there are many other factors involved than race. The breakdown of the family, lack of economic opportunity and job training, and a criminal justice system that makes it nearly impossible provide for a family after serving your sentence are just a few things that I want to fix for all Americans. Ultimately, I believe that we live in a fallen world and true reconciliation only comes through the Love of Christ.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
The recent protests and riots have shown that racial tensions can explode at any moment. I know the American experience still isn't the same for everyone, and some of that can be attributed to racism. However, I believe that there are many other factors involved than race. The breakdown of the family, lack of economic opportunity and job training, and a criminal justice system that makes it nearly impossible provide for a family after serving your sentence are just a few things that I want to fix for all Americans. Ultimately, I believe that we live in a fallen world and true reconciliation only comes through the Love of Christ.
