Joshua Campbell
Republican | Washington
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Joshua Campbell
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 9
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Central Texas College, Killeen, AA, 2014
Central Washington University, Des Moines, BS, 2018
Northwest University, Kirkland, MA, 2019
WORK & MILITARY
United States Army, Staff Sergeant, 8
United States Army, Chief Warrant Officer 2, 2
AFFILIATIONS
(Candidate did not provide)
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.
Agree
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Disagree
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?
I believe it's difficult to support circumstances to allow an abortion if one were to believe life truly begins at conception. That said, I can understand allowing an abortion if the life of the mother is at risk. Albeit, that again can be a hypocritical stance. That is, justifying taking one innocent life for another. I can also understand allowing abortions for cases such as rape, incest, etc. Providing exceptions to abortions tears at the very moral argument of opposing it on the premise of protecting an innocent life. There is no easy way out of this. By the Supreme Court allowing abortions, they had effectively set a precedent that man is who determines when a life begins- not our creator. That tears at the very foundation of our republic- that life and liberty are inalienable rights. If abortion is to be prohibited, it must be decided by Americans. It is our culture that allowed this to become acceptable, and we must change our culture in order to solve this.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I believe it's difficult to support circumstances to allow an abortion if one were to believe life truly begins at conception. That said, I can understand allowing an abortion if the life of the mother is at risk. Albeit, that again can be a hypocritical stance. That is, justifying taking one innocent life for another. I can also understand allowing abortions for cases such as rape, incest, etc. Providing exceptions to abortions tears at the very moral argument of opposing it on the premise of protecting an innocent life. There is no easy way out of this. By the Supreme Court allowing abortions, they had effectively set a precedent that man is who determines when a life begins- not our creator. That tears at the very foundation of our republic- that life and liberty are inalienable rights. If abortion is to be prohibited, it must be decided by Americans. It is our culture that allowed this to become acceptable, and we must change our culture in order to solve this.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
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?
It starts with fiscal responsibility in all areas of government. No one can guarantee anything for future generations. But we must do everything we can to keep promises our country made. I don't see social security itself as a problem. If our government is transparent and fiscally responsible, we can afford it. If we have policies that support and promote a strong economy, we can afford it. We must always look for ways to build the trust fund. If we can find surpluses during our prosperous times, we can always direct it into the trust fund instead of looking for ways to simply spend it. It sounds simple because it is. If we spend our money responsibility and wisely, we can maintain social security.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
It starts with fiscal responsibility in all areas of government. No one can guarantee anything for future generations. But we must do everything we can to keep promises our country made. I don't see social security itself as a problem. If our government is transparent and fiscally responsible, we can afford it. If we have policies that support and promote a strong economy, we can afford it. We must always look for ways to build the trust fund. If we can find surpluses during our prosperous times, we can always direct it into the trust fund instead of looking for ways to simply spend it. It sounds simple because it is. If we spend our money responsibility and wisely, we can maintain social security.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Fiscal responsibility and wisely spending is the solution, not simply reducing. Defense spending can be reduced while having an even stronger military. This requires restructuring: we don't need a huge standing military, we need to refocus on how to mobilize quickly. Healthcare: Spending wisely again. The quicker we figure this out, the better our country becomes. All areas of government need to be analyzed to ensure responsible spending. This includes transparency.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Fiscal responsibility and wisely spending is the solution, not simply reducing. Defense spending can be reduced while having an even stronger military. This requires restructuring: we don't need a huge standing military, we need to refocus on how to mobilize quickly. Healthcare: Spending wisely again. The quicker we figure this out, the better our country becomes. All areas of government need to be analyzed to ensure responsible spending. This includes transparency.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
This is why we need to "reboot" our education system. Our country has shifted away from a quality K-12 education to encouraging adding 4 more years of an ideological driven, sub-standard college education on top of that low quality K-12 education. Ultimately, people chose to take on loans and taxpayers shouldn't be responsible. We can fix it for future generations though. People need to earn a government funded education past K-12. Military Service, teacher-programs, etc. should be incentives
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
This is why we need to "reboot" our education system. Our country has shifted away from a quality K-12 education to encouraging adding 4 more years of an ideological driven, sub-standard college education on top of that low quality K-12 education. Ultimately, people chose to take on loans and taxpayers shouldn't be responsible. We can fix it for future generations though. People need to earn a government funded education past K-12. Military Service, teacher-programs, etc. should be incentives
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?
Very simple: our government does not establish any state-sponsored religion and does not prohibit the practice of it. This does not mean our government cannot operate and make laws using a religiously moral foundation. Protecting free-will and individual liberty is not sponsoring a religion. The concept of the separation of church and state has been increasingly abused. It's being used to intrude on freely practicing religion. This is in part to moving away from a limited government. The more government control, the more probability there will be an issue that arises with this premise.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Very simple: our government does not establish any state-sponsored religion and does not prohibit the practice of it. This does not mean our government cannot operate and make laws using a religiously moral foundation. Protecting free-will and individual liberty is not sponsoring a religion. The concept of the separation of church and state has been increasingly abused. It's being used to intrude on freely practicing religion. This is in part to moving away from a limited government. The more government control, the more probability there will be an issue that arises with this premise.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Healthcare should always start and end with choice. Healthcare is not a right- it is a privilege that we certainly can afford. All Americans must have equal access to healthcare. That is not the same as health insurance. I've used socialized healthcare and it causes less access to quality healthcare. It caused me to pay out-of-pocket to seek private care. The Graham-Cassidy plan is a good start- but must be improved. For the basics, I support: catastrophic healthcare that young, healthy adults pay into early. No one should have to be burdened with massive medical bills if they get cancer, for example. Expanded healthcare is their choice to pay for. Children should have expanded healthcare coverage. They don't have a choice in the socio-economic conditions they are born into. Current Medicare must continue until we find a better solution. Those who received it were promised it. America must keep that promise. All coverage must involve the most choice for people when seeking providers
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Healthcare should always start and end with choice. Healthcare is not a right- it is a privilege that we certainly can afford. All Americans must have equal access to healthcare. That is not the same as health insurance. I've used socialized healthcare and it causes less access to quality healthcare. It caused me to pay out-of-pocket to seek private care. The Graham-Cassidy plan is a good start- but must be improved. For the basics, I support: catastrophic healthcare that young, healthy adults pay into early. No one should have to be burdened with massive medical bills if they get cancer, for example. Expanded healthcare is their choice to pay for. Children should have expanded healthcare coverage. They don't have a choice in the socio-economic conditions they are born into. Current Medicare must continue until we find a better solution. Those who received it were promised it. America must keep that promise. All coverage must involve the most choice for people when seeking providers
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
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
Recognize and acknowledge it exists. Fighting on behalf of islamic countries on the other side of the world is not the solution. Islamic countries must take more responsibility. America must still take a clear and non-negotiable stance: we will protect our country and citizens at all costs. Diplomacy should always be pursued, but evil exists whether we like it or not. If we're not picking the fight, then we have every right to defend ourselves. Anything that truly is "radical" and "terrorist" is a threat regardless of what religion it is accompanied with. The message must be clear: we will not interfere with Islamic states, but we will use force quickly and strongly if they are harboring and/or preparing to attack our country or citizens.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
Recognize and acknowledge it exists. Fighting on behalf of islamic countries on the other side of the world is not the solution. Islamic countries must take more responsibility. America must still take a clear and non-negotiable stance: we will protect our country and citizens at all costs. Diplomacy should always be pursued, but evil exists whether we like it or not. If we're not picking the fight, then we have every right to defend ourselves. Anything that truly is "radical" and "terrorist" is a threat regardless of what religion it is accompanied with. The message must be clear: we will not interfere with Islamic states, but we will use force quickly and strongly if they are harboring and/or preparing to attack our country or citizens.
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.
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
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Disagree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Disagree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Whoever wants to as long as they follow our laws. We can enforce the law, protect our borders, and be compassionate at the same time. If people are coming to escape violence, oppression, etc., they must request to come in as a refugee. This requires evidence though. If America signals to the world that we don't take these strong measures, more people will attempt to come and abuse it. Strong borders protects all Americans, refugees here, and immigrants accepted. It reduces the incentive for more people to come in by abusing the system, thereby stops a "flood" of people coming to our country. Immigrants accepted must always be given a path to citizenship, with a goal of them assimilating to our society. Our society operates on the foundation of individual liberty- so it's not asking too much. Requirements to learn english and basic civics after acceptance is very reasonable.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Whoever wants to as long as they follow our laws. We can enforce the law, protect our borders, and be compassionate at the same time. If people are coming to escape violence, oppression, etc., they must request to come in as a refugee. This requires evidence though. If America signals to the world that we don't take these strong measures, more people will attempt to come and abuse it. Strong borders protects all Americans, refugees here, and immigrants accepted. It reduces the incentive for more people to come in by abusing the system, thereby stops a "flood" of people coming to our country. Immigrants accepted must always be given a path to citizenship, with a goal of them assimilating to our society. Our society operates on the foundation of individual liberty- so it's not asking too much. Requirements to learn english and basic civics after acceptance is very reasonable.
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.
Disagree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am Christian. I believe in the trinity. I accept that humans are incapable of being perfect. I believe the foundation of our country is on the moral premises of Christianity. I believe Christianity is premised on the truth of free will. We are free to choose what we believe and not believe. We are free to choose if religion exists and if so, which one we follow. Christianity should never be forced on anyone. No religion, nor atheism, should be forced on anyone. Moral truths must exist for a protected free society to exist though. These moral truths require no allegiance to religion. Christian morals are based on the freedom of choice, and the freedom for every individual to have a choice protects every individual's freedom to choose not to believe in Christianity. If a person believe's life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights- they have my values.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am Christian. I believe in the trinity. I accept that humans are incapable of being perfect. I believe the foundation of our country is on the moral premises of Christianity. I believe Christianity is premised on the truth of free will. We are free to choose what we believe and not believe. We are free to choose if religion exists and if so, which one we follow. Christianity should never be forced on anyone. No religion, nor atheism, should be forced on anyone. Moral truths must exist for a protected free society to exist though. These moral truths require no allegiance to religion. Christian morals are based on the freedom of choice, and the freedom for every individual to have a choice protects every individual's freedom to choose not to believe in Christianity. If a person believe's life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights- they have my values.
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 view policies through the lens of individual rights. I believe a free-market is the basis for a free society. While I believe in limited government, I still believe we must have regulations. I agree with transparent and fiscally responsible taxation. We all benefit from a strong infrastructure, equal access to a good education, equal access to healthcare, etc. All of this provides opportunity. The more opportunity, the greater probability individuals have to succeed. Social issues should be addressed by local communities as long as they do not intrude upon individual liberty. The values of our country encourage immigration and we should embrace it. We have a duty to protect those who seek our help and we have a duty to protect all Americans. We cannot protect those who seek help without a secure immigration process. Our foreign policy should be to maintain our place as a superpower. A strong military protects our ability to maintain our freedom. Trust is the basis of everything.
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I view policies through the lens of individual rights. I believe a free-market is the basis for a free society. While I believe in limited government, I still believe we must have regulations. I agree with transparent and fiscally responsible taxation. We all benefit from a strong infrastructure, equal access to a good education, equal access to healthcare, etc. All of this provides opportunity. The more opportunity, the greater probability individuals have to succeed. Social issues should be addressed by local communities as long as they do not intrude upon individual liberty. The values of our country encourage immigration and we should embrace it. We have a duty to protect those who seek our help and we have a duty to protect all Americans. We cannot protect those who seek help without a secure immigration process. Our foreign policy should be to maintain our place as a superpower. A strong military protects our ability to maintain our freedom. Trust is the basis of everything.
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 we are at a critical point with our country. The decisions we make now will again test our ability to keep our republic together for our children and grandchildren, whose children will certainly be put to the test again. I do more listening than talking. I value thinking. I value taking risks and value failing, as long as you get back up and never quit trying. A leader doesn't always have the answer. In combat, you learn that sometimes you just make a choice and figure it out on the way. Our country needs more proud, hopeful, and positive Americans. Now is the time we must look for ways to sacrifice for the betterment of each other and our country. I did not want to run for office. But I can't sit idly by and watch the country I love fall apart. I want what every good American wants: opportunity and a good, free life. I believe we all deserve that. I've been willing to sacrifice my life for all Americans many times. If I need to do it again, I will.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I believe we are at a critical point with our country. The decisions we make now will again test our ability to keep our republic together for our children and grandchildren, whose children will certainly be put to the test again. I do more listening than talking. I value thinking. I value taking risks and value failing, as long as you get back up and never quit trying. A leader doesn't always have the answer. In combat, you learn that sometimes you just make a choice and figure it out on the way. Our country needs more proud, hopeful, and positive Americans. Now is the time we must look for ways to sacrifice for the betterment of each other and our country. I did not want to run for office. But I can't sit idly by and watch the country I love fall apart. I want what every good American wants: opportunity and a good, free life. I believe we all deserve that. I've been willing to sacrifice my life for all Americans many times. If I need to do it again, I will.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Besides a background check, there are not many restrictions needed to protect the public. Gun violence in America is caused by our culture, not our access to weapons. It is reasonable to prohibit automatic weapons and very high capacity magazines (drum barrels holding 100+, etc.). The federal government should incentivize states to issue concealed carry permits that are federally recognized. Permits should include safety training and increased access to confidential mental health care.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Besides a background check, there are not many restrictions needed to protect the public. Gun violence in America is caused by our culture, not our access to weapons. It is reasonable to prohibit automatic weapons and very high capacity magazines (drum barrels holding 100+, etc.). The federal government should incentivize states to issue concealed carry permits that are federally recognized. Permits should include safety training and increased access to confidential mental health care.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Disagree
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Disagree
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?
Government transparency: Expansion and streamlining of public access to government information. The Freedom of Information Act is a good foundation. We need to immediately take action to restore the public's trust in our institutions of government. Includes a massive effort to declassify and reduce over-classifying. Public congressional hearings are needed in many areas: Afghanistan papers, COVID pandemic and how government officials used the economic recovery packages. The civil unrest that followed the virus. The Democratic Party's investigations over these past 4 years, etc. Education: "Reboot" our public education system. The federal government must invest more, while shifting focus on core subjects: reading, writing and arithmetic. Local communities retain control, but must be more fiscally transparent. Better programs to hire/train teachers from within communities. Crime/Law Enforcement: De-militarize police. Better programs to hire within communities (local control).
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Government transparency: Expansion and streamlining of public access to government information. The Freedom of Information Act is a good foundation. We need to immediately take action to restore the public's trust in our institutions of government. Includes a massive effort to declassify and reduce over-classifying. Public congressional hearings are needed in many areas: Afghanistan papers, COVID pandemic and how government officials used the economic recovery packages. The civil unrest that followed the virus. The Democratic Party's investigations over these past 4 years, etc. Education: "Reboot" our public education system. The federal government must invest more, while shifting focus on core subjects: reading, writing and arithmetic. Local communities retain control, but must be more fiscally transparent. Better programs to hire/train teachers from within communities. Crime/Law Enforcement: De-militarize police. Better programs to hire within communities (local control).
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism has always been a threat to the security of the United States. Specifically, it's been a threat to the very existence of our republic. Our nation was founded on the truth that we are all created equal. When racism exists- it negates that truth and chips away at our republic's existence. "Racism" has also been political abused. To be a racist, one must believe they are superior to another simply because of skin color. Politicians have turned it into a way to blame the other party for every single thing imaginable. Racism exists. It is the single most dangerous threat to the existence of our republic. Education and transparency are vital to overcome it. Local communities need more control and individuals need more choice. With choice, comes opportunity. More opportunity reduces barriers for all.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism has always been a threat to the security of the United States. Specifically, it's been a threat to the very existence of our republic. Our nation was founded on the truth that we are all created equal. When racism exists- it negates that truth and chips away at our republic's existence. "Racism" has also been political abused. To be a racist, one must believe they are superior to another simply because of skin color. Politicians have turned it into a way to blame the other party for every single thing imaginable. Racism exists. It is the single most dangerous threat to the existence of our republic. Education and transparency are vital to overcome it. Local communities need more control and individuals need more choice. With choice, comes opportunity. More opportunity reduces barriers for all.
