Leif Johnson
Republican | Washington
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Leif Johnson
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 2
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Bachelors of Science, 2015
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
ISLAND COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY, OFFICE/EVENT VOLUNTEER
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Skagit County Republicans
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (2)
Island County Republican Party
Skagit County Republican Party
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2024)
State Republican Party Organizations (2023)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
Leif Johnson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection Survey in 2022.
Leif Johnson signed the America First Pact.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Since the office I'm running for is federal I will only speak to that. I do not believe the federal government should be funding planned parenthood. If the states choose this, it is between them and their voters.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
This is a state's rights issue and as a federal elected official this belongs to the states per the 10th amendment. The federal government cannot intervein unless there is a constitutional amendment.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
This is a state's rights issue and as a federal elected official this belongs to the states per the 10th amendment. The federal government cannot intervein unless there is a constitutional amendment. State legislatures need to get together to make this an amendment if they so wish.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Lower federal spending to allow taxes to be reduced. Government spending has gotten way out of control and is the direct cause of the current inflation rates in the United States.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
An education should be viewed as any other asset, what is my return on investment? If everyone gets a degree that's has a low annual salary why would the student choose it? The schools should also be held responsible for offering degrees that have no market value.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Separation of church and state means the state will not favor one religious domination over another. This does not mean the churches cannot endorse or suggest policy or candidates. While individual citizens are free to bring their religious convictions into the public arena, the government itself must remain neutral in religious matters.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
This would depend on the need of the service. A cake decorator and renting a place to live are not equal. If it's a necessary service to live prejudice should not be allowed. Bakers who choose not to make a wedding cake that does not conform to their moral standard is not considered a necessary service.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
NONE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger . There is a purpose and a place for aid and alliances but should not come at the detriment of the American population
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The United States was the driving force in the creation of the state of Israel. This has been the driver for our two countries ties. I personally believe we cannot abandon Israel and need to continue our support.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Scales of pay for the military don't keep pace with the private sector. Raising families on military wages is difficult especially when bases in Washington, California, and Virgina do not have enough housing for families. These areas have a high cost of living and house becomes reason enough for people to opt out of extending the military career. DEI has been another reason for reduced recruitment. The military is a place for merit-based advancement and should remain that way.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
control of the border is one of the top ways to reduce the invasion of child trafficking, cartels, and fentanyl. Increase border patrol and port authority officer numbers. reinstitute the stay in Mexico policy and implement punitive tariffs on Mexico until they comply.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Due to our negative birth rate, we need immigration into the United States. America suffers from a negative birth rate and because of this we need immigration. To make this easier we should implement a point system to bring in people with skill sets we need to help add to our labor pool. But also understand that asylum seekers need a refuge, we just need to verify asylum is necessary.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
There should not be a cookie cutter approach to education and should be tailored to the needs of society today with a foundation of what our history has been and how our kids can shape the future. This duty should fall to the states and counties, because they know better what is needed at the local level.
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Agree
Marriage is a religious covenant between a man and a woman. I believe that the government should not refer to civil union as marriage, but same sex couples should be allowed civil union. Change the verbiage in government documents to civil union.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
No elective surgeries should be provided at taxpayer expense.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Christian with the bible as my foundation.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
I believe the electoral college is not only important, I believe it should be implemented at the state level for all statewide candidates. Each county having their own percentage to match their population to the state population. This would help the disenfranchised rural communities to have a larger say in their elections. Now many states elections are driven almost completely by the large population centers.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Disagree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Currently nuclear, hydro, coal, and natural gas are the stable sources of power. Fusion is beginning to emerge and once it does that will be holy grail for future generations. Green energy has its place but not subsidized by government.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Constitutional Conservative. Every decision in DC would be made with the constitution as my framework. This includes George Washingtons view of minimal foreign intervention.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Government is there to protect the rights of its citizens and protect its citizens from foreign invasion. The constitution is a great blueprint that if followed would keep the United States prosperous. Our current climate has elected and appointed officials only in office for self-gain. Term limits are critical to get self-serving politicians out of office since we as voters a failing at the task. I have signed the term limit pledge to only serve 3 terms in congress.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
I believe the supreme court should have term limits instead of lifetime appointments but, not more seats.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe we have too many restrictions here in Washington state. Mental illness and lack of morals are the center of our current day issue. We used to have marksmanship classes that included gun safety in our public schools.
