Christian Castelli
Republican | North Carolina
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Christian Castelli
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist 6
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
St. Francis Preparatory
St. John's University, B.A.
Harvard University, The Kennedy School, Masters in Public Administration
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel, 22 years
U.S. Army, Career Army Office; Green Beret; Ranger; Aiborne Infantry
Sr. Military Advisor to Secretary of Defense
Inspector General for Special Forces
AFFILIATIONS
Knights of Columbus, Life-Member, Wounded Warrior Project
Member, VFW: Life-Member; Disabled American Veterans, Life-Member
American Legion, Life-Member, Special Forces Association
Member, AmVets: Life-Member; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Life-Member
Veterans Administration, Member, National Rifle Association
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (5)
Mike Waltz
SEAL PAC
Ryan Zinke
*Green Beret PAC
Moms for America Action
OTHER (1)
Andy Gregson
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (3)
State Republican Party Organizations (2023)
WinRed (2023)
Michelle C Bardsley (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (32)
Demetria Carter (2023)
First In Freedom PAC (2023)
Grant Campbell (2023)
Jobs, Opportunity, and New Ideas PAC (2023)
Michelle C Bardsley (2023)
OTHER INFORMATION
Christian Castelli's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test) on VoteSmart.
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
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
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
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?
Rape, incest and life of the mother. Life of the mother is not technically elective.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Rape, incest and life of the mother. Life of the mother is not technically elective.
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?
Given that the Dobbs decision remanded the legality of abortion back to the people and their representatives, I do not rule out federal legislation on the matters of life and abortion. At a minimum, I will fight to prevent tax dollars from going to Planned Parenthood or from funding abortion, and I will advocate for drug safety.
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?
Given that the Dobbs decision remanded the legality of abortion back to the people and their representatives, I do not rule out federal legislation on the matters of life and abortion. At a minimum, I will fight to prevent tax dollars from going to Planned Parenthood or from funding abortion, and I will advocate for drug safety.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Separation of church and state means that our government can never constitutionally establish a national or state religion.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Separation of church and state means that our government can never constitutionally establish a national or state religion.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
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.
B. As a career military officer who has deployed to 14 hostile fire zones, I recognize that the United States is a world leader and has a responsibilities as such. However, we should be selective in defending those whose values resemble our own, without becoming the world's police force. American resources should be deployed to strengthen our allies in their time of need without becoming their habitual and unfettered piggy bank.
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.
B. As a career military officer who has deployed to 14 hostile fire zones, I recognize that the United States is a world leader and has a responsibilities as such. However, we should be selective in defending those whose values resemble our own, without becoming the world's police force. American resources should be deployed to strengthen our allies in their time of need without becoming their habitual and unfettered piggy bank.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
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 security and defense of Israel must always be a top priority for the United States. The United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values and we have no greater ally in the Middle East than Israel. America’s commitment should include the continued financial investment by Congress for Israel’s defense and military capabilities. We must maintain our annual commitment of $3.3 billion for military assistance and $500 million for missile defense funding, to maintain Israel’s military advantage.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The security and defense of Israel must always be a top priority for the United States. The United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values and we have no greater ally in the Middle East than Israel. America’s commitment should include the continued financial investment by Congress for Israel’s defense and military capabilities. We must maintain our annual commitment of $3.3 billion for military assistance and $500 million for missile defense funding, to maintain Israel’s military advantage.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Weak leadership, bad foreign and national security policy, and the priority of progressive liberal policies within the Department of Defense do not lead to a posture of peace through strength and American readiness. These actions are weakening defense readiness and our ability to recruit and retain military talent. The US military exists for two reasons: peace through strength and, if we have to fight a war, to win as quickly as possible with the least possible casualties.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Weak leadership, bad foreign and national security policy, and the priority of progressive liberal policies within the Department of Defense do not lead to a posture of peace through strength and American readiness. These actions are weakening defense readiness and our ability to recruit and retain military talent. The US military exists for two reasons: peace through strength and, if we have to fight a war, to win as quickly as possible with the least possible casualties.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Before the COVID pandemic, I was a firm believer in certain vaccine requirements. However, having learned about various falsehoods and perverse incentives, I now have a serious problem with non-approved vaccinations being required for any employment.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Before the COVID pandemic, I was a firm believer in certain vaccine requirements. However, having learned about various falsehoods and perverse incentives, I now have a serious problem with non-approved vaccinations being required for any employment.
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
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
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
I would vote to return America to a state of energy independence. Furthermore, I will be a vote against anti-competitive initiatives such ESG and DEI, which curtail our economic engine. I have also signed a no tax increase pledge.
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
I would vote to return America to a state of energy independence. Furthermore, I will be a vote against anti-competitive initiatives such ESG and DEI, which curtail our economic engine. I have also signed a no tax increase pledge.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those seeking true political asylum as well as those filling a true economic need while proving no danger to our citizens, should be allowed to legally immigrate to the United States. Legal immigration should be a fair, transparent and timely process.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those seeking true political asylum as well as those filling a true economic need while proving no danger to our citizens, should be allowed to legally immigrate to the United States. Legal immigration should be a fair, transparent and timely process.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
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.
Agree
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Agree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The 2nd amendment is clear, "shall not be infringed." The public is safest when they are free to own, carry and use firearms for self-defense. There are over 20,000 gun laws in the U.S.; we don't need more restrictions or laws. We need more criminals to be prosecuted and to serve full sentences. Accordingly, there should always be prohibitions of gun ownership by convicted felons and the mentally ill to protect public safety.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The 2nd amendment is clear, "shall not be infringed." The public is safest when they are free to own, carry and use firearms for self-defense. There are over 20,000 gun laws in the U.S.; we don't need more restrictions or laws. We need more criminals to be prosecuted and to serve full sentences. Accordingly, there should always be prohibitions of gun ownership by convicted felons and the mentally ill to protect public safety.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
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?
Very Conservative
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?
Very Conservative
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To provide a safe environment for the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To provide a safe environment for the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
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
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
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.
Strongly Agree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
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
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was reared in and have remained a devout Roman Catholic who maintains a strong faith and would like to continue to see Judeo-Christian values and traditions inculcated in American culture. This country was founded on those values, and it is those values that will see us through these difficult times. When civil law breaks down, cultures revert to the local spiritual law. I have seen that occur in many countries as well as tribal societies.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was reared in and have remained a devout Roman Catholic who maintains a strong faith and would like to continue to see Judeo-Christian values and traditions inculcated in American culture. This country was founded on those values, and it is those values that will see us through these difficult times. When civil law breaks down, cultures revert to the local spiritual law. I have seen that occur in many countries as well as tribal societies.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
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
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
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?
Nuclear. As a bridge to adequate nuclear generation, we must maintain and grow our fossil fuel sources and infrastructure.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Nuclear. As a bridge to adequate nuclear generation, we must maintain and grow our fossil fuel sources and infrastructure.
