Melisa Denis
Republican | Texas
Candidate Profile*
Leans Conservative
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Melisa Denis
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 115
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of North Texas, Denton, Master of Science - Tax, 1986
University of North Texas, Denton, Bachelor of Science, Accounting, 1986
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
University of North Texas, Board of Regent, Chair Audit Committee, The Board Connection
Co-Founder, Women's Advisory Board - KPMG, Board Member
KPMG PhD Project, Board Member,, Faith Christian School
Chair Of The Board Of Directors, University of North Texas - Foundation, Board Member
KPMG Foundation, Board Member, Enactus
Global Board Member - Chair Audit & Finance Committee, Women Corporate Directors, Advisory Board Member, Chair - Membership and Governance Committee
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
None
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (3)
Bill Flores
Michael Burgess
Beth Van Duyne
OTHER (3)
*Texas Alliance for Life PAC (TAL)
*ART Associated Republicans of Texas ** See NOTES at Endorser Details *
Dallas Police Association PAC
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (4)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2022)
Republican Women's Organizations (2022)
State Republican Party Organizations (2022)
Texas Federation for Republican Outreach (2021)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Republican Women's Organizations (2022)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
To save the life of the mother and documented cases of rape and incest (only in the first trimester).
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
As a tax accountant, many tax codes need correcting. At the state level, I will fight for regulations that help us promote a strong workforce, promote entrepreneurs to invest in our state, and provide for significant property tax reform to lower costs for property owners so we can continue to enjoy affordable housing in Texas.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would reduce entitlement spending and large government spending.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Under no circumstances should government be able to close churches.
HEALTHCARE
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)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
I do not believe in universal healthcare. I have lived in a country that implemented universal healthcare and it does not work. We need healthcare reform, to reduce costs, provide alternative methods of healthcare, and better education about healthcare, including preventive medicine. I believe in Medicare and Medicaid but we need to expand health saving accounts and direct payments to healthcare providers.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I believe in vaccinations, but only if it is tested and not in an emergency status. I was vaccinated as a child and my children were vaccinated, but I do not believe in mandatory vaccinations that are under an emergency status.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
We should continue to invest in our intelligence and military capabilities. We need to lead with strength, resolve, and strong relationships with our allies. When we appear weak on the global stage we demonstrate vulnerability. If we don't quickly reverse this trend, other evil governments like Russia and China will rise against us and our allies.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
IMMIGRATION
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?
We have immigration laws that allow individuals to migrate to the US. We should strongly enforce our immigration laws and allow for an orderly process of entry to the US based on education, employment, research, and other needs of our country.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a devout Christian, striving to live my life following the Word of God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life and helps shape my values and beliefs. I know that my Lord gives me grace every day when I sin against His will. I believe He teaches us to love our neighbors and walk with others, not to judge but to love one another, help others see the love of Christ and live based on scripture.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
As an accountant, I believe that ethics and integrity should be embedded in our election process. Our voting laws should instill both objectivity and independence in fact and in substance. We should ensure that our states have regulations and processes that instill this level of trust. I would like to see more validation of the voter role (constant update), voter id, audits that track the ballots against the role, computer tapes, and all other steps in the election process.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Our country was founded on immigrants bringing their difference together; that is what makes our country so unique. I judge the character of a person based on their actions and values, not based on their skin color. If we continue to discuss racism and focus on our differences we will never be a united country. This is the most amazing country in the world, filled with potential beyond imagination. We need to move away from being a victim to being victorious, that is when everyone can achieve the American dream.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. I believe we need guardrails but we have gone to the extreme. With American innovation, we can build technology and solutions that will help us develop a pathway to a cleaner planet without jeopardizing our economy and way of life.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
I believe we need the government to provide for national security and an overall defense of our society. The US constitution provides for a limited national government, with most of the responsibility given to "The People" and our state government. Our state government should reflect the wishes of the people, providing a framework to allow everyone the ability to prosper and promote the general welfare of our citizens.
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
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I have not conducted any interviews but I am endorsed by strong conservatives like U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and State Senator Dawn Buckingham among many others.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I am working to earn the trust of North Texans who want, and deserve, a voice in Austin who will fight for policies to empower our citizens with pro-growth, pro-family and limited government solutions. I will be a warrior on the education front, helping families discern how to best educate their children, with affordable education options that fit their beliefs and values. I will fight for Texas energy expansion and help us to regain our energy independence for our nation. I am a native Texan and will always fight to keep our state the best in the union.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe strongly in our Constitution, which includes the 2nd Amendment. If we properly enforced our existing laws, both federal and state, we would have better public safety for our citizens. When liberal/activist courts and prosecutors refuse to charge and incarcerate those who commit violent crimes, the lives of our citizens and the safety of our communities are gravely impacted.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
