Steve Russell
Democrat | Texas
Candidate Profile*
Liberal (Conditional)
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Steve Russell
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Hughes Springs High School, Hughes Springs TX, Diploma, 1972
Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches TX, BA, 1975
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth TX, M. Div., 1980
WORK & MILITARY
Vocational--Texas Insurance Agent, Agent, 1981-2022
Texas Certified Secondary Education Teacher, Teacher, Various after 1975 to present
AFFILIATIONS
Numerous churches, Pastor and/or member, Tyler Race Relations Forum
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
None
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate, Republican Primary, Texas State Representative, District 71, 2004
Democratic Party Nominee for Texas State Senate, District 1, 2012
Democratic Party Nominee for Texas State Senate, District 3, 2022
Race
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
LIBERAL (1)
*Liberal Texas
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
None sought; just regular voters.
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Matt Schaefer (2013)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
ActBlue (2017)
Beto O'Rourke (2021)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE*
*Additional information was received after the evaluation was assigned and was not considered in the Panel Evaluations, therefore it is for additional educational purposes only.
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Abortions should be legal, safe, early (ideally before 6 weeks,) and extremely rare, with exceptions of incest, rape, and endangerment to the mother. Women's comprehensive health care should be available and affordable, utilizing the abundance of contraceptives available to women who are sexually active to assist in family planning and pregnancy prevention, making the need for abortion extremely rare. A "morning after pill" is always easier and more accessible than abortion.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Abortions should be legal, safe, early (ideally before 6 weeks,) and extremely rare, with exceptions of incest, rape, and endangerment to the mother. Women's comprehensive health care should be available and affordable, utilizing the abundance of contraceptives available to women who are sexually active to assist in family planning and pregnancy prevention, making the need for abortion extremely rare. A "morning after pill" is always easier and more accessible than abortion.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Absolutely not!
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Absolutely not!
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Palliative care strives, and usually succeeds, in reducing pain in the last stages of life. There is no reason to impose an artificial time of death.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Palliative care strives, and usually succeeds, in reducing pain in the last stages of life. There is no reason to impose an artificial time of death.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Texas is too dependent on property taxes for school funding and should not depend on them so heavily in the future. I would investigate taxing corporations doing business in Texas who have windfall profits, and I would tax corporations who are the least consumer friendly; i.e., credit card companies charging over 20% interest. I would favor project-focused taxes, such as temporarily imposing tolls to expand the lanes of Texas interstate highways. Or small increases would be acceptable in sales tax.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Texas is too dependent on property taxes for school funding and should not depend on them so heavily in the future. I would investigate taxing corporations doing business in Texas who have windfall profits, and I would tax corporations who are the least consumer friendly; i.e., credit card companies charging over 20% interest. I would favor project-focused taxes, such as temporarily imposing tolls to expand the lanes of Texas interstate highways. Or small increases would be acceptable in sales tax.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would demand an audit of all Texas state government first to remove waste. After that, state spending has to be prioritized by need with education leading the list.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I would demand an audit of all Texas state government first to remove waste. After that, state spending has to be prioritized by need with education leading the list.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Some career choices require college, but many, high-paying jobs do not require college. Higher educational counselors should assist students in planning their best options of interest and sustainable income. Beyond high school students should plan to provide funding for their career pursuits.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Some career choices require college, but many, high-paying jobs do not require college. Higher educational counselors should assist students in planning their best options of interest and sustainable income. Beyond high school students should plan to provide funding for their career pursuits.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
Individuals and businesses should not use their moral and/or religious beliefs to impose judgement on those whom they serve. One of the most heinous problems feeding our polarization in this country is the demand on others to see the world the way we see it. Unless providing products and services to others would involve criminal violations, we should try to cooperate with one another. For those who believe that immoral or destructive behaviors have their own consequences, that should be enough.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
Individuals and businesses should not use their moral and/or religious beliefs to impose judgement on those whom they serve. One of the most heinous problems feeding our polarization in this country is the demand on others to see the world the way we see it. Unless providing products and services to others would involve criminal violations, we should try to cooperate with one another. For those who believe that immoral or destructive behaviors have their own consequences, that should be enough.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Only in the case of proven criminal actions, such as endangerment to their members or the general population. Otherwise churches should be trusted to gather as they see fit. Most recently in the case of closing churches due to the Covid pandemic, church opening and attendance should be at the churches' and members' discretion. And the members have to accept responsibility for their choices.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Only in the case of proven criminal actions, such as endangerment to their members or the general population. Otherwise churches should be trusted to gather as they see fit. Most recently in the case of closing churches due to the Covid pandemic, church opening and attendance should be at the churches' and members' discretion. And the members have to accept responsibility for their choices.
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.
C. The healthcare industry, especially including prescription drugs, have to be additionally regulated for transparency of pricing. The only way that "the market" can help lower healthcare costs via competition is when consumers can shop specific prices, and not floating prices depending on how much an uninformed consumer can be charged. The private healthcare insurance market needs significant additional regulation to be more consumer friendly. If healthcare providers had to follow the pricing disclosures of the funeral industry, almost all of them would be criminally guilty and fined or imprisoned--not very helpful now as it is, and not very helpful for most healthcare providers to be incarcerated.
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.
C. The healthcare industry, especially including prescription drugs, have to be additionally regulated for transparency of pricing. The only way that "the market" can help lower healthcare costs via competition is when consumers can shop specific prices, and not floating prices depending on how much an uninformed consumer can be charged. The private healthcare insurance market needs significant additional regulation to be more consumer friendly. If healthcare providers had to follow the pricing disclosures of the funeral industry, almost all of them would be criminally guilty and fined or imprisoned--not very helpful now as it is, and not very helpful for most healthcare providers to be incarcerated.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Anytime unvaccinated persons would endanger those around them with serious communicable diseases. For example, small pox should be required of everyone in the general public; a flue shot, no. No one has the right to create an unsafe environment for others.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Anytime unvaccinated persons would endanger those around them with serious communicable diseases. For example, small pox should be required of everyone in the general public; a flue shot, no. No one has the right to create an unsafe environment for others.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Maintain a strong, responsive military capability with decisive leadership. And we should be less dependent on our enemies to sustain our society--Arab oil, cheap Chinese products, etc.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Maintain a strong, responsive military capability with decisive leadership. And we should be less dependent on our enemies to sustain our society--Arab oil, cheap Chinese products, etc.
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.
Disagree
I do not believe Israel should be pressured to give up any occupied territories, especially those gained by acts of war carried out against Israel. However, it would be blatantly hypocritical for the United States to promote that any country deny equality to its citizens based on race, religion, or ethnicity. The US should support an ally in the Middle East, not a religion or race. We have had internal struggles in the US. Why should Israel not struggle with these challenges?
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.
Disagree
I do not believe Israel should be pressured to give up any occupied territories, especially those gained by acts of war carried out against Israel. However, it would be blatantly hypocritical for the United States to promote that any country deny equality to its citizens based on race, religion, or ethnicity. The US should support an ally in the Middle East, not a religion or race. We have had internal struggles in the US. Why should Israel not struggle with these challenges?
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Complete overhaul of federal immigration policy, limiting those who are allowed to immigrate according to our country's needs. Anyone who cannot comply with an improved immigration policy is not allowed in the US.
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Complete overhaul of federal immigration policy, limiting those who are allowed to immigrate according to our country's needs. Anyone who cannot comply with an improved immigration policy is not allowed in the US.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Expanding on the above: immigrants should have to obtain a SS number and pay taxes and have some form of healthcare insurance so that they do not excessively burden our schools and healthcare systems. This might include a minimum wage requirement for worker immigrants and insurance provided by their employers. We should not allow immigrants because we can exploit them. They would have to prove current addresses and current employment or educational enrollment. If driving on Texas roads, they must have an appropriate license and insurance. All regulated by our needs in this country with some consideration for fleeing refugees.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Expanding on the above: immigrants should have to obtain a SS number and pay taxes and have some form of healthcare insurance so that they do not excessively burden our schools and healthcare systems. This might include a minimum wage requirement for worker immigrants and insurance provided by their employers. We should not allow immigrants because we can exploit them. They would have to prove current addresses and current employment or educational enrollment. If driving on Texas roads, they must have an appropriate license and insurance. All regulated by our needs in this country with some consideration for fleeing refugees.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Especially the greater emphasis on responsibilities of the self-governed than rights.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Especially the greater emphasis on responsibilities of the self-governed than rights.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
We have to stop the things that divide us and find what unites us. We are all just folks.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
We have to stop the things that divide us and find what unites us. We are all just folks.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
In the US our racial tensions are indisputably due to our use of slavery, particularly of Africans, during the formative years of country. In other parts of the world, one's conquered enemies, regardless of race or color, were typically enslaved. Few of the loudest voices criticizing the US as racist are buying tickets to leave for another country. Slavery was wrong, but Americans will work through the remaining issues of it over time as cooler heads and calmer voices prevail.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
In the US our racial tensions are indisputably due to our use of slavery, particularly of Africans, during the formative years of country. In other parts of the world, one's conquered enemies, regardless of race or color, were typically enslaved. Few of the loudest voices criticizing the US as racist are buying tickets to leave for another country. Slavery was wrong, but Americans will work through the remaining issues of it over time as cooler heads and calmer voices prevail.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian and disciple of Jesus Christ, striving to allow His Spirit to work within me to pursue peace and to extend grace and love to others. I am "my brothers' and sisters' keeper" and feel a responsibility to improve my society and contribute as I am able. I believe that those who love God (as I understand God) will have strength through their journey in this life even amidst suffering and will enjoy God's presence for eternity after this life.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian and disciple of Jesus Christ, striving to allow His Spirit to work within me to pursue peace and to extend grace and love to others. I am "my brothers' and sisters' keeper" and feel a responsibility to improve my society and contribute as I am able. I believe that those who love God (as I understand God) will have strength through their journey in this life even amidst suffering and will enjoy God's presence for eternity after this life.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
We need to work diligently to secure the integrity of our system of elections. A photo ID is a primitive start toward security and integrity, but our present technology should allow much more effective means of identification.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
We need to work diligently to secure the integrity of our system of elections. A photo ID is a primitive start toward security and integrity, but our present technology should allow much more effective means of identification.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
With facial recognition and fingerprinting much better voter ID should be implemented. And we make unlimited internet transactions daily, particularly for example, financial transactions. Can we not find a way to make internet voting more accessible and secure? I think so. Of course, we want more voters, not less. We should move on to steps to achieve that goal.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
With facial recognition and fingerprinting much better voter ID should be implemented. And we make unlimited internet transactions daily, particularly for example, financial transactions. Can we not find a way to make internet voting more accessible and secure? I think so. Of course, we want more voters, not less. We should move on to steps to achieve that goal.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat to everything. But as I wrote earlier, calmer voices and cooler heads will work through our lingering problems with racism. There is no quick fix.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat to everything. But as I wrote earlier, calmer voices and cooler heads will work through our lingering problems with racism. There is no quick fix.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
No way to make it equitable. I prefer a Nelson Mandela approach to the past. Let's deal with where we are and not wallow in the mire of where we were.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
No way to make it equitable. I prefer a Nelson Mandela approach to the past. Let's deal with where we are and not wallow in the mire of where we were.
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.
B. Killing the planet we live on is like trying to cross a lake while shooting holes in the boat.
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.
B. Killing the planet we live on is like trying to cross a lake while shooting holes in the boat.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
I'm not a geologist or scientist of any kind. But if fracking is environmentally safe with appropriate precautions, let's do it.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
I'm not a geologist or scientist of any kind. But if fracking is environmentally safe with appropriate precautions, let's do it.
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To secure, as much as it can, the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for its citizens. To be helpful to its citizens, but not too intrusive. To maintain a strong national defense and protect its borders.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To secure, as much as it can, the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for its citizens. To be helpful to its citizens, but not too intrusive. To maintain a strong national defense and protect its borders.
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?
Moderate
I am with Aristotle: "Every virtue is a mean between two extremes." Extremists on the far left and far right are polarizing us and destroying our opportunities for meaningful progress.
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?
Moderate
I am with Aristotle: "Every virtue is a mean between two extremes." Extremists on the far left and far right are polarizing us and destroying our opportunities for meaningful progress.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
My life is a testimony to all I have written, humbly acknowledging personal growth and understanding as I have grown older. I have never shied away from public discourse and interaction. How many letters to the editor, sermons preached, etc., would you want. Impossible question unless one has published an autobiography.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
My life is a testimony to all I have written, humbly acknowledging personal growth and understanding as I have grown older. I have never shied away from public discourse and interaction. How many letters to the editor, sermons preached, etc., would you want. Impossible question unless one has published an autobiography.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
Nope. No explanation needed.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
Nope. No explanation needed.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
Education, immigration, healthcare, and fighting against mass violence are my priorities. See my campaign website for the rest.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
Education, immigration, healthcare, and fighting against mass violence are my priorities. See my campaign website for the rest.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
As long as "departmental policy" respects human rights.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
As long as "departmental policy" respects human rights.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
No redirecting, but yes, additional mental health and community programs. We need to strengthen families and work on root causes instead of trying to correct full blown problems in our society. Educational institutions should again be sources of character development in partnership with families and communities.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
No redirecting, but yes, additional mental health and community programs. We need to strengthen families and work on root causes instead of trying to correct full blown problems in our society. Educational institutions should again be sources of character development in partnership with families and communities.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
As a hall of fame TPWD Volunteer hunter education instructor I am keenly aware that firearm safety education reduced the death rate from hunting accidents in Texas over the last 50 years from over 30 annually to single digits, often only one per year. I believe gun ownership should be unrestricted. However, when an individual carries a firearm into a public venue--hunting, range shooting, personal protection, etc.--I believe we should imitate the way we issue drivers' licenses--on a scale based on training, with military style firearms requiring strict training and background qualifications. Also, I think military style firearms should be required to have current, accurate registration, including mandatory reports if such firearms are stolen. Responsible gun owners need to participate in the discussion about mass violence, or they will find their adversaries making more and more restrictive laws. Much more on my campaign website.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
As a hall of fame TPWD Volunteer hunter education instructor I am keenly aware that firearm safety education reduced the death rate from hunting accidents in Texas over the last 50 years from over 30 annually to single digits, often only one per year. I believe gun ownership should be unrestricted. However, when an individual carries a firearm into a public venue--hunting, range shooting, personal protection, etc.--I believe we should imitate the way we issue drivers' licenses--on a scale based on training, with military style firearms requiring strict training and background qualifications. Also, I think military style firearms should be required to have current, accurate registration, including mandatory reports if such firearms are stolen. Responsible gun owners need to participate in the discussion about mass violence, or they will find their adversaries making more and more restrictive laws. Much more on my campaign website.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
That's stupid! That is like suing a golf club manufacturer for your lousy hook or slice! Will we extend litigation to knife manufacturers when there is a stabbing? How about suing Louisville Slugger if someone is beaten to death with a baseball bat! Auto manufacturers when someone is struck by a car! Let's get real.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
That's stupid! That is like suing a golf club manufacturer for your lousy hook or slice! Will we extend litigation to knife manufacturers when there is a stabbing? How about suing Louisville Slugger if someone is beaten to death with a baseball bat! Auto manufacturers when someone is struck by a car! Let's get real.
