Kelsey Johnson
Republican | Minnesota
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Kelsey Johnson
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary & CD1 Special General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN, B.A., 2004
St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN, M.A., 2012
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Iron Mining Association, President, Waters of Life Lutheran Church
Church Council, Lake Superior College Foundation Board, Secretary
Northeast MN Office of Job Training, Workforce Development Board Member, Range Association of Municipalities and Schools
Member, Duluth Chamber of Commerce, Military Affairs Committee
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce, Member, Legislative Affairs Commitee, Hibbing Chamber of Commerce
Member, Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Member
Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
House District 3A, 2015
Race
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (5)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2019)
Marco Rubio (2016)
Paul Gosar (2018)
Pete Stauber (2020)
State Republican Party Organizations (2018)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Terrie Bonoff (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Women Winning (2015)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only to protect the life of the mother.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only to protect the life of the mother.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
I held the hand of my dying father (he was 58) - while it was difficult to watch him die from cancer it has helped me become a better person and ardent follower of God and God's teachings. Death is a natural part of life.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
I held the hand of my dying father (he was 58) - while it was difficult to watch him die from cancer it has helped me become a better person and ardent follower of God and God's teachings. Death is a natural part of life.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
There should be fewer taxes, period. Minnesota taxes your property (huge problem lately), your income, the goods and services you purchase, your home purchase, your home sale. MN taxes your car, the gas you put in your car, the parts you repair your car with, your tab renewal. MN taxes you (through fees) for your fishing license, hunting license, boat registration, etc. MN even taxes social security payments. If you collect unemployment, MN taxes that too!
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
There should be fewer taxes, period. Minnesota taxes your property (huge problem lately), your income, the goods and services you purchase, your home purchase, your home sale. MN taxes your car, the gas you put in your car, the parts you repair your car with, your tab renewal. MN taxes you (through fees) for your fishing license, hunting license, boat registration, etc. MN even taxes social security payments. If you collect unemployment, MN taxes that too!
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
All of them! I'd especially support the reduction or elimination of property taxes, gas taxes, income tax and social security taxes.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
All of them! I'd especially support the reduction or elimination of property taxes, gas taxes, income tax and social security taxes.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
College is not the answer for most in our community. Many college grads come out of school without employable skills and massive amounts of debt. My parents generation came out of high school with employable skills, how have we regressed that far?!?!? I'd like to find incentives for businesses, private individuals to fund college education for each student based on need.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
College is not the answer for most in our community. Many college grads come out of school without employable skills and massive amounts of debt. My parents generation came out of high school with employable skills, how have we regressed that far?!?!? I'd like to find incentives for businesses, private individuals to fund college education for each student based on need.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Requiring people to do anything that violates their moral or religious beliefs only creates animosity. If the intent is to create more acceptance, this is not the way to accomplish that.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Requiring people to do anything that violates their moral or religious beliefs only creates animosity. If the intent is to create more acceptance, this is not the way to accomplish that.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Never. Churches are on equal footing with government and are often viewed as a sanctuary for those in need. The ability to commune with others, especially in a time of crisis is critical for the human spirit.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Never. Churches are on equal footing with government and are often viewed as a sanctuary for those in need. The ability to commune with others, especially in a time of crisis is critical for the human spirit.
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
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
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations can be advised but never required. By requiring someone to act in a way that violates their fundamental beliefs, government defies their freedom and liberties.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations can be advised but never required. By requiring someone to act in a way that violates their fundamental beliefs, government defies their freedom and liberties.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Censor those who stand against America and seek to harm American people and society.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Censor those who stand against America and seek to harm American people and society.
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
My father was Jewish, the Jewish state of Israel needs to be secured for a variety of reasons including national security.
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
My father was Jewish, the Jewish state of Israel needs to be secured for a variety of reasons including national security.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those who lawfully apply and are joining family, friends, or colleagues - after a rigorous background check and a prescribed waiting period.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those who lawfully apply and are joining family, friends, or colleagues - after a rigorous background check and a prescribed waiting period.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Agree
Home schooling, charter and private schools were the only organizations providing stability to kids during the lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Agree
Home schooling, charter and private schools were the only organizations providing stability to kids during the lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
As a woman, my gender is under threat from people who would seek to define their gender differently. Gender identity is something you are born with. Gender classifications are a protected class and it should be honored in the courts, and other systems of government.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
As a woman, my gender is under threat from people who would seek to define their gender differently. Gender identity is something you are born with. Gender classifications are a protected class and it should be honored in the courts, and other systems of government.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Neutral
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Neutral
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
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a practicing Christian (Lutheran), and I will meet God when I die. I am grateful to God and Jesus for the sacrifices that have been made so that I may walk this earth today. While I am not perfect, I pray that God will guide me on my journey so that I may serve God to the best of my abilities.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a practicing Christian (Lutheran), and I will meet God when I die. I am grateful to God and Jesus for the sacrifices that have been made so that I may walk this earth today. While I am not perfect, I pray that God will guide me on my journey so that I may serve God to the best of my abilities.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
You need an ID for everything else in life these days, why not voting?
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
You need an ID for everything else in life these days, why not voting?
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
No more absentee voting. Voting must be conducted in person either at a City Hall, County government center, state government building, or polling location. A photo identification must be presented at the time of voting.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
No more absentee voting. Voting must be conducted in person either at a City Hall, County government center, state government building, or polling location. A photo identification must be presented at the time of voting.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism will only be a threat to domestic security if the United States raises one race up at the expense of others.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism will only be a threat to domestic security if the United States raises one race up at the expense of others.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
The American Dream is the best corrective action for race relations.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
The American Dream is the best corrective action for race relations.
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.
A
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.
A
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To provide a structure and framework for modern day society. Government is meant to provide a service to tax payers (aka customers). In Minnesota, those fundamental services are written into the constitution - a basic education and improvement of modes of transportation for commerce.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To provide a structure and framework for modern day society. Government is meant to provide a service to tax payers (aka customers). In Minnesota, those fundamental services are written into the constitution - a basic education and improvement of modes of transportation for commerce.
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
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
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
N/A
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
N/A
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
N/A
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
N/A
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My three priorities are formed around a theme of getting "Back to the Basics" of state government, cutting taxes (reigning in the 50% growth in state government seen over the last 12 years), growing small businesses, family budgets and providing for a world-class education for all of our students - the basics of education - reading, math, science.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My three priorities are formed around a theme of getting "Back to the Basics" of state government, cutting taxes (reigning in the 50% growth in state government seen over the last 12 years), growing small businesses, family budgets and providing for a world-class education for all of our students - the basics of education - reading, math, science.
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
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
This is what the Department of Human Services is for.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This is what the Department of Human Services is for.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
There are already plenty, if not too many.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
There are already plenty, if not too many.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
People are the ones misusing/abusing the privilege of gun ownership.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
People are the ones misusing/abusing the privilege of gun ownership.
