Evan McMichael
No Party Affiliation | Louisiana
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Evan McMichael
Party
No Party Affiliation
Election Year
2023
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist 6
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Bachelor of Arts -- Political Science, 2017
LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, Juris Doctorate, 2020
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
Evan McMichael has given his stances on key issues in the Vote Smart 2023 Political Courage Test.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only when necessary to save the mother from death or severe injury.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only when necessary to save the mother from death or severe injury.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
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
I support passing legislation or funding for mental health services for anyone who struggles with suicidal ideation. Suicide is never the answer.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
I support passing legislation or funding for mental health services for anyone who struggles with suicidal ideation. Suicide is never the answer.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Make it far simpler and lower taxes in general. I am anti-tax, and believe in other solutions to fund the government. However, if we have to have taxes for the time being, they should be as low as possible and also as straightforward as possible.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Make it far simpler and lower taxes in general. I am anti-tax, and believe in other solutions to fund the government. However, if we have to have taxes for the time being, they should be as low as possible and also as straightforward as possible.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I wouldn't cut entire programs, but rather audit what the government agencies are doing with their budgets to eliminate waste. I believe in governments rendering services to people who need help. But the question is, how much of that money is actually going towards providing those services, and how much is being lost in the bureaucracy. Eliminating waste in the budget will be time consuming to be thorough, but I believe it's the most necessary role of a legislator.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
I wouldn't cut entire programs, but rather audit what the government agencies are doing with their budgets to eliminate waste. I believe in governments rendering services to people who need help. But the question is, how much of that money is actually going towards providing those services, and how much is being lost in the bureaucracy. Eliminating waste in the budget will be time consuming to be thorough, but I believe it's the most necessary role of a legislator.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
However, I believe education should be reformed at the high school level to focus more on students going to trade schools than universities. Many young men and women would be much happier and more prosperous becoming craftsmen rather than going to college.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
However, I believe education should be reformed at the high school level to focus more on students going to trade schools than universities. Many young men and women would be much happier and more prosperous becoming craftsmen rather than going to college.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Never.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Never.
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.
B most closely matches it. I believe all government healthcare funding should go to charity hospitals/clinics that provide the services for free or minimal cost. This leaves private healthcare options completely unaffected.
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.
B most closely matches it. I believe all government healthcare funding should go to charity hospitals/clinics that provide the services for free or minimal cost. This leaves private healthcare options completely unaffected.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Only when the disease the vaccine is for poses such a significant risk to others that the right for the individual not to be vaccinated is outweighed by the rights of others to be safe. I consider this a high standard, which is usually only met when the disease is life-threatening to most people.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Only when the disease the vaccine is for poses such a significant risk to others that the right for the individual not to be vaccinated is outweighed by the rights of others to be safe. I consider this a high standard, which is usually only met when the disease is life-threatening to most people.
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
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
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?
Anyone who follows the legal process. I believe anyone who is not dangerous and wants to contribute to our society should be welcome in America. But we need to make sure we can know who is coming and why they are here. Each person needs to be thoroughly background checked before admission, but anyone who passes should be welcome.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone who follows the legal process. I believe anyone who is not dangerous and wants to contribute to our society should be welcome in America. But we need to make sure we can know who is coming and why they are here. Each person needs to be thoroughly background checked before admission, but anyone who passes should be welcome.
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
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
My personal Christian values are the framework for my morality. However, I believe in the absolute separation of church and state.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
My personal Christian values are the framework for my morality. However, I believe in the absolute separation of church and state.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Gender and sexual orientation is already included in non-discrimination laws, I would need to know more about the proposed gender identity protections before supporting it.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Gender and sexual orientation is already included in non-discrimination laws, I would need to know more about the proposed gender identity protections before supporting it.
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 Disagree
Marriage, as a religious experience, is sacred and must be defined by the religion it is associated with. Marriage, as a legal contract, is a purely secular agreement between two people, with very little difference from other contracts. Separation of church and state dictates that these two different things be kept separate.
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 Disagree
Marriage, as a religious experience, is sacred and must be defined by the religion it is associated with. Marriage, as a legal contract, is a purely secular agreement between two people, with very little difference from other contracts. Separation of church and state dictates that these two different things be kept separate.
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 an ardent Christian and participate fervently at my church. Jesus Christ is my personal savior, and without Him I would not be alive today. In addition, I have deeply studies Taoism over the last few years, and consider myself a Taoist as well. This doesn't contradict my Christianity -- rather, I see the author of the Tao Te Ching as a prophet of Christ in ancient China. The Taoist writings are deeply connected to the Truth in Jesus. I consider myself very religious/spiritual and pray and meditate on a daily basis.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am an ardent Christian and participate fervently at my church. Jesus Christ is my personal savior, and without Him I would not be alive today. In addition, I have deeply studies Taoism over the last few years, and consider myself a Taoist as well. This doesn't contradict my Christianity -- rather, I see the author of the Tao Te Ching as a prophet of Christ in ancient China. The Taoist writings are deeply connected to the Truth in Jesus. I consider myself very religious/spiritual and pray and meditate on a daily basis.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
If you are a citizen, it is so extremely easy to get a photo ID. It's not an excuse.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
If you are a citizen, it is so extremely easy to get a photo ID. It's not an excuse.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
None. I believe the voting laws in my State are sufficient.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
None. I believe the voting laws in my State are sufficient.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I believe the perception of racism is a threat to security. There are many reasons Americans are divided, which any division will always be a threat to security. I do not believe these differences in political opinion and culture have anything to do with race. However, I believe the perception/narrative that these disagreements are racist prevent us from coming together and discussing solutions. Solutions which might cultivate cooperation and peace are prevented because too much of the conversation turns to race. In that way, racism poses a threat.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I believe the perception of racism is a threat to security. There are many reasons Americans are divided, which any division will always be a threat to security. I do not believe these differences in political opinion and culture have anything to do with race. However, I believe the perception/narrative that these disagreements are racist prevent us from coming together and discussing solutions. Solutions which might cultivate cooperation and peace are prevented because too much of the conversation turns to race. In that way, racism poses a threat.
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. The United States leads the world in eco-friendly industry, and it's not because of regulation. There are ways to work with corporations to help maximize their efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Too much regulation will have minimal effect for much to high a cost.
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. The United States leads the world in eco-friendly industry, and it's not because of regulation. There are ways to work with corporations to help maximize their efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Too much regulation will have minimal effect for much to high a cost.
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?
Government is meant to serve the people, to provide safety so that trade and business can flourish, as well as provide services to those in need. In this respect it should be a limited entity, and should provide services to those who need them without forcing regulation on those who do not.
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 believe being described as Moderate is not correct for my beliefs. I would consider myself Very Populist. I believe governments exist to serve to people. I have a number of deeply held beliefs I'm very passionate about, that I do not hear either conservatives or liberals discussing. I'm not in the middle, but I'm not with either of them either.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Government is meant to serve the people, to provide safety so that trade and business can flourish, as well as provide services to those in need. In this respect it should be a limited entity, and should provide services to those who need them without forcing regulation on those who do not.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I'm not sure how publicly available it is, but I actually wrote my undergraduate Honors Thesis at LSU on the subject of why the two-party system doesn't work. A lot of the thesis accurately describes my political beliefs -- my beliefs were the foundation of the topic. If you can find it, it's the best description of who I am in that sense.
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 believe being described as Moderate is not correct for my beliefs. I would consider myself Very Populist. I believe governments exist to serve to people. I have a number of deeply held beliefs I'm very passionate about, that I do not hear either conservatives or liberals discussing. I'm not in the middle, but I'm not with either of them either.
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.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I'm not sure how publicly available it is, but I actually wrote my undergraduate Honors Thesis at LSU on the subject of why the two-party system doesn't work. A lot of the thesis accurately describes my political beliefs -- my beliefs were the foundation of the topic. If you can find it, it's the best description of who I am in that sense.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
If elected my top three priorities are: 1) Reform education to promote trade schools 2) Reform criminal justice to promote education and employment to non-violent first offenders to reduce recidivism 3) Help local business flourish by reducing regulation and creating tax incentives.
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?
If elected my top three priorities are: 1) Reform education to promote trade schools 2) Reform criminal justice to promote education and employment to non-violent first offenders to reduce recidivism 3) Help local business flourish by reducing regulation and creating tax incentives.
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 agree with the caveat that the police departments should still be potentially liable if the policy is unlawful. I support qualified immunity but not sovereign immunity.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I support mental health receiving more funding, but police departments need far more funding than they already have, not less.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
I agree with the caveat that the police departments should still be potentially liable if the policy is unlawful. I support qualified immunity but not sovereign immunity.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I support mental health receiving more funding, but police departments need far more funding than they already have, not less.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None at all. In fact the current restrictions make the public less safe.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None at all. In fact the current restrictions make the public less safe.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Gambling should be limited to existing forms and should not be de-regulated or expanded.
Neutral
Children should be protected from sexualization on the internet, in public schools, and in the public libraries
Strongly Agree
Gambling should be limited to existing forms and should not be de-regulated or expanded.
Neutral
Children should be protected from sexualization on the internet, in public schools, and in the public libraries
Strongly Agree
