Shirley Maia-Cusick

Republican | New Jersey

Candidate Profile

Conservative (Conditional)

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Shirley Maia-Cusick


Party

Republican


Election Year

2024


Election

Republican Primary


Race

U.S. Rep., Dist. 3


Incumbent

No


Links

Shirley Maia-Cusick websites FacebookXInstagramLinkedIn

EDUCATION

Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil, B.A. in Law, 1988-1992

WORK & MILITARY

Candidate did not provide

AFFILIATIONS

New Jersey Federation of Republican Women, member

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

Candidate did not provide

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

(Candidate did not provide)

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)

State Republican Party Organizations (2023)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)

OTHER INFORMATION

Shirley Maia Cusick completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection Survey in 2023

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

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?

In cases of rape, incest, and to save the life of the mother.

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?

Yes, I would stop sex-selective abortions, I would support a 15 week federal ban on abortion, I would prevent the transport of minors across state lines to have chemical or surgical abortions administered, and I would oppose abortion funding in the NDAA.


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?

The separation of church and state protects the church from the state; but the right of believers to influence public policy is essential. People have the inherent right bestowed by a God to engage in worship and practice their religion according to their own beliefs. It's essential that government refrain from enforcing laws or regulations that oppose this fundamental freedom.

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.

The U.S. has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. We are funding other countries to secure their border while ours is wide open. We must take care of our own house first!

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 United States' relationship with Israel is crucial due to our shared values of freedom, economic prosperity, strategic interests, and stability in the Middle East. We must support Israel's security and sovereignty.

What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?

The current Administration has placed greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion and "woke" agendas than maintaining military preparedness.


HEALTHCARE

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

Never; this should be an individual choice. I will always stand for medical freedom.

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.

Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary.


ECONOMY

What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?

I will oppose new taxes, cut federal spending, work for a balanced budget amendment, restore the full SALT deduction, oppose digital currency and support a monetary rule to preserve the value of the dollar.

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


IMMIGRATION

The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.

Strongly Agree

We need to finish the physical wall, secure our border, and empower Border Patrol and ICE to enforce immigration laws, not serve as glorified social workers.

Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?

Applicants who adhere to the law, possess a clean criminal record, and bring valuable skills to contribute to the US economy should be given the opportunity to immigrate to the United States.


EDUCATION

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.

Strongly Agree


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

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?

New restrictions are not necessary; the proper enforcement of current laws would be more than enough. Right to Carry should be expanded to a national reciprocity system.


JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY

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?

Conservative

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

The primary purpose of government is to safeguard individual freedoms, maintain law and order, and support economic prosperity through limited intervention and adherence to constitutional principles.

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


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

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

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I was born in Brazil to a traditional Christian family, I got my forward-looking ideas from my father and my religious grounding from my mother. From both, I inherited family values, honesty, integrity, and a solid work ethic. I am married to my husband, Bob, and have three daughters who gave me six beautiful grandchildren. My first American born grandson is currently serving as a U.S. Marine. He is willing to fight for his country but what is his country doing for his future? I want my America back -- the America I fell in love with when I immigrated here about 30 years ago. The America that was safe, extols family values, and built by Americans who respect each other. I want to restore the America I love for my children--and yours.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

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

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.

Strongly Disagree

What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

An all-of-the-above energy policy dominated in the short term by oil and gas but soon to be supplemented by geothermal and nuclear fusion.

If you are not already receiving our emails, stay up to date with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.

I agree to receive text messages at the phone number provided.