Deva Simmons

Neutral

I believe every human life has inherent value and deserves dignity and respect. However, I do not believe it is appropriate for the government to define when life begins at conception or to impose that belief on every individual. I also believe in protecting life through natural death and oppose the death penalty. My approach is grounded in respect for life, individual liberty, compassion, and the Constitution.

Neutral

I believe decisions involving embryos deserve serious ethical consideration. However, I do not believe the government should automatically assign embryos created through artificial methods the same legal status as a born human being. Reproductive decisions involving IVF and other medical technologies should be made by individuals in consultation with qualified medical professionals. These are deeply personal and complex decisions that should be approached with compassion and respect.

I believe decisions regarding elective abortion should ultimately be made between the individual, their family when appropriate, and qualified medical professionals. Every situation is different, and government should not impose a one-size-fits-all decision on individuals facing deeply personal circumstances. In cases involving minors, parental or legal guardian involvement should be required as provided by law.

Neutral

Taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund elective abortions. Organizations such as Planned Parenthood provide women with many important healthcare services, including preventive care, gynecological services, cancer screenings, contraception, and other essential health services. Public funds should be used only for the healthcare services for which they are authorized and intended, with accountability and transparency.

Neutral

I believe laws should be enforced consistently, not selectively. If the Comstock Act is to be enforced, we must apply the same standard to all applicable interstate laws and respect the Constitution in its entirety. We cannot pick and choose which laws or constitutional provisions we follow based on political preference. Laws should be applied fairly, consistently, and constitutionally.

Agree

Agree

Too many wealthy individuals and corporations take advantage of tax loopholes that allow them to avoid paying what they reasonably owe. I believe those who can afford to contribute more should pay their fair share. Closing loopholes and ensuring everyone pays a fair share can help reduce the burden on working families, strengthen our economy, and help address our nation’s growing debt.

Agree

1.Close tax loopholes so billionaires and corporations pay their fair share instead of shifting the burden to working families. 2.Strengthen Social Security by eliminating the payroll-tax cap on higher earners to help extend its solvency. 3.Establish congressional term limits to increase accountability and reduce opportunities for elected officials to use public office for personal financial gain. 4.Conduct independent audits to eliminate wasteful, duplicative, and unnecessary spending.

Disagree

I believe individuals and private businesses should have the freedom to practice their sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. Government should not force someone to violate those beliefs. However, businesses must still follow applicable anti-discrimination laws. Likewise, customers have the constitutional right to make their own choices, including boycotting a business whose practices they disagree with. Freedom must work both ways.

To me, separation of church and state means government should not establish a religion, dictate how or whom people worship, or interfere with the free exercise of religion. At the same time, religious organizations and individuals should be free to practice their faith and express their beliefs without government retribution simply because they disagree with government policy. It protects religious freedom for everyone.

I believe every American deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare, regardless of income, or where they live. This includes protecting programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and ensuring families receive the care they need without facing financial hardship. My role is not to make personal medical decisions for families, but to ensure people have access to affordable healthcare, protecting patient privacy, and supporting policies that improve health outcomes for everyone.

Disagree

I believe the United States should prioritize the safety, security, economic stability, and well-being of the American people. We should respect the sovereignty of other nations and avoid unnecessary involvement in foreign conflicts. However, America must remain prepared to act when our national security or sovereignty is genuinely threatened. Diplomacy should be our first approach, with military action reserved for situations where it is necessary to protect American lives and interests.

Agree

I believe the Chinese Communist Party presents serious military, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and economic challenges to the United States. At the same time, our countries have significant economic ties, and American consumers and businesses rely on goods imported from China. We should address legitimate security threats while pursuing responsible trade and reducing dangerous dependencies without unnecessarily harming American families and businesses.

The relationship between the United States and Israel has historically been important for security, economic, and strategic reasons. However, our relationship should not prevent the United States from making independent decisions based on American interests, constitutional principles, and the protection of innocent lives. We should support our allies while also pursuing diplomacy and working to prevent unnecessary escalation and prolonged conflict.

Agree

Any form of terrorism is a threat to U.S. national security, whether foreign or domestic. We must address threats based on actions and credible intelligence, not stereotypes or religious identity. Protecting Americans requires strong national security, effective intelligence, cooperation with our allies, and holding those who commit acts of terrorism accountable under the law.

I believe immigration decisions should be governed by the laws established by Congress and administered fairly by the agencies and courts responsible for enforcing those laws. My role is not to personally determine who deserves to immigrate. We need a lawful, orderly, and humane immigration system that provides appropriate pathways to citizenship while protecting our national security and respecting due process.

Neutral

I believe everyone, regardless of immigration status, should be protected from unlawful actions and afforded due process under the Constitution. I do not believe government should create policies that place anyone above the law, nor should anyone be denied their constitutional rights. Immigration laws should be enforced fairly, while respecting due process and the rule of law.

Disagree

I believe we need national education standards to ensure every child has access to a quality education, regardless of where they live. States and local communities should have the flexibility to implement those standards based on the needs of their students. Every child learns differently, thinks differently, and deserves the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. Education should prepare every child for a successful future.

Agree

Neutral

I believe decisions involving children should prioritize their safety, well-being, and best interests, with parents or legal guardians and qualified medical and mental-health professionals involved. I would not label every situation involving a child's gender identity as child abuse. However, any medical intervention involving a minor should be approached with great care, appropriate safeguards, and informed parental and professional involvement.

Neutral

I respect that marriage is a sacred and God-ordained institution for many people, and I have my own personal beliefs about marriage. However, my personal beliefs and what the law states are two different things. As an elected official, my responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and follow the laws of the United States, regardless of my personal views. Government must govern according to the law, not individual religious beliefs.

I believe in God and in Jesus Christ, His Son, who gave His life for my sins and for the salvation of the world. My faith is grounded in love, grace, forgiveness, compassion, service, and treating others with dignity and respect. I believe there is a Heaven and a Hell, and I strive to live my life according to the teachings of Christ. John 3:16–17 are foundational to my faith.

Disagree

Agree

I believe women and girls should have the right to participate in women’s sports and use women’s spaces without restrictions based on their biological sex. Privacy, safety, fairness, and dignity matter, particularly in bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, sorority housing, and correctional facilities. Policies should protect women while treating every person with dignity and respect.

I believe solar, wind, and other sustainable energy resources can meet our growing electricity needs. We cannot delay investing in cleaner energy, as our communities and economy are increasingly at risk from natural disasters--we must act now.

No

No

Choose not to answer

My views on individual issues consistently bring me back to two principles: serving people and following the Constitution. I do not consider myself to be any of the listed political labels. My loyalty is to the people I seek to serve, not to a political party or ideology. I will always put people first, uphold the Constitution, and work to move our country forward.

Strongly Agree

I believe protecting children from sexual exploitation is the responsibility of everyone—parents, families, communities, technology companies, law enforcement, and government. Children deserve protection from exploitation in every environment, whether online or in person. We must work together to prevent abuse, hold perpetrators accountable, and create safe environments where children can grow and thrive.

I believe the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms. However, public safety requires reasonable safeguards, including comprehensive background checks for firearm purchases. Individuals convicted of violent crimes should have restrictions on firearm ownership, with a fair process to petition for restoration of their rights after completing their sentence and demonstrating rehabilitation.