Forrest Jones
American Independent | California
Candidate Profile
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Forrest Jones
Party
American Independent
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Senator
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
College of the Sequoias, Visalia, AS Administration of Justice, 1998
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, BS Ag Business, 2001
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, MS Agriculture, 2011
WORK & MILITARY
California Army National Guard, Specialist, 1995 - 2004
AFFILIATIONS
Mineral King Preservation Society, Board Member, California Groundwater Association
Board Member & Area Representative, Farmersville High School FFA Advisory Board, Member
Grace Bible Church Visalia, Member, Food Safety Committee, Hartnell College
Member, Silver City Mutual Water Company, Secretary
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
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?
A potential circumstance may be when there are strong health concerns for 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?
No, the federal government does not have that power; it is a power reserved for the states.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Decrease income taxes. Move the federal government to a position where it behaves as outlined in the constitution in terms of taxation, etc.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Agree
We are all fiscally responsible for our decisions. However, the current American culture is such that it pushes people to pursue higher education even though they may not have an end goal, which results in sometimes frivolous or unusable degrees, at a cost of practical skills and jobs that create a functional society.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
No state-dictated religion. Each individual can pursue their individual understanding. This also means we will not remove certain religious texts that individuals choose to read in public institutions.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Businesses have the right to refuse services. Customers employ the right--daily--to patronize businesses they choose. Such is freedom of choice.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
None.
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.
Actually, D. I feel that the healthcare system benefits insurance companies at the detriment of human health. The exorbitant financial cost of healthcare has put it out of reach of the average citizen and made them rely on healthcare and insurance companies that serve the bottom line rather than actual health.
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.
C. The United States should focus on its own business before dictating to the world. The United States needs to be able to defend itself against all enemies, foreign and domestic. There are, however, things in the world we need to be able to combat.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
While the CCP is a direct threat, we are economically dependent on them. If we were not dependent, the threat would be mitigated.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The United States' relationship with all countries is important. From a government point of view, Israel is a sovereign ally and we should treat them as such.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
The decline is directly related to focusing on social issues as a priority over readiness.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
Our southern border is a judicial and social problem far more than it is a problem of physical security. The existing system of immigration needs to be properly utilized.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” --Emma Lazarus Those who contribute to society are always welcome. We need more immigration through legal channels and more follow-up, without taking desired local jobs.
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
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
This does not preclude civil unions for purposes of government equality.
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 believe in one God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, who came in bodily form, born of a literal virgin, and that I am not worthy of what He has given me. I believe that He sent us the Holy Spirit to teach us, and that He will return again.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
We are required to provide proof of residency to register; why would we not be required to prove who we are when voting?
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
Democracy, while a cool idea, leads to manipulation of masses. We are not a democracy and the Electoral College is one of the tools used to ensure that the need of the population as a whole is met.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Equality of opportunity is available for anyone who would put in the hard work and time. CRT seems to be more about people unwilling to invest but wanting an equality of outcome.
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
You cannot change your chromosomes. There are numerous instances where women have been put in danger because governments have allowed this behavior.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Disagree
Man does have an effect on the climate. Carbon dioxide benefits plants, which benefit us.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Nuclear power.
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?
Moderate
Fiscal Responsibility. Personal Responsibility. We should not borrow against our children's financial future. Nor do I think that we should dictate to individuals about their personal life choices.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Establish justice. Insure domestic tranquility. Provide for the common defense. Promote the general welfare (equality of opportunity).
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.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
States and local governments have given us ample examples of how this turns out.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None. The only barrier to a dictating, murderous government is an informed, armed, and rational electorate.
