Joseph "Joe" Melendez

Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

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.

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

What is your position on the minimum wage?

Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

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.

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

The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.

Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?

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

The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.

Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.

Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.

Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.

Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

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.

Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.

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

Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

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?

I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?