Colby (Bear) Hammonds

Republican | North Carolina

Candidate Profile

Leans Conservative

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Colby (Bear) Hammonds


Party

Republican


Election Year

2024


Election

Primary


Race

Commissioner of Agriculture


Incumbent

No


Links

Colby (Bear) Hammonds websites FacebookXInstagram

EDUCATION

North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, BS Animal Science, 1998

Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, Master of Trust & Wealth, 2008

North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, Master of Business Administration, 2021

North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, Graduate Certificate in Marketing, 2021

United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA, Master of Strategic Studies, 2021

WORK & MILITARY

United States Army, Colonel, 33

AFFILIATIONS

Big Brother Big Sister of America, Mentor, Boy Scouts of America, Pack 75

Den Leader, Finance Committee Chairman, Wake County Farm Bureau, Board Member

American Dexter Cattle Association, Pedigree & Genetics Committee Member, North Carolina Cattlemen's Association

Member, North Carolina Pork Council, Member

Hope Community Church of Apex, NC, Member

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

None

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

None

ENDORSEMENTS

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)

My Mother

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

I generally believe in promoting the sanctity of life and minimizing abortion. However, there are certain circumstances where elective abortion could be considered, such as Life-Threatening Situations and severe Fetal Abnormalities, Rape or Incest. The overall goal should be to minimize elective abortions and promote alternatives such as adoption. We must recognize the need for compassion and flexibility in certain difficult situations.

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.

Agree

Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards to protect the health and well-being of women. Requiring an in-person consultation with a medical doctor is a reasonable and responsible measure to ensure that individuals considering chemical abortion are fully informed about the procedure and its potential risks. Reporting and gathering evidence on reactions and outcomes are essential for monitoring the safety and efficacy of these drugs.

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

Agree

I believe in individual freedom and the right to make deeply personal decisions about one's own life, especially in situations of terminal illness and unbearable suffering. These laws provide a legal framework that allows individuals, in consultation with their doctors, to make a deeply personal choice about how they want to face the end of their life. It's about respecting the autonomy and dignity of individuals going through immense pain and/or suffering.

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

Strongly Agree

Abortion providers should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments, including Title X grants. Public funds should not be used to support abortion services; this can be seen as direct or indirect support for a practice that many people find morally objectionable. It's crucial to allocate public funds in ways that align with the values and priorities of the taxpayers while ensuring that individuals can access essential healthcare services through alternative providers.


ECONOMY

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

Strongly Agree

Strongly Agree. Free enterprise and the right to private property drive innovation, nurture entrepreneurship, and safeguard individual freedoms. Defending these principles is imperative for cultivating economic growth and prosperity. As a business owner and farmer, I understand the responsibility for meeting payroll and have felt the pain of eminent domain land grabs by government agencies. Free enterprise and the right to private property are fundamental pillars of a thriving economic system.

What is your position on the minimum wage?

Minimum wage should be set at a level that allows individuals to earn a fair wage for their work while also considering the potential economic consequence. Supply and demand in the labor market should determine wage rates.

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

No

When it comes to public investment decisions, the primary focus should be fiscal responsibility and maximizing the return on taxpayer dollars. We must prioritize investments to enhance our state's financial stability, foster economic growth, and generate the resources necessary to address environmental and social challenges. Making investments solely based on ESG ratings can sometimes lead to suboptimal financial outcomes and may not always align with the best interests of our citizens.


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

Religious freedom, protected by the First Amendment, is fundamental. The government should only close or restrict churches in extreme cases, like imminent public health threats. The COVID-19 pandemic in North Carolina, from 2020 to 2022, did not warrant "imminent public health threats" to allow interference with our religious freedom. Churches could separate personnel, the science was unfounded, and the church closures did more harm than good.

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

Strongly Disagree

I believe in protecting individual and business owners' rights to adhere to their moral and religious beliefs. Compelling them to provide services that violate these beliefs infringes upon their freedom of conscience and religious liberty. If a consumer and business owner's moral beliefs do not align, the consumer should vote by taking their money elsewhere. We should seek a balance that respects these rights while ensuring access to essential services for all.

Should religious schools which accept state funds be allowed to only admit families and students who agree to adhere to their statement of faith?

Yes

Religious schools that receive state funds should be free to maintain their religious identity, including admitting families and students who align with their statement of faith. It's important to uphold religious liberty while ensuring transparency about admission criteria to allow parents to make informed choices for their children's education.


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) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.

B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. // Taxpayer-funded programs must only cover basic requirements. Levels of private vs. government-provided healthcare should prioritize individual choice, competition, and innovation. The government can play a role in ensuring access and providing a safety net; a predominantly private system allows for market-driven solutions, quality healthcare, and patient choice.

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

I do not support mandated vaccinations. I believe in preserving individual freedoms and personal choice when it comes to medical decisions. I advocate for informed consent and the right to make individual healthcare decisions.


NATIONAL SECURITY

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

Strongly Agree

I wholeheartedly share the concerns about the Chinese Communist Party's threats to our national security, intellectual property, and global economy. With over 33 years of service in the US Army and retiring as a Colonel, I believe we must take decisive action. We must prioritize a robust national defense, bolster cybersecurity measures, safeguard American intellectual property, and enforce equitable trade practices to vigorously protect our interests and effectively counter these threats.

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

Yes. United States' relationship with Israel is vitally important. Israel is a longstanding ally and democracy in a region of instability. Our alliance strengthens regional stability, promotes shared values, and bolsters our national security interests. Supporting Israel is crucial for fostering peace and security in the Middle East and advancing American values in the world. I've trained alongside Israeli soldiers as a military officer with over 33 years of service. They are our best allies.


EDUCATION

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.

Strongly Agree

I firmly believe in a system where education funding follows the child, allowing parents to choose the best educational path for their children, whether it's a public, private, or homeschool setting. This approach promotes parental choice, competition, and innovation, ultimately leading to better student and family outcomes. Empowering parents in making the best educational decisions for their children's future is essential.


VALUES

Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

Strongly Disagree

No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent unless an emergency situation arises risking immediate death.

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

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 should not be limited to just one man and one woman. In my view, God's love is all-encompassing and extends to people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and sexual orientations. Throughout my 33 years of military service, I have had the privilege of working alongside remarkable gay and lesbian Americans and soldiers. It is my conviction that same-sex marriages have the same capacity to create stable, loving, and conservative family environments as any effective heterosexual couples.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I was born and raised in a Southern Baptist church and have continued my affiliation with Christian churches throughout my life, even during my military service. I've always supported the religious needs of my fellow troops, regardless of their faith. When I started a family, my wife and I discussed our religious and spiritual beliefs early on. We now regularly attend Hope Community Church. I make it a point to pray with my kids every night before they go to bed, and they sometimes lead our dinner prayers. In farming, spirituality plays a significant role. Sometimes, seeking guidance through prayer is essential for raising a successful crop or nurturing a strong family.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

Voting absentee by mail ballot should be limited to those meeting at least one of the following criteria: 1) 65 years of age or older on Election Day, 2) sick or disabled, 3) expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day, or 4) confirmed to be absent from the county of registration during voting.

Strongly Agree


EQUALITY

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

No. Racism is a concerning issue; I would argue that it's not a direct threat to domestic security in the same way as other security concerns like terrorism or cyberattacks. I don't believe that racism is exclusive to any particular group, including white Americans. It's a problem that can manifest in various forms and among people of different racial classifications. It does have a destabilizing effect on social cohesion and can lead to unrest or tensions that indirectly impact security.

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

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.

C). Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter the development of reliable electricity sources.


ABOUT YOU

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

The general purpose of government is to protect individual rights and liberties, maintain law and order, provide for the common defense, and ensure a framework for a free-market economy. The government should serve as a limited and accountable entity that supports a thriving society while respecting the autonomy and choices of its citizens.

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

No

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

No

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


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.

Strongly Disagree

Redirecting funds from police departments to community programs risks undermining public safety. Upholding the rule of law is crucial for community stability. A robust community-based police department, comprised of officers who reside in the community, is vital. We must prioritize both effective policing and investment in community initiatives. A balanced approach is more effective in addressing root issues without jeopardizing safety.


2ND AMENDMENT

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

Our priorities should include robust enforcement of existing gun laws, enhancing background checks to prevent firearm access for individuals with criminal histories, mental health issues, or domestic violence records, and addressing the problem of illegal gun trafficking. It is crucial to cautiously approach any potential restrictions on law-abiding citizens' Second Amendment rights, always mindful of the need to balance public safety and individual rights.

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