Ben McCullough

Republican | Ohio

Candidate Profile

Moderate

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Ben McCullough


Party

Republican


Election Year

2024


Election

Republican Primary and U.S. House Dist. 6 Special Primary


Race

State Representative, Dist. 55


Incumbent

No


Links

Ben McCullough websites FacebookXInstagram

EDUCATION

Wright State University, Dayton, Master's, 2014

Wittenberg University, Springfield, Bachelor's, 2009

WORK & MILITARY

United States Army, SFC, 14

AFFILIATIONS

Team RWB (Day Chapter), Member, Wounded Warrior Project

Volunteer and Contributor, Dayton Paw Patrol, Contributor

Animal Friends Humane Society, Contributor, Humane Association of Warren County

Contributor, Buckeye Firearms Association, Member

National Rifle Association, Member, Ohio Farm Bureau

Member, Ohio Young Republican (Greater Dayton Chapter), Member

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

Candidate did not provide

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

State Representative OH 74th HD, 2006

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS


LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (3)

American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (2006)

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (2006)

Local, County, and District Democratic Organizations (2006)

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

I firmly believe that all preborn humans deserve protection, irrespective of circumstances. However, I recognize the necessity of abortion when it is crucial to saving the mother's life. This stance aims to balance the preservation of life with the acknowledgment of exceptional situations. We must also acknowledge that legislation alone cannot fully resolve the complex issue of abortion. We need to create a culture of life that extends beyond the act of birth.

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

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

Agree

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

Neutral


ECONOMY

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

Strongly Agree

Free enterprise and the right to private property are foundational pillars of a productive economic system. They empower individuals to innovate and contribute, fostering prosperity. These principles also uphold personal liberty, a cornerstone of any free country. Respecting property rights and encouraging free enterprise creates a dynamic society where innovation and individual initiative flourish, shaping a prosperous and free nation.

What is your position on the minimum wage?

I am committed to improving the well-being of all Ohio workers but recognize concerns about raising the minimum wage. Therefore, I advocate for thoughtful alternatives that are balanced, sustainable, and uplift both workers and businesses alike.

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

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

I staunchly advocate for religious freedom and liberty, firmly believing government interference in churches and other religious institutions should be minimized. Upholding the principles of individual freedom allows diverse religious practices to flourish without undue constraints. Maintaining a delicate balance is vital, ensuring a robust exercise of faith while respecting the autonomy of religious institutions from excessive government involvement.

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

Strongly Disagree

I believe individuals and businesses should not be required to offer services conflicting with their moral or religious convictions. Respecting diverse perspectives fosters a society where freedom of conscience is upheld, allowing individuals and businesses to operate in accordance with their deeply held values.


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.

Ohioans deserve a healthcare system that puts YOU and your doctor in control of your healthcare decisions, not the government. I advocate for market-driven solutions, fostering competition among insurers and empowering individuals for greater control over their healthcare decisions. My focus is on efficient reforms to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality care.

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

I understand and respect the concerns individuals may have about mandatory vaccination. Balancing public health and individual choice is essential to foster a society that prioritizes well-being while respecting personal beliefs.


NATIONAL SECURITY

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

Strongly Agree

The CCP poses a significant threat to the U.S., encompassing military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic realms. Beyond being the greatest external threat to the United States, the CCP poses a grave risk to democracy and freedom-loving nations worldwide, demanding heightened vigilance and strategic responses to protect shared values and global stability.

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

The United States' relationship with Israel is crucial, extending beyond being our main ally in the Middle East. As one of the region's sole democracies, Israel shares fundamental values, democratic principles, and beliefs with the U.S. This alliance strengthens regional stability and promotes shared commitments to freedom, democracy, and security.


IMMIGRATION

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

Strongly Agree

Securing the southern border requires a comprehensive and multilayered approach, combining physical infrastructure and advanced technologies. Adding to the wall and erecting barriers and obstacles are crucial steps. However, we must also beef up the CPB and provide them with the resources and tools to be successful in their mission. Utilizing intelligence gathering and sensor platforms, such as drones, further strengthens our ability to monitor and secure the border effectively.


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 believe in funding education by allowing dollars to follow the child and empowering parents to choose between public, private, or homeschooling. Competition is healthy, ensuring diverse options, yet I'm committed to strengthening our public school system, aiming for a balanced and effective educational landscape that prioritizes quality and choice.


VALUES

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

Strongly Agree

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

Strongly Agree

Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

Strongly Disagree

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

Neutral

As a conservative, I believe individuals, regardless of orientation, deserve the freedom to marry the person they love. The heartfelt pursuit of marriage equality within the LGBTQ+ community reflects a fundamental desire for the same rights and opportunities. Moreover, personal relationships, including marriage, are best left to the discretion of individuals and religious institutions rather than government regulation.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

As a Christian, my spiritual values guide me, emphasizing the importance of the Golden Rule - to treat others as we want to be treated. I also believe in standing up for those who have no voice and championing causes that often go unheard. I am committed to speaking the truth, even when it's unpopular and may bring personal challenges. Most importantly, I believe in defending and standing up for those who can't protect themselves.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

Voter identification helps to bolster the integrity of the electoral process. Accessible state-supplied IDs safeguard against potential fraud while guaranteeing everyone has the means to acquire proper identification, preserving the democratic principle of fair and secure elections.

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

Strongly Disagree

While imperfect, the Electoral College is a crucial element of our democratic process. It is vital in preserving the voice of smaller states and maintaining a fair electoral system. This safeguard helps prevent disproportionate influence from densely populated areas, ensuring a balanced representation that aligns with the federal structure of the United States.


EQUALITY

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

While I don't see racism as a threat to our domestic security, I acknowledge existing issues where fellow citizens face unequal treatment. Not only is this discouraging, it is wrong. The strength of our state and nation lies in the individual, and it is crucial to honor every person's dignity, freedom, ability, and responsibility. Recognizing disparities exist allows us to work collectively towards a society where all Ohioans and Americans enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

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

Strongly Disagree

While I don't support CRT and reject the idea that the U.S. is fundamentally racist, I acknowledge our historical imperfections. America, though flawed, stands as the greatest country, embodying democratic ideals, individual freedoms, and innovation. Our commitment to justice, opportunity, and diversity sets us apart. The notion of a "shining city on a hill" reflects the aspiration to serve as a beacon of hope, progress, and leadership for ourselves and the world.

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.

Stricter environmental laws and regulations have led to job losses, harming our economy and undermining U.S. energy independence. However, recognizing our climate is changing, I emphasize the need to balance environmental protection with economic considerations. Any future environmental laws must be based on fact and reality to enhance resource stewardship and environmental care without jeopardizing economic vitality.

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

We are blessed to live in a state with abundant natural resources. It is time for our state to develop and unleash its full energy potential. Let’s start relying on the Midwest and not the Middle East.


ABOUT YOU

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

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

The government's general purpose is to safeguard individual freedoms, maintain order, provide for the nation's defense, protect property rights, and ensure a limited role in citizens' lives. I believe it is people - not government - that God grants power to make a difference in the world. The strength of our state and nation lies in the individual, and each person's dignity, freedom, ability, and responsibility must be honored.

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

I consider myself to be a conservative on most economic and social issues. However, I firmly believe our country's defense and foreign policies should transcend partisan lines. These crucial policies must align with the national interest, prioritizing what is best for our country rather than adhering to conservative or liberal ideologies. A pragmatic, non-partisan approach ensures the effectiveness and strength of our defense and global engagement.


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.

Strongly Disagree

Politicizing public safety makes no one safer. Instead of politicizing public safety, we should be willing to listen to the people who are on the street and doing the real work. When talking with law enforcement officers from around the area, I find a vast majority of them want to be a part of the solution to the challenges and problems they face. I am fully committed to those who wear the badge and put their lives on the line every day for our communities.


2ND AMENDMENT

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

Upholding public safety is a main priority of mine, and I support measures preventing firearms access for felons, criminals, and illegal immigrants. The best defense is the right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms to protect themselves, their family, and their property. Most of the legislation proposed by the left on this issue is only "feel good" legislation that actually doesn't do any good. Worse, it penalizes law-abiding citizens and does little to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?

Yes

I support House Bill 99 (which went into effect on 9/12/2022), as it grants local boards of education the authority to decide whether teachers and school workers can carry firearms. This allows for tailored approaches to enhance school security based on local needs and considerations.

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