Max Engling
Republican | Indiana
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Max Engling
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 5
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, Bachelors, 2010
U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI, Masters, 2020
WORK & MILITARY
Speaker Kevin McCarthy, U.S. House of Representatives, Director of Member Services, 4
Committee on House Administration, U.S. House of Representatives, Professional Staff / Commission Staff Director, 8
Ruth's Chris (2nd job at night - simultaneous with the Committee on House Administration), Server, 3
Facilities Management LLC, Office Manager / Sales, 2
Summit Construction (Community Hospital North), Laborer, 1
Morton Buildings, Quality Control Analyst, 3
AFFILIATIONS
Indiana Right to Life / Capitol Hill Crisis Pregnancy Center / Safe Haven Baby Boxes / Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, Member/Contributor/Volunteer, American Family Association of Indiana / Indiana Family Institute
Contributor, Harbour Shores Church / Cherrydale Baptist Church - Young Adults / College / Youth / Children's / Sports / Theology / Men's Ministry, Leader/Member/Contributor
FishersOne / Carmel Excellence (Conservative School Board), Contributor/Volunteer, Mike Pence for Congress / Jon Elrod for Congress / Darin LaHood for Congress / Dan Lungren for Congress
Volunteer, IUPUI College Republicans, Leader
GOP clubs across Hamilton, Tipton, Howard, Grant, Madison, and Delaware Counties, Member/Contributor/Volunteer, Mitch Daniels for Governor
Volunteer, Volunteer Fishers, Volunteer
Marion County Republican Central Committee, Intern
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Not a career politician, None
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Republican Convention Delegate, Cicero, IN, 2008
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (3)
Kevin McCarthy
Republican Main Street Partnership PAC
Virginia Foxx
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
Republican Main Street Partnership (Conservative Fiscal Issues)
Dr. Virginia Foxx, Chairwoman, Committee on Education and the Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, US House of Representatives
John DeLucia, Fishers City Council
Numerous Members of the US House of Representatives have supported my campaign
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2023)
WinRed (2023)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (24)
Be Victorious Over Democrats PAC (2024)
Chuck Edwards (2024)
Dependable Conservative Leadership PAC (2024)
Abraham Lincoln PAC (2023)
Bold Active Conservatives of Nebraska (Bacon PAC) (2023)
OTHER INFORMATION
Max Engling completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023.
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
Absolutely - Congress must protect the Hyde Amendment at the Federal level (no taxpayer funding of abortion). The Democrats are getting more and more sophisticated at trying to kill this provision. We need a Representative that understand what Democrats are trying to do and how they're trying to do it, and then can actively work to stop them. I've seen the Democrats in action and can immediately push back on them.
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
All major medical procedures and pharmaceuticals should meet essential safety standards. Democrats are so entrenched in abortion politics that they are ok with sending chemical abortion drugs with no guarantee that they meet basic safety standards and with no direct regard for the woman's specific health and wellness. They have prioritized abortion over safety.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Every child is made in the image of God and should be protected at all stages of life. Elective abortion is never the answer and should not be allowed. In the case of "life of the mother," the mother must clearly be protected and saved. Doctors can deliver or remove the baby to save the mother's life and still attempt to save the baby at the same time, negating the need for elective abortion. I don't believe an ectopic pregnancy procedure is an "elective abortion."
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?
I was outside the Supreme Court when Roe v. Wade was overturned and was overjoyed to see the responsibility to protect life given back to the people. At the Federal level there is a responsibility to pass the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Act, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, and limits to the extreme positions of liberal states like New York and California, amongst other legislation. The power rests back with the people and they must wield it through both their state and federal representatives.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
I have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge to not raise taxes. I will work to, 1) make Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent before it expires in 2025 (to keep taxes down), 2) simplify and flatten the tax code, and 3) repeal the estate tax.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
The Biden Administration is forcing people without college degrees to pay for the debt of people with college degrees via their tax dollars. If you took out a loan, it is your responsibility to pay back that loan. Student loan forgiveness will further increase inflation and our untenable national debt crisis while incentivizing schools to continue raising tuition. I worked 40-55+ hours all through college so that I would not have student debt and many Americans are in the same position.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
No. The investment firm's responsibility is to maximize returns for investors, not virtue signaling on liberal issues. This is especially true when it comes to public dollars where the "investors" have limited or no control of the investments.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means that the government should not create an "official religion." It does not mean that religion must be removed from government or public life. When Thomas Jefferson wrote his letter to the Danbury Baptists discussing a "wall of separation between church and state" it was intended to protect religious freedom and practice, not restrict religion and/or religious practice in public life.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
The government should never force individuals or businesses to violate their moral and/or religious beliefs - to do so would be a violation of the first amendment right to free exercise of religion. I watched our family friend (who owned a pharmacy) stand up to IL Gov. Blagojevich when he mandated that all pharmacies must stock and sell over the counter abortion drugs. Our friend objected as a Christian and took the case to the Illinois Supreme Court and won - his fight made an impact on me.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Government should not require vaccinations, full stop. Schools should not require vaccinations. They can encourage vaccinations for the tested childhood shots. Employers should not require vaccinations. They can encourage or incentivize vaccinations.
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.
The closest answer is C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. Healthcare policy issues go much deeper than this (eg affordability, access, transparency, surprise billing, VA healthcare, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, etc), but of the options listed, I am closest to answer C.
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.
The closest answer is 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. I have traveled, met, and talked with leaders and heads of state in Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan in the last two years. The United States must pick its battles carefully - ensuring that American welfare is the primary goal and any foreign engagement is directly related to thwarting imminent danger or escalation.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
The US must remove Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ties to America by banning Confucius Institutes in universities, banning and pulling back Chinese state ownership of land, and thoroughly reviewing China's actions as a currency manipulator. Protections must be put in place to stop CCP theft of military intelligence and intellectual property.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, as a Christian I believe Israel and the Jewish people hold a special place in world and Biblical history and should be respected and secured. Politically, the United States allied relationship with Israel is the longest in the middle east and provides vital mitigation to threats in the region.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
There are a number of causes for this decline, here are a few, 1) forced COVID vaccinations, 2) disrespect for authority and a negative view of patriotism pushed by the left, 3) poor physical fitness and mental health amongst potential candidates, 4) disqualifiers (criminal history, medical issues, drug use), 5) recruitment commercials and tactics that pander to the liberal left instead of emphasizing patriotism and teamwork, 6) shrinking pool of recruits/family units with a desire to serve.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I have been to the border 2x recently - both in AZ and TX. It is an unmitigated disaster and an immediate threat to our national security. Drugs, Crime, human trafficking, and illegal immigrants (including some on the terrorist watch list) are pouring across the border. I have the experience to help secure the border on day one. We must stop the incentives drawing migrants up (debit cards, hotels, etc), finish building the wall, fully resource border agents, and deport illegal immigrants.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
With a slowing birthrate, the US will continue to need legal immigration. However, what is happening at the border right now must be stopped. After our border is secured and deportation of illegal aliens has begun, legal immigrants who have been vetted for criminal backgrounds and who have work visas for specific jobs may be allowed in on a limited basis. The immigration system must tighten its vetting process and cut the bureaucracy to add additional transparency and scrutiny to the process.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Parents are the primary caregiver, protector, and educator of their children. They should have the right to put their children in whatever school best fits the learning style of each child and the parent's tax dollars should follow. A strong education should be expected and supported no matter which option is selected. Vouchers must be optional. Many homeschool families, like my own, prefer to decline any funds to ensure the government does not add negative requirements to home curriculums.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
Agreed - the responsibility of educating students must be pushed back to the states. Congress will have to take an active role in this process, and we need Members that agree the DOE needs to be closed and understand the mechanism of Washington in order to actually accomplish it. I am the only candidate in this race with the experience and drive to hit the ground running on these efforts.
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
Agreed - marriage is a covenant established and declared by the Bible.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
I am blessed to be the father of four beautiful children. Our kids must be protected at all costs. Gender confusion is a mental health crisis and must be treated as such and not celebrated. No child should be intentionally exposed to gender ideology confusion and they should never be encouraged or assisted down this path. Caring for the health and wellness of children is a primary responsibility, not sowing confusion and encouraging deviance. Bodily mutilation of children must be outlawed.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer funds should never be expended to provide gender transitions. This is a mental health crisis that should not be encouraged and certainly not with taxpayer funds.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian, Husband, Father, and Conservative. I was raised as one of 8 children in a Christian household and my wife Kelcey and I seek to raise our children with a strong understanding of God and the Bible - and pray that they take hold and have a relationship with Jesus Christ themselves. Our family attends Harbour Shores Church in Cicero, IN, where we actively invest our time and energy - my relationship with God is the single-most important thing in my life. I recognize that the Bible is our source of truth and our country was founded on Judeo-Christian values. This foundation makes it clear that our rights are given to us by God and the constitution is in place to protect our rights from the government.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Voting with a photo ID is a basic step to make our elections more secure, reliable, and transparent. Identification is needed for many day-to-day activities and voting must be one of them. In addition, blanket mailing of absentee ballots should not be allowed and voter registration lists should be regularly reviewed for outdated or fraudulent information/registrations. I will introduce legislation requiring states to notify each other when a new voter is registered after moving between states.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
Abolishing the electoral college would give an outsized role (possibly the only role) in electing a president to urban and heavily populated regions of the country. Presidential candidates would have little to no incentive to campaign in rural regions or sparsely populated states. The electoral college aids in preventing what the framers called the "tyranny of the majority."
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
CRT teaches that society is systemically racist - this a misguided philosophy that is primarily taught in school through Social Emotional Learning (a learning style that can prioritize how a child feels about or emotionally responds to a subject rather than education on the subject itself). The institutions in the United States are not 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.
Strongly Agree
Women are women. Men are men. We have been created one way biologically and cannot change to another sex. To protect women and girls, biological males must not be allowed in private female spaces or to participate in female-only sports. This should not be controversial, and I will stand up at every instance to ensure that we protect women's rights, privacy, and competition. Gender confusion is a mental health crisis and must be treated as such and not coddled or promoted.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Disagree
We are called to be good stewards of creation and responsibly govern the earth and its resources for future generations. However, that doesn't mean we should expend large amounts of money and resources, severely hamper our economy, and harm families while trying to achieve an unknown goal. It does not require urgent action by the United States, especially when China, Russia, and India continue to pollute with no consequences.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
We need energy that is affordable and reliable. The cheapest and most reliable energy sources for electricity are American oil, liquified natural gas, and coal. Small modular reactors have future potential if the market gets there on its own.
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?
Very Conservative
The founding fathers built a government that was limited and left most power with the states. I believe we need to reduce the size and reach of the federal government and push as much responsibility as possible down to the states. I have direct experience in not only fighting for conservative policy, but also building the coalitions and working groups necessary to actually achieve our shared conservative goals. We don't have time to waste, I am ready to win for conservatives on day one.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The role of government is to protect liberty and freedom for all Americans. It is to ensure the God-given rights of citizens, to "establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." (Constitution, preamble).
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
Packing the court will have severely detrimental effects and will start an escalating battle of adding additional seats. Packing the court will dilute the role of the court and will eventually delegitimize the court.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
Police departments must be fully funded - no funds should be redirected. Additionally, prosecutors must be held accountable and required to fully enforce the law. We must rebuild a culture of support and respect for law enforcement that liberals in Washington have been trying to break down for years.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
No new restrictions on gun ownership are necessary - the current laws should be enforced and some restrictions should be rolled back. I believe that law-abiding citizens should not be vilified for protecting themselves and their families, and that the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution should be protected at all costs. The 1st Amendment is guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment, and both are key to ensuring our democracy.
