Hunter Abell
Republican | Washington
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Hunter Abell
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 7 - Pos. 2
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Inchelium High School, Inchelium, HS, 1998
The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, BA, 2002
Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, WA, JD, 2005
Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, LLM, 2006
WORK & MILITARY
United States Navy, Commander, 20
Williams Kastner & Gibbs, PLLC, Attorney, 14
Ferry County District Court, Judge, .5
AFFILIATIONS
Inchelium Community Church, Member (3 years)
United States Navy League, Board Member (3 years)
Ferry County Republican Party, Vice Chair (1 year)
Ferry County Republican Party, Precinct Committee Officer (3 years)
Rob McKenna for Governor, Volunteer - Vets for McKenna Coalition
George Nethercutt for Senate, Volunteer
The College of Willliam & Mary College Republicans, Chair (1 year)
Gonzaga University School of Law Board of Advisors, Member (6 years)
Washington State Bar Association, President (1 year), President-Elect (1 year), Board Member (3 years)
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Ferry County Republican Party Vice Chair, 1 year
Republican Party Precinct Committee Officer, 3 years
Ferry County District Court Judge, .5 years
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Sought appointment to 7th District Senate Vacancy upon retirement of former Senator Bob Morton in 2012., N/A
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (10)
Fmr. 7th Dist. State Representative Steve Fuhrman; Ferry County Sheriff Ray Maycumber; Ferry County Commissioner Zack Trudell; Ferry County Commissioner Robert Dean; Ferry County Assessor Rachel Siracuse
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2012); Reagan Fund (2012)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
Hunter Abell discuses his reasons for seeking office in 2024 in this article.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I am 100% pro-life, without exceptions. I realize that is not the current state of the law in Washington, and support any legislation that reduces the number of abortions. The argument that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits abortion merits additional academic research and legal review. My role model in advocating for the unborn is William Wilberforce, the UK statesman who dedicated much of his public service to abolitionist causes.
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).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
I believe our rights come from God. They are enshrined in our U.S. Constitution and Washington Constitution. Infringement of those rights, including the right to worship, is a grave matter and should be examined with close constitutional scrutiny. At the state level, the Governor has emergency authority interpreted by the courts to be broad. See Gonzales v. Inslee, No. 55915-3-II, Div. II, WA Ct. of Apps. Just because this power exists, however, does not mean it should be exercised.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
As a 20 year + US Navy veteran, I am keenly aware of, and take interest in, national security threats to our country. That includes the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Very important. Israel is a vital US ally in the Middle East, a democracy, and a crucial bulwark against terror. Moreover, as a Christian, I believe that God has an important role for the people of Israel.
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.
C.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccination requirements should be coupled with robust religious liberty exemptions that provide meaningful and genuine opportunities for believers to carry out their duties/studies in ways that do not contradict their faith.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What is your position on the minimum wage?
In general, I believe the market should set the wage. Washington has the highest minimum wage in the country, and I am greatly concerned that is particularly detrimental to small businesses in the 7th District.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The 7th District is a northern border district. Consequently, I am concerned about border issues on our northern border as well.
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
As a parent of two school-age daughters, our education system is of vital importance to me and my family.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I am a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights, and am a concealed carry pistol license holder. Firearm ownership is protected, both under the U.S. and Washington Constitutions. As such, restrictions on gun ownership should be carefully scrutinized to ensure constitutional sufficiency. I support existing prohibitions on gun ownership for those convicted of felonies, certain DV offenses, as well as those involuntarily committed for mental health treatment.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
I am concerned that our schools are soft targets. Ideally, teachers carrying firearms would be individuals who are prior military, prior law enforcement, or concealed pistol license holders.
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?
It is outlined in the Preamble to the United States Constitution: "in Order to form a more perfect Union, 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[...]" That purpose remains as vital today as it was in 1787.
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
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
I strongly agree that children must be protected and, as a former District Court Judge, I have experience protecting the most vulnerable in our society. I would also mention that the unborn, elderly, and victims of trafficking and abuse are also among our most vulnerable members of society and merit protection from danger.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
As a proud father of two daughters, I 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.
Strongly Agree
I believe in the traditional definition of marriage. Government efforts to redefine marriage, while applicable to the secular relationship, do not alter the traditional definition.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian. My faith is summarized in the Apostle's Creed. I recognize that I am fallen and in need of forgiveness. My values stem from the Bible, my upbringing on a ranch in rural eastern Washington, my service in the military, and my family.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
I am deeply concerned about this attempt to "end run" the constitutional amendment process.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is evil and wrong. Racist beliefs, if acted upon, may be used to justify acts of violence against fellow citizens, which could impact domestic security. As a man of faith, I believe that all are equal before God and the law.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
The institutions of the United States, while not perfect, have helped carry out the purposes of government, as outlined in the Preamble to the United States Constitution. Moreover, they have shown that they are able and willing to change and improve. It is part of the job of the Legislature to improve our institutions to better serve the public.
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.
A. C.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Hydro and nuclear. Congress is looking at an "all of the above" approach that will emphasize safe and efficient development of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. I believe that is a wise approach.
