

John Snow
Democrat | Washington
Candidate Profile
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
John Snow
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
State Senator, Dist. 39
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, MD, AA, 2017
Columbia College, Springfield, MO, BA, 2024
WORK & MILITARY
US Navy, E6 - Petty Officer First Class, 14
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (1)
Snohomish County Democrats
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (2)
Snohomish County Democrats
Washington 39th Legislative District Democrats
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe that the decision to have an elective abortion should be a personal one, made by the woman in consultation with her healthcare provider and anyone else she chooses to involve. It's not the government's place to interfere in such a deeply personal decision. Women should have the autonomy to make choices about their own bodies and healthcare without unnecessary restrictions or barriers.
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, including in-person consultations with a medical doctor, to ensure the health and well-being of individuals. Reporting on reactions and outcomes is vital to gather evidence and improve safety protocols. These standards should ensure safety without creating unnecessary barriers to access, maintaining respect for privacy and autonomy in healthcare decisions.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, offer essential healthcare services such as cancer screenings, contraception, and general reproductive health care. These services are vital for many communities, especially underserved populations. Cutting taxpayer funding would negatively impact access to comprehensive healthcare. It's important to support these providers to ensure everyone has access to necessary medical care.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws that provide terminally ill patients with the option to end their suffering on their own terms. These laws include strict safeguards to ensure informed and voluntary decisions, protecting patients' rights while respecting their autonomy. Access to compassionate end-of-life care, including the option for assisted dying, is a crucial aspect of personal freedom and dignity.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential for fostering innovation, productivity, and economic growth. They encourage entrepreneurship and allow individuals to build and benefit from their own efforts. However, it's important to ensure these elements are balanced with regulations that protect workers, consumers, and the environment, promoting fairness and sustainability in the economy.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I support raising the minimum wage to ensure workers earn a living wage that meets the cost of living. This helps reduce poverty, boosts the economy through increased consumer spending, and promotes fair income distribution.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings should be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies. Investing in companies with strong ESG practices promotes sustainable and ethical business practices, addresses climate change, and supports social responsibility. This approach not only aligns investments with public values but also mitigates long-term financial risks and fosters a more sustainable and just economy.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Government should only close churches under exceptional circumstances where public health and safety are at significant risk, such as during pandemics or natural disasters. Any closures should be temporary, transparent, and based on scientific evidence to ensure the protection of public health while respecting religious freedom.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
While it is important to respect individual moral and religious beliefs, businesses that serve the public should not discriminate against customers. There must be a balance that protects the rights of all individuals to access services without facing discrimination, while also considering the rights of individuals to hold personal beliefs. Legal frameworks should aim to find this balance, ensuring fairness and equality in public services.
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) I believe in a system where government-funded healthcare is available to everyone, ensuring that all individuals have access to essential medical services. At the same time, maintaining private healthcare options allows for choice and flexibility, catering to diverse needs and preferences. This approach balances universal coverage with personal freedom, aiming to create an inclusive and effective healthcare system.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations should be required by governments, schools, or employers during significant public health risks, like disease outbreaks, based on scientific evidence. These requirements protect public health.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
The Chinese Communist Party poses significant threats to the United States in military, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and global economic areas. Addressing these threats requires a comprehensive strategy that includes diplomatic, economic, and defense measures to protect national interests and maintain global stability.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
This relationship is vital for promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and supporting democratic values and human rights. However, it is crucial to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and human rights violations. The U.S. must advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ensuring justice and security for all, and oppose any acts of genocide or human rights abuses in the region.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Neutral
While border security is important for national safety, a comprehensive immigration policy should include not just physical security measures but also humane treatment of migrants, efficient processing of asylum claims, and addressing the root causes of migration. We need balanced solutions that uphold our values and ensure security without compromising human rights.
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 Disagree
While parental choice in education is important, allowing dollars to follow the child can undermine public schools by diverting essential funding. Instead, we should focus on improving the quality of all public schools to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background. Equitable funding for public education supports a strong, inclusive educational system that benefits the entire community.
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Children must be protected from all forms of abuse and harm. This includes safeguarding their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. However, it's essential to differentiate between genuine protective measures and policies that may infringe on the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. Supporting children means providing them with safe, affirming environments while ensuring they are free from any form of exploitation or abuse.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Agree
Parents should have the primary right to make decisions for their minor children, as they are typically best positioned to understand their needs and interests. However, this right must be balanced with the child's welfare and rights. In cases where a child's health, safety, or well-being is at risk, appropriate interventions may be necessary to protect the child. Ensuring a supportive and nurturing environment is essential for a child's development.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services as part of comprehensive healthcare. Access to gender-affirming care is essential for the well-being of transgender individuals, reducing mental health issues and improving quality of life. Ensuring these services are covered supports equality and recognizes the medical necessity of gender transition services for those who need them.
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 is a legal and personal commitment that should be available to all couples, regardless of gender. Governments have the authority to define and protect marriage rights to ensure equality and justice for all citizens. Recognizing and supporting same-sex marriages is essential for promoting inclusivity and preventing discrimination, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of society.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, guided by principles of empathy, equality, and justice. My values are rooted in a commitment to serving others, advocating for those without a voice, and striving to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Spirituality, for me, is about fostering compassion, understanding, and a sense of community. It’s about working together to uplift and support one another in our shared human experience. I draw inspiration from diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions, emphasizing kindness, respect, and the pursuit of social justice. My goal is to contribute to a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
People should have an ID to vote if voting in person to ensure the integrity of elections. To avoid disenfranchising voters, basic ID should be provided for free to all eligible citizens. This approach maintains secure voting processes while ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary identification, thus protecting the fundamental right to vote without creating undue barriers.
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Agree
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact to ensure that the presidential election reflects the will of the majority of voters across the country. This compact maintains the Electoral College but awards electoral votes based on the national popular vote, making each vote count equally. It promotes a more democratic and representative electoral process, ensuring that every citizen's vote has the same weight in determining the outcome of the election.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. Racism undermines social cohesion, fosters division, and can lead to violence and discrimination. It creates significant disparities in education, employment, housing, and criminal justice, which contribute to social instability. Addressing racism is crucial for promoting equality, justice, and unity, ensuring that all citizens can live in a safe and inclusive society. Combating racism strengthens domestic security by fostering a more just and cohesive nation.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Agree
Critical Race Theory (CRT) highlights how historical and systemic racism has shaped institutions in the United States, resulting in ongoing disparities and inequalities. Recognizing these issues is essential for addressing and dismantling systemic racism. By understanding the roots and impacts of institutional racism, we can work towards creating more equitable and just systems that serve all people fairly and inclusively.
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.
Disagree
Transgender individuals should be allowed to participate in sports and access spaces that align with their gender identity. Policies should be inclusive and respectful of all individuals' rights while ensuring safety and fairness for everyone involved. It's important to foster environments that support and affirm transgender individuals, recognizing their identities and promoting equality and respect for all.
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.
B&D) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are essential for protecting our planet and ensuring a sustainable future. While there may be costs associated, the long-term benefits for health, environment, and economy outweigh these. Additionally, climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate and comprehensive policy action to mitigate its effects and transition to renewable energy sources, promoting both environmental and economic sustainability.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro are the most reliable for meeting growing electricity demand. They provide sustainable, clean energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and mitigate climate change impacts, ensuring our future.
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 general purpose of government is to serve and protect its citizens, ensuring their safety, rights, and well-being. This includes providing essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, promoting justice and equality, and maintaining order through laws and regulations. Government should work to create opportunities for all, support economic stability and growth, protect the environment, and uphold democratic principles, ensuring a fair and inclusive society for everyone.
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?
Liberal
Overall, I would describe myself as a pragmatist and long-term planner. I advocate for policies that promote social and economic equality, environmental sustainability, and justice. I believe in the importance of protecting civil rights and liberties, supporting inclusive and fair economic policies, ensuring access to healthcare and education, and pursuing a foreign policy that emphasizes diplomacy, human rights, and global cooperation.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Agree
I support redirecting some funds from police departments to community programs that address root causes of crime, such as mental health services, education, housing, and job training. Investing in these areas can help build safer, healthier communities by preventing crime and reducing the need for policing. This approach promotes a more holistic and effective strategy for public safety, focusing on prevention and support rather than solely on enforcement.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
To protect public safety, several restrictions on gun ownership are needed. These include comprehensive background checks for all gun buyers to prevent access by criminals and individuals with a history of violence or mental illness. An assault weapons ban should restrict access to military-style firearms. Implementing waiting periods for gun purchases can prevent impulsive acts of violence. Red flag laws and mandatory safe storage laws are also essential to reduce the risk of tragedies.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
No
Teachers should not be allowed to carry guns at school. The presence of firearms in the classroom increases the risk of accidents and can create a climate of fear rather than safety. Instead, schools should focus on comprehensive safety measures, including hiring trained security personnel, implementing effective emergency response plans, and providing mental health resources and support. Ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment should be the priority.
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