
Bernard Johnson
Libertarian | Texas
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Bernard Johnson
Party
Libertarian
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist.19
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
McMurry University, Abilene, TX, Bachelor's
Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX, Masters
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Big Country Emmaus Community, Chrysalis Lay Leader
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2016)
David Simpson (2014)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Houston Trial Lawyers Association (2021)
Texas Trial Lawyers Association (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
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.
Neutral
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
When a person has discussed the matter with their loved ones and medical providers.
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?
No.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Seek ways to reduce taxes by removing ineffective and inefficient government programs.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Neutral
I believe that a significant number of student loans should not have been issued, as many institutions took advantage of students by increasing tuition, resulting in long-term debt for graduates.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Choose not to answer
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The principle of separation of church and state ensures that I can practice my faith as an Orthodox Christian without apprehension of government interference. Additionally, this separation allows individuals the freedom to choose their beliefs regarding God without coercion in either direction.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
No, instead they should be required to display a sign indicating any prohibited services.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Never.
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.
I favor a more competitive healthcare system, one that aims to lower medical costs overall, but without burdening taxpayers.
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.
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.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The relationship between Israel and the United States is significant; however, it should not overshadow the importance of direct military presence or imply support for actions that could be interpreted as humanitarian violations.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Never-ending wars.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Neutral
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anybody who wants to live by the laws of this country.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
As an educator with experience in both public and charter schools, I support the concept of school choice. However, it is important that private schools meet the same standards as public schools.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Neutral
I believe that education should be managed by local communities; however, I think it may be premature to completely eliminate the Department of Education at this time.
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.
Neutral
As a Christian, I hold the belief that marriage is a sacrament; however, in my role as a government leader, I recognize that it is not my prerogative to impose my personal values on society.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I identify as a Christian and value the principles of free will and the lessons gained from life's experiences.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Agree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Agree
I'll change my answer once people stop having to fight for equality in this country, and I do mean all people.
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.
Agree
To promote equality and inclusion, could we consider implementing a designation for transgender athletes or establishing a separate league/category?
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Neutral
I'm more concerned with maintaining clean air and water.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Nuclear energy.
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?
Moderate
I adhere to a socially conservative lifestyle; however, I recognize that my personal choices may not align with everyone's preferences. Therefore, I refrain from imposing my beliefs on others.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The primary responsibility of the government is to safeguard its citizens from both foreign and domestic threats.
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.
Neutral
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Neutral
I believe police should collaborate more with community support services.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Temporarily restrict access to firearms for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or for those making threats of violence.
If you are not already receiving our emails, stay up to date with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.