Joel Derek Hawn
Democrat | Tennessee
Candidate Profile*
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Joel Derek Hawn
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 41
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Roane State Community College, Harriman, Paramedic, 2008
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS*
LIBERAL (5)
Run for Something
Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood
Change TN
*Democrats Serve
Center for Freethought Equality
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (10)
Progressive Change Campaign Committee
ChangeTN
Harvesting Democracy PAC
Democrats Serve
Wake Up Roane County PAC
OTHER INFORMATION
Derek Hawn completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Elective abortion is a deeply personal and complex issue, and I believe it should be a decision made by the mother, her doctor, and her family—not the government. This perspective prioritizes the health and well-being of individuals and families while respecting the diverse views on this sensitive topic. It's important that women have access to comprehensive healthcare services, and any laws should be based on compassion and a strong respect for personal rights.
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).
Disagree
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
What is your position on the minimum wage?
My position on the minimum wage is that it should be set at a level that ensures workers can meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
The government can close churches during public health emergencies, like pandemics, if restrictions are neutral and necessary. Additionally, if a church crosses the line by preaching politics from the pulpit, it should face closure or taxation to uphold church-state separation.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
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.
Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Individuals have the right to choose vaccination, but governments, schools, and employers can require it when necessary to protect public health, ensuring safety and effectiveness while respecting individual rights.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, our relationship with Israel is important, and I stand with Israel due to our shared values, strategic partnership, and economic collaboration that drives innovation and growth. However, I do not agree with some of Netanyahu's recent actions, which do not align with my views on promoting peace and stability.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border. The situation at the border is a genuine national security issue, and bipartisan efforts to enhance border security are important. Unfortunately, some Republicans, influenced by the former president, have blocked these efforts, prioritizing political agendas over national security. It's important to work across the aisle to address this urgent threat and ensure our nation's safety.
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.
Disagree
I disagree with the idea that the state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs like Bill Lee's voucher program. While I support a parent's right to choose their child's school, it shouldn't be taxpayer-funded. Diverting funds from public education weakens public schools, which serve most students. We should focus on strengthening public education to ensure all children have access to quality learning opportunities, rather than funding private schools.
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.
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.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a Catholic, my spiritual beliefs focus on compassion, respect, and understanding. I value kindness, integrity, and empathy, striving to treat others with dignity and contribute positively to the community. I aim to balance my faith with a commitment to religious freedom and the separation of church and state, working to protect civil liberties and advance policies that ensure equality and justice for all.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Neutral
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Agree
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism threatens domestic security in the U.S. by creating social division and instability. It fuels extremist groups and domestic terrorism, especially among white supremacists. Systemic racism also undermines trust in institutions, weakening our ability to tackle challenges. Addressing racism is important for keeping our society together and ensuring national security.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Neutral
While I recognize that Critical Race Theory (CRT) provides valuable insights into how historical and systemic racism can influence institutions in the United States, I also believe it's important to consider a range of perspectives. Engaging in open dialogue and examining evidence from multiple viewpoints can help us better understand the complexities of institutional racism and work towards meaningful solutions.
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.
Neutral
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.
Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I believe solar and wind energy, with improved storage and grid tech, are reliable for growing electricity demand. They offer sustainable, clean energy, and with continued investment, can meet our energy needs while addressing environmental concerns.
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?
I believe the purpose of government is to serve and protect its citizens by putting people over politics. It should ensure justice, maintain order, provide public services, and promote general welfare, while upholding rights and supporting a fair, equitable society.
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
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Neutral
I see the value in investing in community initiatives to address root causes of crime, but I also recognize the need for effective policing to ensure public safety. Balancing these priorities is important.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I think we should restrict gun ownership for those with a violent conviction in the last ten years and for individuals diagnosed with a mental illness if there's a credible threat to others' safety. It's also important that people have the right to appeal these decisions in court if they believe their rights have been wrongly revoked.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
No
