Kevin J. Gaffney
Republican | Florida
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Kevin J. Gaffney
Party
Republican
Election Year
2025
Election
Special Primary
Race
U.S. House, Dist. 1
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Masters in Public Administration, 1996
Stetson University, De Land, BA in Political Science, 1981
WORK & MILITARY
Agency Legal Representative, U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, 2007-2018
Supervisory Legal and Criminal Investigation Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Unit and Criminal Unit, 2003-2004, 1989-1995
FOIA and Legal Records Administrator, Commodities Futures Trading Commission, Division of Enforcement, 1997-1999
AFFILIATIONS
Destiny Worship Center, Freeport, FL, Member, Rocky Bayou Christian School, Niceville, FL
Government & Economics Teacher, Northwest Florida State College, Niceville, FL, Adjunct Professor - American Government
Judson University, Elgin, IL, Adjunct Professor - Criminology, Wayside Cross Rescue Mission, Aurora, IL
Volunteer, Salvation Army, St. Charles, IL, Volunteer
St. Charles History Center, St. Charles, IL, President and member, St. Charles Park Foundation, St. Charles, IL
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Committeeman, St. Charles, IL, 1986-1989
Chairman of the Young Republicans, Kane County, IL, 1986-1989
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Kane County Circuit Clerk, Illinois, 1996
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Retired Col. Ronald Webb, USAF
SELECTED FINANCIAL SOURCE DOCUMENTS
Candidate made several small contributions to WINRED
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
I have always opposed federal funding for abortion of any kind.
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
I strongly oppose chemical abortion drugs, including RU 486.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Only in extreme cases involving a pregnant woman's physical health, i.e., to save the life of the mother. No exceptions for rape or incest as the life of the unborn should not be punished for those actions. Viable options to abortion exist, including pregnancy information centers that assist pre and post birth. Both my mom and I were given the last rites of the church during my premature birth, but my doctor saved both of our lives, not opting for one life over another.
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?
Yes, the federal government does have a role in limiting abortion and protecting life. I would support the following: 1) That abortion providers have a required mandatory 48-hour cooling off period and mandatory counseling. 2) Outlaw "sex selection" abortions. 3) No public funds for abortions. 4) Oppose the distribution of any drugs similar to RU-486 that cause an abortion to occur. 5) Vote against any bill that would codify Roe v. Wade. 6) I would support legislation that would define that life begins at the moment of conception resolving the issue of when life begins. 7) I would support legislation similar to the earlier Hyde Amendment, including, but not limited to a U.S. Constitutional Amendment banning abortion, except to save the life of the mother. 8) That those peacefully praying outside of an abortion clinic not on the property, would have a 1st Amendment right to do so without fear of arrest.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
1) Reduce the federal debt and reign in government spending. 2) Reduce federal income taxes and support no taxes on Social Security, pensions, or tips. 3) I support Congress resolving the funding shortages of Social Security immediately.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
Appropriately, SCOUTUS agreed that President Biden, with his Executive Orders exceeded his authority. Parents and students alike should find viable alternatives to creating massive debt for college education. Colleges should be held accountable for tuition costs increases.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
With public investing of tax monies, the government should be transparent relating to supply chains, what foreign entities may be holding investments, including our adversaries, and finally whether the environmental investments align with our national interests, not global.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
This phrase is no where mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, but was fostered mainly by judicial activists through case law that broadly construed the First Amendment's "Establishment Clause". I strongly believe, as did our Founders that the government shall not establish a church, but at the same time that government shall allow the free exercise of religion. This was tested during COVID, wherein many leaders violated the First Amendment with disparate treatment of churches.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Recent SCOUTUS cases are split on the issue whether the protected form of speech rises above that of freedom of religion. Romans 13: 1-7 states to obey government God ordained authority. I believe when government proposes laws or acts contrary to God's Word, then a Christian should oppose those laws in a civil matter, with attempts to change or modify the law as needed.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Florida schools do require students from pre-K through 12th grade to present an immunization record. The decision to vaccinate one's child should be made by the parents. Noted, that there is a religious exemption in Florida, which I support.
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) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary.
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 U.S. must engage only in conflicts which directly relate to our national interests. George Washington aptly advised, avoid foreign entanglements.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Incoming President Trump and Congress must treat the Chinese Communist Party and its economic and military threats to the U.S. appropriately.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes of paramount importance to our goals of political stability in the Middle East and retaining a strong ally in the region. I believe post WWII and the creation of the modern day nation of Israel on May of 1948 was historically and biblically correct.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
The far left indoctrination of the military, including DEI and CRT has diminished the trust and mission of the Armed Services.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I support the following: 1) Complete the boarder wall. 2) Increase boarder patrol and law enforcement, along with technology. 3) Deport, do not detain illegal aliens. 4) Prosecute the activities of the cartels. 5) Decrease incentives for incoming illegal aliens, and legally challenge sanctuary cities and areas.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Only those legally seeking entrance to the U.S. With that said, Congress needs to streamline the immigration process and base our immigration on merit. Diversity is important in nations represented by immigration, but assimilating to our country's values and history is of primary importance.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
I also support the elimination of property taxes as a federal initiative, working with states and local jurisdictions, finding a more equitable funding source for government run schools. I believe seniors should not have to pay property taxes. A user fee should be implemented per student in government run schools. The Department of Education as fostered CRT and DEI and doesn't represent state or local goals pertaining to education and should be eliminated.
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
Sadly the majority of states who supported DOMA were overruled by one Supreme Court case. I firmly believe in God's definition of marriage.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
No public funding for any of the above.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Emphatically NO!
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a born again Christian as of December of 1988 and believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. I believe, as Scripture commands, that all Christians should be salt and light in whatever He calls us to, including government service. I believe one seeking public office should exemplify the Christ-like attributes, including the fruit of the Spirit.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
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
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Disagree
Most of Al Gores' initial propositions have been disproven, but he made a lot of money off of misinforming the public. The U.S. should not be in the Paris Agreement of 2015, noting that the U.S. has shown compliance with its CO or gas omissions. Whereas, the major violators are China and India.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
A combination of hydropower, nuclear, coal, and natural gas. Use solar power where viable.
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
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
As states in our Preamble to the Constitution: "We the people of the United States, 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, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
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
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?
Only applicable Florida state laws relating to age requirements relating to purchasing a firearm and carrying a firearm. Agree with with applicable background checks. I believe the 2nd Amendment is an absolute right.
