
Joe Leurs
Republican | Tennessee
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Joe Leurs
Party
Republican
Election Year
2025
Election
Special Primary CD 7
Race
U.S. House, District 7
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Lipscomb University, Nashville, Bachelor (BPS), 2014
Lipscomb University, Nashville, Master (MBA), 2016
WORK & MILITARY
United States Marine Corps, Sergeant, 1997-2010
United States Army (Reserve), Sergeant, 2011-2020
AFFILIATIONS
Montgomery County GOP, Member, 2025
Marine Corps League, Member, 2025
Veterans of Foreign, Member, 2003-Present
Tennessee Veterans, Chair, 2025
Warriors at Rest, President, 2018-2019
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
U.S. House of Representatives, 2025
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 believe strongly in the sanctity of life and assert that life begins at conception and that every unborn child deserves protection.
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
Yes. All drugs, including chemical abortion drugs, should meet strict safety standards, including a consultation with a doctor in person from a regulatory standpoint. I do not believe such drugs should be allowed, as I am against elective abortions. It is inconceivable to me to think one would administer such a procedure at home with no medical support as such an act has significant risks.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe elective abortion should not be allowed, except in rare and tragic circumstances where there is a real medical need, such as when the mother's life is in jeopardy or the pregnancy is not viable as determined by a medical doctor. As a Republican and a Christian, I support protecting life and ensuring the states have the right to create laws that reflect their values and safeguard the most vulnerable.
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 plays a role in protecting life and making sure safety standards are met. I support laws that limit abortion, especially elective and late-term abortions. I also believe that states should take the lead on this issue and will defend their right to enact strong pro-life laws without federal interference.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
I support lower taxes, less spending, and fewer regulations so Americans keep more of what they earn. I will work to halt wasteful spending and protect economic freedom. My goal is not to expand government.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
I oppose blanket student loan forgiveness. It is unfair to ask the American taxpayer, especially those who did not go to college or those who went to college and already paid off their loans, to cover someone else's debt. I believe in personal responsibility. There are ways to obtain financial means to attend college such as scholarship's, grants and earning the GI Bill. I graduated with a graduate degree from a private university with zero debt as I served our country.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
I believe the separation of church and state protects religious freedom. I support the Constitution's ban on government-established religion and staunchly defend the right of individuals and faith-based groups to express their beliefs. The government should stay out of religion and should not silence it.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
No. Individuals and businesses should not be forced to act against their moral or religious beliefs. I support religious freedom, our capitalist economy, and the right to live and work according to one’s conscience without government pressure. Business owners should always have the ability to refuse services, especially if it compromises their moral or religious beliefs.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccination should be a personal or parental choice, not mandated by government or employers. Proven vaccines protect public health and are Dr. recommended. Unproven vaccines, like those during COVID-19, individuals must have the freedom to choose.
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.
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.
The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. Treaty commitments should also be adhered to. Encouraging allies to contribute their fair share to defense promotes fairness and resilience. When each country invests in its security and common goals, the burden is spread out. This approach helps create a stronger and more united front against new threats. It also fosters mutual respect and prevents reliance on any one partner.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
The Chinese Communist Party poses a serious threat to our national security and economic future. We must strengthen our military, protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, defend American innovation, and hold China responsible for unfair trade practices. I support a tough, strategic approach to keep America safe and prosperous.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, Israel is one of our strongest allies and the only stable democracy in the Middle East. Our relationship is important for national security, sharing intelligence, working together economically, and defending shared values like freedom and the rule of law.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Military recruitment is declining because there are fewer eligible youth, low trust in leadership, worries about political agendas like woke training, and pay/benefits that are not competitive. Restoring readiness means focusing on mission, merit, and patriotism; it should not include social experiments. Under the Trump administration, we are witnessing the rebuilding of a strong, respected, and well-equipped military to attract and keep top talent.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Yes. A secure border is essential to our national security. It helps stop illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. I support building the wall/physical barrier, increasing border patrol resources, and enforcing immigration laws. Strong physical border security protects American sovereignty and our communities.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
The U.S. should welcome legal immigrants who follow the law, contribute to our economy, respect our values, and support themselves. I support a system that focuses on skills, security checks, and the national interest. Furthermore, I support legal, orderly immigration while opposing illegal entry and open borders.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
I fully support charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling. Parents should decide what education is best for their children. Every student deserves access to quality education.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Agree
Yes, I support dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and giving control to the states, local communities, and parents. Education decisions should be made locally, not by politicians in Washington, DC.
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.
Agree
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Yes. Children need protection from harmful agendas, including radical gender ideology, grooming, and irreversible medical procedures. The first duty of any parent is to protect their children. As a father and retired law enforcement officer, I will always defend children. I will safeguard their innocence and make sure policies prioritize their health, safety, and well-being.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer funds should never be used to provide gender transition or any other cosmetic elective surgeries.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian man who believes Jesus Christ died for my sins. I’m not perfect, but I strive daily to be a servant leader to my family and a role model for my 12-year-old daughter. I teach her how men should treat women by honoring her and my wife. As a combat veteran, I’ve struggled to understand why God allows war, but I believe free will and tough lessons are part of life. As a father, I’ve learned that sometimes I must let my daughter fall so she can grow. I am always there to help her back up and guide her forward.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Voting is a sacred right and a responsibility that must be protected. To ensure fair and secure elections, I support requiring photo identification to vote. It is common sense. Americans need an ID to drive, fly, marry, or rent/buy a home. Yet some states still do not require it to vote. Thankfully, Tennessee has strong voter ID laws, and I will support efforts to ensure election integrity nationwide. Every legal vote should count and only legal votes.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
No. The Electoral College is an important part of our constitutional republic. The framers designed it to make sure all states, both large and small, have a say in choosing our president. Getting rid of it would allow a few major cities to determine every election, leaving rural and less-populated states unheard.
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
Men are not women and should not be allowed to compete in women's sports, occupy traditional women's spaces such as bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prisons PERIOD. I do not condone such behavior and will always protect women from men who think they are women.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Neutral
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Modular nuclear reactors are a safe, efficient, and reliable means to supply the growing electricity demand. They provide clean energy with a small footprint. Adding them will improve America’s power grid and lessen dependence on foreign sources.
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?
Conservative
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The main purpose of government in the United States is to protect individual rights, ensure justice and the rule of law, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty as stated in the U.S. Constitution.
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.
Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
Across the country, we see cities that have chosen to defund the police. The consequences of those policies have led to skyrocketing violent crime, drugs, and human trafficking. Police are not the bad guys. Every day, men and women in law enforcement across the country put on their uniforms and leave home to protect their communities, knowing the dangers. I was one of them for over a decade. We must support our law enforcement as they are the ones who stand between the public and harm.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Gun ownership is a fundamental right and not a privilege guaranteed to Americans within the U.S. Constitution. With regard to restrictions, there are many that Americans have to abide by in order to purchase and possess firearms. We do not need more restrictions; we need to enforce the laws that are in place in order to promote public safety.
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