Shamal C. Carter

Disagree

I support ensuring that taxpayer funds are used according to the law. I also believe women and families should have access to preventive healthcare services, cancer screenings, family planning, and other healthcare resources. My focus is on improving healthcare access and outcomes for Arkansas families

I believe these decisions are deeply personal and should be made by a woman in consultation with her physician, her faith, and her family. I support allowing abortion in cases of rape, incest, when the life or health of the mother is at risk, and in cases of severe fetal abnormalities. While people may hold different personal beliefs on this issue, I believe these difficult decisions should be guided by medical expertise, individual circumstances, and compassion.

Neutral

I value human life and believe it should be protected. At the same time, I recognize that there are tragic and complex situations involving rape, incest, threats to the life or health of the mother, and severe fetal abnormalities. These circumstances require compassion, medical expertise, and careful consideration rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Neutral

I believe human life has inherent value and should be treated with dignity and respect. At the same time, I recognize the importance of fertility treatments that help families have children and the complex medical, ethical, and personal issues involved. Any policies in this area should balance respect for human life with the needs of families and the guidance of medical professionals.

Neutral

I believe women should have access to legal, medically appropriate healthcare, particularly in cases involving rape, incest, threats to the life or health of the mother, or severe fetal abnormalities. Policies regarding prescription medications should prioritize patient safety, physician guidance, and access to care while complying with applicable laws.

I support a livable wage for Arkansas workers. Anyone working full-time should be able to afford basic necessities, support their family, and achieve economic stability through honest, hard work.

Strongly Agree

I agree that free enterprise and private property rights are essential to a strong economy. They encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and job creation. At the same time, we must ensure that economic opportunity is accessible to all Arkansans and that hardworking families have a fair chance to succeed.

1. Increase transparency and accountability in state spending by requiring regular audits and making government expenditures easily accessible to the public. 2. invest in preventative programs to reduce long term cost including health care, behavioral health, substance abuse prevention, and workforce development. 3. Strengthen oversight of government contracts and procurement processes to ensure taxpayers receive the best value for their money.

To me, separation of church and state means that government should not establish, endorse, or favor one religion over another, while also protecting every person's constitutional right to freely practice their faith. I believe this principle safeguards both religious liberty and individual freedom, ensuring that people of all faiths, and those with no faith at all, are treated equally under the law.

Disagree

I believe religious freedom is a fundamental constitutional right. Individuals and businesses should not be forced to violate their sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. At the same time, I believe all people should be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. The challenge is finding a balance that protects both religious liberty and equal access to services without unnecessarily infringing on the rights of either.

I support expanding access to affordable healthcare while preserving individual choice. I believe government-funded healthcare options should be available for those who need or want them, while allowing individuals to keep private insurance if they prefer. No Arkansan should be denied access to healthcare because of income, disability, age, or where they live. My focus is on improving access, reducing costs, strengthening rural healthcare, and ensuring families can receive the care they need.

Disagree

I support the use of anonymous and aggregated health data to improve public health planning, evaluate programs, and allocate resources effectively. However, I believe patient privacy and confidentiality must be protected. Government should not maintain unnecessary databases of identifiable individuals with medical conditions unless there are strong safeguards, clear legal authority, and a compelling public health purpose.

Agree

I recognize the security concerns posed by the Chinese Communist Party, including cybersecurity and economic competition. However, we must also recognize that Arkansas farmers and businesses have benefited from access to Chinese markets. Our approach should protect national security while supporting agriculture, trade, and economic opportunity for American workers.

Yes. The United States' relationship with Israel is important because Israel is a longstanding ally, a strategic partner in a complex region, and a key contributor to security, intelligence sharing, and economic cooperation. At the same time, I believe strong alliances should be accompanied by honest dialogue and a commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of innocent lives.

Disagree

I support enforcing immigration laws while treating all people with dignity and respect. I do not support sanctuary city policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. At the same time, I believe immigration enforcement should be fair, humane, and consistent with due process and constitutional protections.

Strongly Disagree

I believe states and local communities should have significant input in education, but I do not support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Federal oversight helps protect funding, civil rights, and educational opportunities for students, including those with disabilities, low-income families, and rural communities. The goal should be improving accountability and outcomes, not eliminating support for students who depend on federal programs.

Strongly Agree

I believe American education should be funded and guided by the interests of the American people. Transparency and accountability are essential, and foreign governments should not have undue influence over our educational institutions, policies, or curriculum. Educational partnerships and research collaborations can be beneficial, but they should be conducted openly and with appropriate safeguards.

Strongly Agree

I strongly support the fundamental right and responsibility of parents to direct their child's health, education, and overall well-being. Parents are a child's first and most important advocates and should be active partners in decisions affecting their children's lives. Government should support families by providing resources, information, and opportunities while respecting the important role parents play in raising and guiding their children.

Neutral

I believe decisions involving a child's physical and mental health should be approached with great care, parental involvement, and appropriate medical and mental health guidance. These are complex and deeply personal matters that should be addressed on a case-by-case basis with the child's well-being as the primary concern. I do not believe broad labels or one-size-fits-all approaches adequately address the complexities involved.

Neutral

My Christian faith teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant, and I respect that belief. At the same time, I recognize that elected officials serve people of many different faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds. I believe in protecting religious liberty, respecting constitutional rights, and ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and equally under the law.

Neutral

I believe any expansion of gambling should be carefully evaluated based on its economic benefits, potential impact on local communities, and the social costs associated with problem gambling and addiction. My focus is on ensuring that any policy decisions are made responsibly, transparently, and in the best interest of Arkansas families and communities.

I am a Christian, an ordained minister, and a Sunday School teacher. My faith is the foundation of my life and guides my commitment to service, compassion, integrity, and justice. I believe in loving my neighbor, helping those in need, treating others with dignity and respect, and being a good steward of the opportunities God has given me. While my faith shapes my values and character, I also believe in respecting the beliefs and freedoms of others and serving all people with fairness and compassion.

Strongly Disagree

I support secure, accessible elections. Requiring a photo ID is a reasonable way to verify identity and maintain public confidence in the election process. At the same time, government should ensure that eligible voters can easily obtain identification and that no qualified voter is unfairly prevented from casting a ballot.

Disagree

I believe our nation must continue addressing the lasting effects of discrimination and inequality. My focus is on expanding opportunities through quality education, economic development, healthcare access, and strong communities. I support policies that help people overcome barriers and achieve success while bringing people together rather than dividing them.

Neutral

I believe policies involving sports, privacy, safety, and accommodations should be guided by fairness, common sense, and the well-being of everyone involved. These issues are complex and often involve competing rights and interests. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, I believe decisions should be made carefully, with consideration for safety, privacy, dignity, and equal treatment under the law.

Agree

I believe climate change is a serious issue that affects agriculture, infrastructure, public health, and our economy. We should support practical, science-based solutions that protect our environment while also supporting farmers, businesses, and working families. Any action should be balanced, responsible, and focused on long-term sustainability and economic growth.

I believe America needs a balanced energy strategy that keeps electricity reliable and affordable for families, farmers, and businesses. No single energy source can meet all of our needs. We should invest in a mix of traditional and renewable energy.

Moderate

I consider myself a moderate because I believe in common-sense solutions over partisan politics. I value personal responsibility, faith, economic opportunity, and individual freedoms while also supporting access to healthcare, quality education, and opportunities for working families. I believe in listening, finding common ground, and putting people before politics.

NO

NO

The goal of the criminal justice system should be to protect public safety, hold offenders accountable, support victims, and reduce repeat offenses. A strong justice system should be fair, transparent, and focused on both accountability and rehabilitation when appropriate. By addressing the root causes of crime, including mental health and substance abuse challenges, we can build safer communities and create opportunities for individuals to become productive members of society.

Strongly Agree

I strongly agree. Protecting children from sexual exploitation, trafficking, and online predators is a fundamental responsibility of government. As technology continues to evolve, we must ensure that laws, enforcement, and resources keep pace to safeguard children while supporting parents and families in keeping young people safe online.

Agree

I believe the United States should be governed by the Constitution and the rule of law. No religious legal system should supersede American law. At the same time, I strongly support religious liberty and the right of every person to practice their faith freely, so long as those practices are consistent with the rights and protections guaranteed under the Constitution.

I support the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms for self-defense, hunting, and recreation.At the same time, I support enforcing existing laws, strengthening background checks, and keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted violent criminals and individuals who pose a clear danger to themselves or others.We should focus on responsible gun ownership, firearm safety education, and effective enforcement of current laws while protecting constitutional rights.