Who is Jonathan Simpson, a Republican candidate for U.S. House District 14?
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 33
Campaign website: jonathansimpson.org
Email: office@americafurther.org
Occupation: Business owner
Education: BBA - Baylor; MBA - Wake Forest
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
I have worked extensively for Congressional term limits, founding Americans for Congressional Term Limits. I have served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard as well.
What is your plan for limiting the effects of inflation?
The inflationary environment we find ourselves in has a few causes, including supply chain disruption, monetary policy, and fiscal policy. The market should work out the supply chain issues eventually, and the Fed will put the brakes on in terms of monetary policy, but it will be up to Congress to rein in the excessive spending and bring the national debt under control. We can no longer tolerate unrestrained and wasteful spending. Too many Americans are already feeling the ramifications of that.
What is the federal government’s role in controlling or ending the COVID-19 pandemic?
While infection and death rates have declined dramatically, COVID-19 is still taking many lives. The federal government should prioritize development of versatile antiviral drugs, ensure that new vaccines could be developed rapidly in response to new variants, and should make clear, transparent preparation for any future outbreak of a new variant or new disease. But, we must do a better job balancing the cost of mitigation efforts with their results. Life should responsibly move back to normal.
What is the federal government’s role in combating the effects of climate change?
There are two questions at hand. First, where do we get the fossil fuels that we do consume? Second, how do we reduce the amount of fossil fuels we, and other nations, consume? The answer to the first question should be right here in the United States. Federal policy should support this objective. For the second question, we must continue to invest in clean energy technology. Nuclear power, with public investment, presents a real opportunity to provide enough clean energy to make a real impact.
What is your plan for reducing violent crime?
Local law enforcement should be empowered, supported, and honored, not vilified. Politicians should be wary of getting in the business of local law enforcement. What we do need to realize, however, is that crime is as much a symptom as it is a problem. Education is the real, lasting cure for the problem of crime. An education system built on free-market principles and parental choice, and a prison system focused on rehabilitation, would go a long way to turn the tide.
What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
Congress should work to enact legislation that brings us more in line with all other western democracies. This means that we should at least seek to limit elective abortions beyond 10 to 14 weeks gestation, which is the international norm. We must depart from the company of China and North Korea, who also have no limits on elective abortions, and join the rest of the civilized world in restricting the practice. Further restrictions or exemptions could be left up to each state.
Do you trust the integrity of the election process and what, if any, changes would you make to ensure election integrity?
I know many poll watchers and election workers and these volunteers are patriots who take their responsibilities seriously. I remain confident in our election system. However, the reality is that there are many states in which the ballot box is not properly secured. Improving voter registration systems and identification requirements would certainly shore up the system and give more Americans needed confidence in our election process.