Priorities
Protecting Democracy
Preserving What We Share
One of my earliest memories is going with my mom to vote. Back then, voting booths had these big, heavy curtains. I remember stepping in beside her and helping pull that big, ugly curtain closed behind us. It felt like we were entering a secret space where something important was about to happen.
I didn’t know the names on the ballot. I didn’t understand the issues. But I knew it mattered. My mom was doing something serious. Something good. Something that connected us to our community and our country.
That’s what voting should feel like.
I’m running for Congress because I believe protecting our democracy is not just a political goal—it’s a matter of faith. Voting is how we take care of each other. It’s how we shape the future together. And it only works if everyone has a real chance to be heard.
But right now, too many people are being shut out on purpose. Some politicians are trying to make voting harder. They draw unfair district maps that lock in their power. And they spread lies about our elections just because they didn’t like the results.
That’s not democracy. That’s not faith. And it’s not what Arkansas deserves.
In our state, voting can still be confusing and complicated. Lines are long. Rules are strict. Maps are drawn behind closed doors. And regular people are the ones who lose out.
Here’s what I believe:
- We should make voting easier, not harder—by expanding early voting, using secure vote-by-mail, and making registration automatic.
- We must end gerrymandering, so politicians don’t get to choose their voters.
- We need to keep our elections safe and fair, with trusted audits.
Some people may see those as policy details. I see them as matters of trust and truth.
Because behind every ballot is a person. A college student voting for the first time. A retired nurse who never misses an election. A working parent squeezing in time to vote between jobs.
Democracy works best when everyone can show up—and when their voice truly counts.
As a pastor, I’ve always believed that faith means standing up for what’s right. That we’re called to create systems that reflect justice and love. That’s what democracy should be—a way to love our neighbors by building the future together.
So let’s fix what’s broken. Let’s protect what we share. And let’s make sure no one ever has to doubt whether their vote still matters.
Because it does. It always has.
starvoters pov: 👍
Lead with Honesty
Telling the Truth Shouldn’t Be Brave
I remember the first time I stood behind a pulpit as a pastor. I was nervous. Not because I didn’t know what to say—but because I knew I had to say something true. That’s what preaching is. It’s not just giving people what they want to hear. It’s telling the truth, even when it’s hard.
That same idea should guide our politics.
But too often, it doesn’t.
Too many politicians today are more interested in keeping power than serving people. They spin the truth. They say what polls tell them to say. They protect their donors instead of their neighbors. And somewhere along the way, they forget who they’re supposed to work for.
I’m running for Congress because I believe honesty still matters. Leaders should tell the truth. They should admit when they’re wrong. And they should always, always put people ahead of power or profit.
Now, I know that sounds simple. But it’s rare these days. And I’ve seen it up close.
In 2018, I ran for Congress as an independent Republican. I didn’t win, but I heard from so many people who were hungry for something different. Not just a different party. A different kind of politics. One built on integrity.
Since then, I’ve worked with candidates all over the country—Democrats, independents, even a few Republicans—who are trying to lead with honesty. I’ve seen what happens when leaders really listen, when they make decisions based on values, not headlines. It changes everything.
Here’s what I believe:
- Public service is a sacred trust. It’s not about climbing a ladder or landing on TV. It’s about representing people with honesty and humility.
- We need transparency, not backroom deals. That means clear rules about money in politics and real consequences for breaking them.
- And we need to stop rewarding outrage and lies and start lifting up leaders who act with courage and character.
Some folks will say this is naïve. That honesty doesn’t win elections. But I don’t buy it. I believe people are tired of being lied to. They’re tired of leaders who act like politics is a game. They want someone who will speak plainly, take responsibility, and work for the common good.
When I talk with voters in Arkansas, I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I promise to tell the truth. Even when it’s complicated. Even when it costs me something. Because that’s the only way to build trust. And without trust, democracy falls apart.
As a person of faith, I believe truth-telling is holy work. I believe humility is strength. And I believe that leadership should always start with listening.
So no, telling the truth shouldn’t have to be brave. But in today’s politics, maybe it is. And maybe that’s exactly the kind of courage we need.
starvoters pov: 👍
Get Big Money Out of Politics
Who Gets Heard?
When I first ran for Congress in 2018, I made a big decision: I wouldn’t take any corporate PAC money.
People told me I was crazy. They said I’d never raise enough to compete. And they were mostly right—I didn’t raise as much as the big-name candidates. But something else happened: I got to look every donor in the eye. I got to hear their stories. I got to remember who I was running for.
And it wasn’t corporations.
I believe our democracy works best when regular people have the biggest voice. But right now, that’s not how it works. Big money has too much power. Wealthy donors and corporate PACs flood our elections with cash, hoping to buy influence. And too often, it works.
If you’ve ever wondered why politicians don’t listen to you, this is a big reason why.
I’m running for Congress because I want to change that. I want to help build a democracy that puts people over profits.
Here’s what I believe:
- Candidates should say no to corporate PAC money—so their loyalty stays with the people, not big donors.
- We need campaign finance reform—public matching programs, small-donor incentives, and strict transparency laws.
- We must make it easier for everyday people to run for office, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
That’s not just about fairness. It’s about faith.
Because at its heart, this is a moral issue. Who gets heard? Who gets access? Who matters?
As a pastor, I’ve sat with people going through medical debt, job loss, and housing insecurity. And I’ve seen how decisions made in Washington ripple through real lives. These aren’t just policy debates. They’re choices about who we value.
When lobbyists write the laws, and billionaires fund the campaigns, regular folks get left out. Their stories get ignored. Their needs go unmet.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In recent years, we’ve seen candidates win elections with the help of small-dollar donors and grassroots support. We’ve seen movements rise up, powered by teachers, nurses, veterans, and students. People like you.
And here’s what I’ve learned: when we build campaigns around real people instead of corporate checks, something powerful happens. We start talking about what really matters. We start dreaming bigger. We start believing that change is possible.
I don’t have a private jet or a billionaire backing me. But I have something better: a belief that you matter. That your voice, your vote, and your story are worth fighting for.
So I’m running this campaign the way I try to live my life—with honesty, transparency, and a deep commitment to the common good. That means no corporate PAC money. Ever.
Because when regular people come together, we can still beat big money. We can still build something better. And we can still remind our leaders who they really work for.
starvoters pov: 👍
Fight Climate Change
This Is the Only Earth We Get
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio—less than a mile from the shores of Lake Erie. Every summer, we’d head down to the lake to swim. The water was warm, the sun was shining, and those days felt endless. We didn’t think much about pollution or water levels or air quality. We just knew it was ours—beautiful, big, and free.
Those were happy days.
Now, I wonder: Will my kids and grandkids (someday) have the same chance?
I’m running for Congress because I believe we have a sacred responsibility to care for creation—to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we share. That’s not just a political issue. It’s a moral one.
Climate change is real. It’s already affecting our lives. Wildfires. Floods. Droughts. Record heat. And it’s always the most vulnerable people—seniors, kids, low-income families—who get hit first and worst.
But instead of taking bold action, too many politicians do nothing. Or worse, they take money from oil companies and polluters while pretending the crisis isn’t real.
That’s not leadership. That’s failure.
Here’s what I believe:
- We must invest in clean energy—like wind and solar—that creates good-paying jobs and keeps our air clean.
- We should protect our land and water—especially here in Arkansas, where the beauty of our rivers, forests, and trails is part of who we are.
- We need real, bold action on climate—with strong goals, smart policies, and the courage to stand up to big polluters.
Some people worry that tackling climate change will hurt the economy. But the truth is, it’s already costing us. In damaged crops. In expensive disasters. In rising utility bills. Climate action isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about building something better.
We can power our homes with clean energy. We can grow our economy with green jobs. We can protect the Earth without giving up what we love about our way of life.
As a person of faith, I believe stewardship is one of our most important callings. That means passing on a world that’s safe, healthy, and whole. It means making choices today that show love for future generations.
We don’t get a second Earth. And we don’t get to delay this work.
When I think back to those carefree days swimming in Lake Erie, I don’t just feel nostalgia. I feel responsibility. That lake shaped my childhood. Now I want to help shape a future where your kids and mine can swim, hike, breathe, and explore without fear.
This is the only Earth we get. Let’s take care of it—together.
starvoters pov: 👍
Better Jobs and Pay
Work Shouldn’t Break You
My first job was as a paperboy. I rode my bike through the neighborhood each afternoon, tossing newspapers onto porches and getting to know the people who lived behind those front doors. Once a week, I’d go house to house, collecting their subscription money in person.
It taught me a lot—about responsibility, about showing up, about people. Even as a kid, I felt proud to earn something of my own. It felt like a first step into adulthood.
What I didn’t realize then was that for many adults, work didn’t just mean pride—it meant pressure. And for too many families today, that pressure is overwhelming.
I’m running for Congress because I believe work should help families thrive, not leave them struggling. If you put in a full day’s work, you should be able to pay the bills, put food on the table, and still have time to rest and be with your family.
But that’s not how it is right now.
Wages have stayed low while the cost of everything—groceries, rent, gas—keeps going up. Some people are working two or three jobs just to stay ahead. Others can’t find steady work at all. And the good-paying jobs? Often, they’re hard to reach or hard to land without a special connection or a college degree.
Here’s what I believe:
- We must raise the minimum wage, so no one working full time lives in poverty.
- We should invest in local jobs—especially in small businesses, infrastructure, clean energy, and caregiving.
- And we need to make sure every job comes with dignity—safe conditions, fair pay, and opportunities to grow.
This isn’t just about the economy. It’s about families.
I’ve talked with parents who miss seeing their kids because they’re working night shifts. I’ve met workers who can’t take a sick day without risking their job. I’ve seen how economic stress takes a toll on marriages, health, and hope.
As a pastor, I’ve heard the quiet frustration of people doing everything “right” and still falling behind. Not because they’re lazy—but because the system isn’t fair.
We can fix that.
We can build an economy that actually works for working people. That means supporting unions. Expanding job training. Making sure new industries come to places like Northwest Arkansas—not just the coasts. And yes, raising the wage so work pays enough to live on.
Because when people earn enough, they give more, save more, and feel more secure. Kids do better. Families get stronger. Communities grow.
Work shouldn’t break you. It should build you up. It should help you provide, dream, and rest.
That’s the kind of future I want for Arkansas—and for every family.
starvoters pov: 👍
Fair Immigration
I've Seen It Firsthand
I’ve been to the U.S.-Mexico border several times. I’ve stood next to the wall. I’ve walked through migrant shelters. I’ve looked into the eyes of people who traveled hundreds—sometimes thousands—of miles just to seek safety and asylum for their families.
And let me tell you: what politicians say to score political points is not the reality.
They talk about fear, chaos, and danger. But what I’ve seen are families. Moms holding babies. Dads trying to find work. Teenagers who’ve survived more than most of us can imagine. People hoping for the chance to live in peace.
I’m running for Congress because I believe we need an immigration system that is fair, humane, and rooted in truth—not fear.
Here’s what I believe:
- We must keep families together. No more cruel separations. No more lost children.
- We need to create a fair path to citizenship for the millions of undocumented people who are already part of our communities.
- And we must treat asylum seekers with dignity—by processing their claims efficiently and protecting their legal rights.
This isn’t about being “soft” on immigration. It’s about being honest. The truth is, immigrants make our country stronger. They work hard. They start businesses. They serve in our military. They care for our children and our elders.
In Northwest Arkansas, immigrants are our neighbors, coworkers, and classmates. They’re part of what makes our community vibrant and resilient.
But our system is broken.
Right now, it’s nearly impossible for many immigrants to enter the country legally. The backlog is massive. The process is confusing. And people are being punished for trying to follow the rules.
Meanwhile, politicians use immigration as a weapon. They spread lies. They stoke fear. They talk about people like they’re problems—not human beings.
As a pastor, I’ve sat with families who live in fear every day—of getting detained, of being separated, of losing everything. I’ve prayed with people who are trying to build a better life, one step at a time.
And as someone who has seen the border firsthand, I know we can do better.
We can have strong borders and compassionate policies. We can protect our country and welcome those fleeing violence and poverty. We can follow the law and still lead with love.
We don’t have to choose between security and humanity. In fact, I believe real security begins with treating people fairly.
This country has always been shaped by immigrants—by people chasing hope, just like my great-grandparents did when they came here. The question is: Will we live up to our ideals?
I believe we can. I believe we must.
Let’s fix what’s broken. Let’s stop playing politics with people’s lives. Let’s build an immigration system that reflects the best of who we are—not the worst of what we fear.
starvoters pov: 👍
Protect Social Security, Medicaid & Medicare
A Promise We Have to Keep
My grandfather died when my mom was just nine years old. That left my grandmother—Pauline Valentine—to raise her kids on her own. She worked hard every day to make ends meet, never asking for much, never slowing down. For years, she carried the weight of her family on her back.
When she was finally able to retire, it wasn’t because she hit the lottery or had a big savings account. It was because of Social Security.
That monthly check gave her stability. It gave her rest. It gave her the dignity she had earned through a lifetime of sacrifice.
That’s what Social Security is. It’s not a handout. It’s a promise we make to one another: If you work hard and play by the rules, your country will be there for you when you need it.
The same is true for Medicare and Medicaid. These programs make sure seniors can afford medicine, low-income kids can see a doctor, and people with disabilities can live with support and care. They’re not extras—they’re essentials.
I’m running for Congress because I believe we must protect these programs and keep them strong for everyone who needs them.
But right now, that promise is under attack.
Some politicians talk about cutting Social Security, raising the retirement age, or shrinking Medicare. They act like these are just numbers on a page. But they’re not. They’re lifelines—for people like my grandmother, for families across Arkansas, for all of us.
Here’s what I believe:
- We must fully protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—no cuts, no delays, no tricks.
- We should strengthen and expand these programs to meet the needs of today’s families.
- And we need to stop playing politics with people’s health and well-being.
These programs have lifted millions of people out of poverty. They’ve kept families stable in tough times. They’re among the most successful things our government has ever done.
As a pastor, I’ve been with people in their final days—people who lived longer, healthier lives because of Medicare. I’ve sat with young moms who relied on Medicaid to get care for their babies. I’ve seen the difference these programs make—not in theory, but in real life.
They’re not just safety nets. They’re expressions of what we value: care, dignity, stability.
So let’s keep our promise. Let’s protect these programs for today’s seniors—and tomorrow’s. Let’s make sure Social Security is still there for your family, just like it was for mine.
Because no one should grow old in fear. And no one who works hard their whole life should be left behind.
Pauline Valentine didn’t ask for much. Just a little help, after a lifetime of giving. That’s what these programs are for. And I’ll fight every day to keep them strong.
starvoters pov: 👍
Paid Leave
No One Should Be Punished for Caring
When our kids were little, Vanessa and I made a decision—we’d figure out a way for her to stay home with them. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t without sacrifice. But we believed it mattered.
Vanessa started a small business selling on eBay. Eventually, she moved it to Etsy. She built something flexible so she could be home with our kids while also helping make ends meet.
We made it work. But here’s the truth: not everyone can do what we did. And they shouldn’t have to. No one should be punished for needing time to care—for a new baby, a sick loved one, or even themselves.
I’m running for Congress because I believe in paid family and medical leave for every working person.
Right now, millions of Americans have to choose between their paycheck and their family. They have to risk their job to take care of a newborn. Or skip chemo treatments because they can’t afford the time off. Or go to work while grieving or recovering—because the bills don’t stop.
That’s not right. That’s not healthy. And that’s not how we build strong families or communities.
Here’s what I believe:
- Every worker should have access to paid leave—to care for a new child, a sick relative, or their own health.
- Paid leave should be universal, not based on where you work or how much you earn.
- And we can design a program that’s affordable and sustainable—for families and small businesses alike.
The U.S. is one of the only developed countries that doesn’t guarantee paid family leave. That’s not something to be proud of. It’s something to fix.
Because when people have time to care, families grow stronger. Health outcomes improve. Babies and parents bond. Loved ones heal better. And people come back to work more focused, more loyal, and more whole.
As a pastor, I’ve walked with families through births, deaths, recoveries, and breakdowns. I’ve seen how thin the margin is—how one illness or one emergency can shake a whole household. Paid leave is more than a policy. It’s a support system. It’s a statement of what we value.
We say we’re pro-family. But what does that mean if we don’t support families when they need it most?
Vanessa and I were lucky. We had just enough flexibility, just enough support, just enough creativity to make it work. But it shouldn’t take luck to care for your kids. Or your parents. Or yourself.
It should be a right.
So let’s stop treating care as a luxury. Let’s treat it as the essential part of life that it is. And let’s build a country where no one has to choose between love and a paycheck.
Because the time we take to care for each other? That’s what makes us human. That’s what makes us strong.
starvoters pov: 👍
Affordable Housing
Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home
In my work with a non-profit helping the homeless, I’ve spent time with people who’ve lost nearly everything—but still hold onto hope. I’ve sat across from people who never imagined they’d be homeless. And I’ve seen them welcomed into safe, stable housing where they can finally start to heal.
What I’ve learned is simple: housing is not a reward. It’s a foundation.
I’m running for Congress because I believe everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live—not just the wealthy, not just the lucky, not just the few.
Right now, we’re in a housing crisis. Rents are soaring. Home prices are out of reach. Wages aren’t keeping up. And too many families are one paycheck—or one bad break—away from losing the roof over their heads.
This is true in big cities and small towns. It’s true across Arkansas. And it’s getting worse.
Here’s what I believe:
- We must build more affordable housing—for working families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
- We should invest in programs that prevent homelessness, including rental assistance and emergency support.
- And we need to treat housing like the basic human need it is, not a luxury good or a political talking point.
Affordable housing isn’t just about buildings. It’s about belonging. It’s about giving families a place to put down roots, kids a place to do homework, and neighbors a chance to build real community.
When people have stable housing, everything else gets easier. Health improves. Job security rises. Kids do better in school. And entire neighborhoods become safer and more connected.
As a pastor, I’ve seen how housing changes lives. I’ve watched people go from survival mode to stability—with just a small place to call their own. I’ve also seen how heartbreaking it is when that basic need goes unmet.
And here’s the thing: this crisis isn’t just about people living on the streets. It’s also about the middle-class family priced out of buying a first home. It’s the single mom whose rent just jumped $400 a month. It’s the young couple forced to move further and further away from work just to afford a place to live.
We need a better plan.
That means working with cities to increase housing supply in smart ways. It means holding big landlords accountable. And it means making sure federal programs actually reach the people who need them most.
Housing is a family issue. A faith issue. An economic issue. But more than anything, it’s a human issue.
Everyone deserves the chance to wake up in a place that feels safe, stable, and their own.
Let’s build a future where housing is not out of reach—but right where it belongs: at the heart of every strong community.
starvoters pov: 👍
Tax Cuts for Families
Cut taxes for working and middle-class families so they can keep more of what they earn.
starvoters pov: 👍
Health Care for All
The Freedom to Get Care
For many years, my family got our health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. We were self-employed, raising kids, doing work we believed in—and hoping we didn’t get sick. Every year, we’d hold our breath waiting to see how much premiums would go up. We’d try to guess whether we could afford the deductible. And we’d wonder: What happens if something really bad happens?
I know what it’s like to worry about health care. And I know we can do better.
I’m running for Congress because I believe health care is a human right—and no one should have to choose between seeing a doctor and paying their bills.
In America, we say we value freedom. But what kind of freedom is it if you can’t afford to go to the doctor? What kind of freedom is it if one medical emergency can wipe out your savings?
Here’s what I believe:
- Everyone should be able to see a doctor when they’re sick, without going broke.
- We need to expand access to affordable, quality care—including mental health, dental, and vision.
- And we should move toward a system where health care is guaranteed for everyone, not tied to your job, your income, or your luck.
We’ve made progress with the Affordable Care Act. It helped families like mine. It gave millions of people coverage for the first time. It protected people with pre-existing conditions. But it didn’t go far enough. Too many people are still falling through the cracks.
Premiums are still too high. Deductibles are still crushing. Prescription drug prices are out of control. And in rural areas—like much of Arkansas—access is often limited even if you do have insurance.
As a pastor, I’ve prayed with people waiting for test results they couldn’t afford. I’ve watched families launch GoFundMe campaigns just to pay for basic care. I’ve visited folks who delayed treatment too long because they didn’t want to be a burden.
That’s not freedom. That’s fear.
And we don’t have to live this way.
Other countries have figured it out—systems that cost less, cover everyone, and get better results. We can learn from them and build a uniquely American solution that guarantees care without losing what works.
This isn’t about government taking over your health. It’s about making sure no one is left behind.
When you’re healthy, you can work, care for your family, and participate in your community. When you’re sick, you need support—not shame, not debt, not impossible choices.
Health care is personal for me. I’ve lived it. And I’ll fight for a system where everyone gets the care they need—without fear.
Because freedom means more than the right to vote or speak. It means the freedom to live. The freedom to heal. The freedom to care for your family and yourself.
That kind of freedom starts with health.
starvoters pov: 👍
Protect Personal Choices
Let People Make Their Own Decisions
Abortion. Gender-affirming care. Personal medical choices.
These are complicated issues. I get it.
I’ve talked with people who are deeply conflicted. I’ve sat with parents trying to make the best decision for their child. I’ve listened to women who’ve had to make impossible choices. And I’ve walked alongside people of faith who don’t all agree—but who care deeply about doing what’s right.
That’s why I believe the government shouldn’t make these decisions for us.
I’m running for Congress because I believe in protecting personal freedom—especially when it comes to our own bodies, our families, and our health.
Here’s what I believe:
- Abortion should remain safe and legal. These are personal decisions best made by patients, their doctors, and their faith—not politicians.
- Gender-affirming care should be available to those who need it, especially youth and families working with trusted professionals.
- And in both cases, people deserve respect, privacy, and support—not judgment, bans, or shame.
You don’t have to agree with every decision someone makes to believe they should be free to make it. That’s what personal liberty means.
I understand why these topics make people uncomfortable. They touch on life, identity, morality, and meaning. But when we let lawmakers use that discomfort to take away people’s rights, we create harm—not safety.
As a pastor, I’ve walked with people through hard choices. I’ve seen their tears. I’ve seen their strength. And I’ve seen how damaging it can be when the government tries to insert itself into the most intimate parts of people’s lives.
That’s not compassion. That’s control.
We don’t need more politicians turning people’s pain into political points. We need leaders who will protect freedom—even when it’s complex, even when it’s controversial.
This is especially urgent here in Arkansas, where state laws have banned nearly all abortions and blocked access to life-saving gender-affirming care. These laws don’t reflect love. They don’t protect health. And they don’t trust people to live their own lives.
If we care about families, we should trust them.
If we care about freedom, we should protect it for everyone—not just those who think, believe, or live like we do.
Personal freedom doesn’t mean we’ll all make the same choices. It means we get to make those choices for ourselves.
No one should be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will. No child should be denied care that doctors and parents agree is best for them. No person should be treated as a political problem just for being who they are.
These are human beings. These are families. These are our neighbors.
Let’s lead with empathy. Let’s protect freedom. And let’s build a future where every person has the right to make their own choices—with dignity, safety, and care.
starvoters pov: 👍
Stand Up for Civil Rights
Freedom Means Everyone
I’ve pastored churches where LGBTQ+ people were afraid to be fully seen. I’ve met teenagers kicked out of their homes for coming out. I’ve listened to people share their stories in whispers—worried about how their family, their job, or their community would respond.
And I’ve also seen the power of people choosing to live openly, love fully, and speak freely—even when it comes at a cost.
That’s why I believe standing up for civil rights isn’t optional—it’s essential. If we say we care about freedom, then that freedom has to belong to everyone.
I’m running for Congress because I believe in equal dignity, equal protection, and equal opportunity for all people—no matter who they are or who they love.
Here’s what I believe:
- We must defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people, including marriage equality, access to health care, and protection from discrimination.
- We need to protect personal privacy and free speech, so people aren’t silenced or targeted for being different.
- And we have to reject fear-based politics that divide us instead of bringing us together.
These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re daily realities for millions of people—your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends. And too often, they’re under attack.
In Arkansas and across the country, politicians are passing laws that restrict books, ban drag shows, target trans kids, and threaten people just for living as themselves. These laws don’t protect anyone. They hurt real people, especially the most vulnerable.
As a pastor, I believe every person is made in the image of God. That includes people who are gay, trans, nonbinary, or anywhere in between. That includes people who believe differently than I do. That includes people who are just trying to live their truth with courage and kindness.
Freedom of religion matters. But so does freedom from discrimination. And the best way to honor both is to build a society where everyone has space to be fully themselves—without fear.
Civil rights don’t take anything away from anyone. They expand the promise of America. They make our communities stronger, our conversations richer, and our future more just.
We’ve come a long way. But the fight isn’t over.
If we want a country that truly stands for freedom, we have to stand up—for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, for racial justice, for disability access, for freedom of thought and conscience.
We don’t all have to be the same. That’s the beauty of democracy. But we do have to agree that everyone deserves to live in safety, dignity, and peace.
Freedom means everyone. No exceptions. No exclusions.
That’s the future I believe in. That’s the campaign I’m running. And that’s the work we’ll do—together.
starvoters pov: 👍
Keep Communities Safe
We Should Be Free to Feel Safe
Every time there’s another mass shooting, we go through the same cycle. Shock. Grief. Anger. Then silence.
I’ve stood in the pulpit the Sunday after one of those tragedies, trying to find words. I’ve talked to parents who are afraid to send their kids to school. I’ve watched teachers turn their classrooms into fortresses. And I’ve wondered—like so many of us—why aren’t we doing something about this?
I’m running for Congress because I believe we deserve to feel safe in our neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship. And that means taking real steps to prevent gun violence.
Here’s what I believe:
- We must pass common-sense gun laws—like universal background checks, safe storage rules, and limits on weapons of war.
- We need to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others, through red flag laws and mental health support.
- And we have to treat gun violence like the public health crisis it is, not a political football.
Let me be clear: I respect the Second Amendment. I’ve known responsible gun owners all my life. But the right to own a gun should never outweigh a child’s right to live. We can honor gun rights and protect our communities. We’ve just chosen not to.
Too many politicians are afraid of the gun lobby. They take money from groups that profit off fear. And they tell us nothing can be done—while our kids practice active shooter drills and our communities bury the dead.
That’s not leadership. That’s surrender.
As a pastor, I’ve walked with families in mourning. I’ve led funerals that never should’ve happened. I’ve seen what gun violence does to the body and soul of a community. And I’ve had enough.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about people.
It’s about the mom who lost her son in a school shooting. The neighbor who never leaves the house without worry. The pastor who locks the doors during Sunday worship. The kid who doesn’t feel safe anywhere.
We know what works. Other countries have figured it out. Even some states have made progress. But until we have the courage to act at the federal level, we’ll keep living in fear—and losing lives.
Keeping communities safe means doing the hard, responsible work of change. It means standing up to special interests. It means putting our kids ahead of campaign contributions. It means refusing to accept this as normal.
Because it’s not.
Our kids deserve to grow up without fear. Our teachers deserve safe classrooms. Our families deserve peace of mind.
We’ve waited long enough. We’ve prayed and wept and hoped. Now it’s time to act.
Let’s pass laws that protect life. Let’s build communities where safety isn’t a privilege—it’s a promise.
starvoters pov: 👍
Fix the Justice System
Justice Should Mean More Than Punishment
One of the most powerful things I've learned in 25 years as a pastor is that people are more than their worst decisions.
That’s something our justice system too often forgets.
I’m running for Congress because I believe justice should be rooted in fairness, restoration, and second chances—not just punishment.
Right now, our system is broken. It’s overcrowded, overly harsh, and deeply unequal. People of color are more likely to be stopped, arrested, and sentenced more harshly than white people. Too many folks are sitting in jail—not because they’ve been convicted—but because they can’t afford bail. And once someone’s served their time, they face roadblocks at every turn: getting a job, finding housing, even voting.
We call it “corrections,” but it rarely corrects anything. It just traps people in a cycle of poverty and punishment.
Here’s what I believe:
- We need to rethink sentencing laws, especially for nonviolent offenses, and end mandatory minimums that don’t fit the crime.
- We must reform cash bail, so people aren’t jailed just because they’re poor.
- We should invest in rehabilitation and reentry, giving people the tools to rebuild their lives.
- And we must address systemic racism in policing, courts, and prisons.
This isn’t about being “soft on crime.” It’s about being smart on justice.
We all want safe communities. But locking more people up for longer doesn’t actually make us safer. What works is addressing the root causes of crime—poverty, addiction, mental illness, and trauma. What works is giving people a path forward, not just slamming the door behind them.
As someone who’s spent time with the formerly incarcerated, I can tell you: most people don’t want a handout. They want a chance. A chance to work, to reconnect with their families, to contribute to their communities.
They want what we all want: a way back.
That’s why I support funding alternatives to incarceration—like drug courts, mental health treatment, and community service programs. These options cost less, work better, and treat people with the dignity they deserve.
We also need to hold law enforcement accountable while supporting the officers who do their jobs with integrity. Trust and safety go hand in hand. When communities trust the system, everyone benefits.
True justice doesn’t mean throwing people away. It means recognizing their humanity, even when they’ve made mistakes. It means believing in restoration—not just retribution.
That’s the kind of justice system I’ll fight for. One where everyone is treated equally, where punishment fits the crime, and where people get a real second chance.
Because justice shouldn’t just be about what someone deserves. It should also be about what’s possible.
starvoters pov: 👍
Protect Religious Freedom
Faith Should Be Free—Not Forced
I’ve been a pastor for over two decades. I’ve preached in church buildings, coffee shops, living rooms, and even in the middle of a city park. I’ve talked with people of deep faith, people deconstructing their faith, and people who’ve walked away from religion altogether.
And I believe this with all my heart: faith should always be free—not forced.
I’m running for Congress because I believe in true religious freedom—the kind that protects everyone’s right to believe (or not believe) without pressure from the government.
That means protecting your right to go to church. Or synagogue. Or mosque. Or temple. Or nowhere at all.
But lately, that kind of freedom is under threat. Not from people of other religions—but from a rising movement called Christian Nationalism.
Christian Nationalism says that to be a “real American,” you have to be a certain kind of Christian. It tries to blend religion and politics in ways that are dangerous—for both the church and the country. And I believe it’s one of the greatest threats to both democracy and the gospel in our time.
Here’s what I believe:
- We must protect the separation of church and state, so no one’s religious beliefs are used to control someone else’s life.
- We need to stand against Christian Nationalism, which distorts both the teachings of Jesus and the meaning of democracy.
- And we should defend the rights of people of all faiths—and no faith—to live freely and equally in this country.
Religious freedom doesn’t mean one group gets to dominate the others. It means we all have space to seek truth, ask questions, and follow our conscience.
As a Christian, I don’t want the government telling me how to worship. And I certainly don’t want to force my beliefs onto someone else through law or policy. That’s not faith. That’s control.
True belief requires freedom. That’s why the founders enshrined religious liberty in the First Amendment—not to protect religion from people, but to protect people from government-imposed religion.
I’ve seen the damage Christian Nationalism can do. It turns churches into political machines. It turns political opponents into enemies of God. And it turns the rich teachings of Jesus into a weapon for power.
That’s not the kind of faith I want to be part of. And it’s not the kind of country I want to live in.
America is strongest when everyone’s rights are protected—regardless of their beliefs. When a Muslim parent can take their child to school without fear. When a Jewish family can worship in peace. When an atheist can speak freely without being treated as less American.
That’s the kind of freedom we’re called to defend. Not a theocracy. Not forced belief. But a country where every person is free to believe, belong, and be.
Let’s protect that freedom—for all of us.
starvoters pov: 👍
Support for Veterans
Make sure veterans get the health care, housing, and job support they need after serving our country.
starvoters pov: 👍