- Name: Alexis Martinez Johnson
- Political Party: Republican
- Occupation: Oil and gas engineer, rancher
- City of residence: Santa Fe
- Relevant experience: Negotiated responsible use of energy (oil and gas and nuclear) while keeping communities employed and energy flowing in a responsible manner.
- Education: Bachelor of Science, environmental engineering, 2010, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
- Campaign website: www.AlexisJohnsonNM.com
What is your opinion of the coronavirus response packages passed by Congress and signed by President Trump? Is there anything you would have done differently? I support the Payment Protection Plan so that employers can keep small businesses working and our economy stimulated in this pandemic. I do not support the Democrats in the U.S. House utilizing the relief funds to fund organizations such as the Kennedy Center which subsequently released employees.
What actions to restore the economy, if any, do you feel Congress should take once the outbreak has been contained? I will work to hold the Communist Party of China responsible for their inaction regarding COVID-19 in sharing their information of the severity of this virus. I will support legislation to increase American independence from China in the areas of pharmaceuticals, safety gear, electronics manufacturing and rare metals.
What is your position regarding climate change? What actions should Congress take, if any, regarding the environment? I will work to efficiently utilize our natural resources for New Mexican jobs while maintaining a responsible outlook to our environment. I promote a common-sense approach, with the technical savvy and economic expertise to elevate New Mexicans to prosperity and security. Like our President Trump, I promote “America First.”
What is your is your opinion on energy initiatives that have been introduced both on the federal and state level such as the Green New Deal and the New Mexico Energy Transition Act? I oppose the Green New Deal. The world and New Mexico are understanding what “net zero” would look like: job loss and no economy. Oil and gas have increased our quality of life and made us a safer country allowing the U.S. to protect the vulnerable in the world.
Fracking bans have been introduced in Congress by Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and presidential candidate Joe Biden indicated in a debate he would support a ban. Where do you stand on the issue? I support our oil and gas industry. Fracking has revolutionized our ability to provide our own energy and, before this pandemic, we were outpacing Russia and Saudi Arabia in production. As a leading producer of oil, the U.S. can fight back against, for example, Syrian genocide backed by Russia.
What is your position on the leasing of federal land for oil, gas, and mineral development? Do you agree with the removal of energy development in a 10-mile radius around Chaco archaeological sites? Are there other areas of the state that should be considered for similar treatment? I support federal leasing of land, where we can utilize our natural resources for jobs. Drilling can be done far away from a site which would not interfere in any manner with Chaco. I will always protect areas that have a sacred and historical value to New Mexicans.
What is the most important actions Congress should take regarding people now living illegally in the U.S.? What about for those who want to come in? I support President Trump securing the border with a physical barrier to protect our interstate corridor from drug trafficking which has affected so many New Mexican families. Families that want to come to the U.S. should do so via the proper, legal processes.
Do you believe the borders are secure enough? If not, what do you propose should be done to increase security? No, the borders need to be secured. I propose a physical barrier as well as using technology to maintain U.S. sovereignty and safety.
Do you favor a federal ban on the sale of military style semi-automatic rifles? If so, what would you do about the millions of such weapons now legally owned by American citizens? What other, if any, gun law reforms would you support? It is within the constitutional rights of every law-abiding American to purchase and own a firearm for hunting and self-defense. Responsible gun ownership has been entrenched in the American tradition since our founding fathers. A gun law reform that I propose would be to not tax firearms and ammunition.
Federal spending plays an important role in New Mexico’s economy. What should be done to increase other economic drivers here? I would focus on fostering an environment for small-business entrepreneurs, increase vocational training opportunities, and reducing the state tax burden on New Mexico residents. Our educational system needs to be held to a higher standard so companies will move to New Mexico. As an engineer, I support funding our national labs.
Congress passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement. Are there any other trade initiatives you would like to see Congress pass if you are elected? I believe in requiring the Communist Party of China to pay for the economic harm to the small businesses in the United States due to their attempt to cover-up the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. I am a supporter of President Trump’s America First initiatives bringing jobs to Americans.
Do you favor or oppose a national single payer health system? I do not support a national single payer health system. This will have disastrous consequences for the economy and patients. I support choice in the health care market, and we have seen tremendous work being done on lowering prescription costs due to decreased government restrictions.
Do you favor or oppose limits on late-term abortion, and do you believe tax dollars should or should not be used to fund abortions? I support the sanctity of life and am appalled that here in Albuquerque you can end life at 32 weeks without cause. I do not support tax monies for abortions.
What should be done at the federal level to address the crisis of opioid addiction? Any other drugs? I promote securing the borders and drug rehabilitation facilities. I am opposed to the legalization of marijuana at the federal level.
Why do you want to be a member of Congress? I want to preserve the U.S. Constitution and our rights and preserve and maintain the great experiment of American democracy. It’s time for one of us. Es hora de unas de las nuestras.
Personal background
1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens? No
2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding? No
3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. No
