MJ Hegar in 2020 TX Senate race
On Civil Rights:
Celebrated LGBT job protection decision as huge victory
In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling that protects LGBT people from discrimination in the workplace due to their sexual orientation. MJ Hegar, a Democratic candidate for Texas' U.S. Senate seat,
described the ruling as a "huge victory.""Today I'm celebrating with LGBTQ+ friends, neighbors, and loved ones," she wrote in a tweet.
Source: WFAA TV-8 ABC on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 15, 2020
On Corporations:
Corporations & wealthy need to pay higher taxes
When asked if she supported another coronavirus relief stimulus package, Hegar said that she was worried that the reopening process is moving too hastily and might "cause more damages to small businesses," but did not directly say if she supported
another stimulus. Hegar added that she was concerned about the national debt and believes that corporations and wealthy Americans need to pay higher taxes.
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Crime:
We have a mass incarceration problem
On crime: "I think that we have a mass incarceration problem, not just in marijuana but in the world," she said. "I mean, we are one of the top incarcerated countries in the world and that's not something that I'm very proud of, I don't know about you."
She went on to criticize private prisons and said incumbent Cornyn has taken money from that industry and legislated "in their benefit." The senator "makes sure that they're at max capacity, which is max profit," she said.
Source: The Marijuana Moment on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Crime:
Police brutality is not just "a few poisoned apples"
Asked about police racism, Hegar said that the "obvious answer is criminal justice reform," and she supports policies such as "police being more representative of the communities that they're policing." Hegar said that in respect to police brutality,
there are not "a few poisoned apples," but "a plague of locusts that have come through the orchard." She said that she does not support the riots or looting, but thinks the "militarization" of law enforcement "sends the wrong message."
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Drugs:
Absolutely for legalizing marijuana, expunging records
Hegar said the ongoing ban on cannabis "only boosts cartel profits."
"I am absolutely for legalizing marijuana. I think we should be expunging the records of those who have been incarcerated for such.
Source: The Marijuana Moment on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Education:
Government should not profit off of student loan interest
Hegar said that student loans should be reevaluated so that the government "is not profiting off of student loan interest," and
more options to pay back student loans, such as community service, can be given to students.
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Withdrawal from world damages position as global superpower
Hegar said that the United States withdrawing "our influence around the world," through actions such as reducing funding for the
World Health Organization or limiting our presence at the United Nations, damages "our position as a global superpower."
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Blaming China for COVID19 comes from "very racist place"
She said that the question of how we should hold
China accountable comes "from a very racist place."
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Gun Control:
Supports policies that are pragmatic & enforceable
Hegar said she would not "pander to one side or another" on the issue of firearm-related deaths, but will only support policies that she thinks will "move the needle on gun violence"
and will be "pragmatic" and "enforceable." She said that universal background checks would be more effective than confiscation.
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Immigration:
Consider abolishing ICE; prefer better leadership & policies
Hegar said she would "consider" abolishing ICE,
but that she would rather focus on having "the right leadership in place passing down the right policies."
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Set aggressive goals for expanding clean, renewable energy
As the mother of two little boys, climate change is my number one issue. Climate change is the greatest threat to the health and safety of our communities, the world we are leaving for the next generation, and our national security. We must set
aggressive goals for the expansion of clean, renewable energy, and invest in clean energy manufacturing, sustainable transportation, and modernizing our energy grid. We should use our natural, renewable resources to create jobs here in our state.
Source: The Yale Politic e-zine on 2020 Texas Senate race
Apr 2, 2020
On Government Reform:
Day one: work on campaign finance, ethics reforms
It is time to clean up our broken system and return the power back to people. We will not get the needed action on health care, climate change, lower-cost prescription drugs, common-sense gun safety measures, or comprehensive immigration reform
until we get the influence of money out of our political system. On day one, I will work to pass comprehensive campaign finance and ethics reforms that ensure Washington is accountable to the voters--and no one else.
Source: The Yale Politic e-zine on 2020 Texas Senate race
Apr 2, 2020
On Gun Control:
Eager to finally put an end to senseless gun violence
As a gun violence survivor, mom of two young boys, and responsible gun owner, this is personal to me. Enough is enough. We must pass common-sense gun safety legislation to require background checks on every single gun sale, including closing the gun
show loophole--a proposal that the majority of Texans support. We must pass red flag laws limiting access to firearms for domestic abusers--including closing the "boyfriend loophole." We must fully fund the CDC to reverse the damage of the decades-long
ban on gun violence research. We must stop selling assault rifles that were intended for war. We must call on state and local officials to end open carry. We can enact these policies if we make our voices heard. I am proud to be endorsed
by gun safety groups like Giffords and the Brady PAC, and I'm eager to join these front line organizations to finally put an end to senseless gun violence.
Source: The Yale Politic e-zine on 2020 Texas Senate race
Apr 2, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Reasons for becoming combat pilot same as running for office
Why running: "I do feel like I have set out a path of my life to never again be too small or too weak to protect the people I love," Hegar told the
American-Statesman. "Becoming a combat pilot and rescuing people off the battlefield, and now, I feel like I'm doing the same thing. The reasons I put the uniform on are the same reasons I'm running for office."
Source: The Austin American-Statesman on 2020 Texas Senate race
Feb 19, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Fracking not long-term solution, but against ban
It is imperative to the health and safety of our communities that we reinstate many of the environmental protections that were critical to making sure local families and communities do not experience harmful impacts from fracking-related pollution.
As we move toward a renewable energy economy, fracking of natural gas, while not a long-term solution, can serve as a bridge to help us get there.
Source: The Texas Tribune on 2020 Texas Senate race
Feb 12, 2020
On Families & Children:
Paid family leave for both mothers and fathers
Having had challenging births with both my sons, I can't imagine what our family would have done if my husband hadn't been able to take leave to be with our family.
For the wellbeing of our children and families, I strongly believe that the U.S. needs to offer paid leave for both mothers and fathers.
Source: The Texas Tribune on 2020 Texas Senate race
Feb 12, 2020
On Free Trade:
Supported USMCA; wish environmental groups more involved
We are a state and a country that is dependent on trade for both our economy and national security, and we need to be the ones setting the rules. I support the USMCA because it is good for the Texas economy and workers.
While I am especially glad that labor had a seat at the table, I wish that the environmental groups would have had more of a seat.
Source: The Texas Tribune on 2020 Texas Senate race
Feb 12, 2020
On Gun Control:
Reverse ban on gun violence research by CDC
I will use my perspective as a mother, responsible gun owner and combat veteran in my work to pass urgently needed legislation to protect our communities, including passing commonsense gun safety legislation to require background checks on every single
gun sale, fully funding the CDC [Centers for Disease Control] to reverse the damage of the decades long ban on gun violence research, stopping the sale of weapons of war like assault rifles, and ending open carry.
Source: The Texas Tribune on 2020 Texas Senate race
Feb 12, 2020
On Health Care:
Skyrocketing healthcare costs are unsustainable
Establish a public health insurance option. The best health care I've ever had was when I was on military-provided Tricare, similar to Medicare. During my five years working in health care,
it was clear that our skyrocketing costs were unsustainable. I will fight for access to quality affordable health care for every Texan and for their right to determine whether that is Medicare or their private plan.
Source: The Texas Tribune on 2020 Texas Senate race
Feb 12, 2020
On Abortion:
Politicians shouldn't legislate a woman's intimate decisions
I support federal law codifying Roe v. Wade so that reproductive rights are not subject to the whims of an increasingly partisan court system. It's unacceptable that in 2019 a woman's right to make medical decisions about her own body is under assault.
I have had two difficult pregnancies, and I am grateful that during that time the government wasn't standing between me and my doctor during very personal discussions. Politicians should not legislate a woman's most intimate decisions.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Education:
Investment in public school is investment in nation's future
Every child, regardless of where they come from or how much money their family makes, should have access to an affordable and quality education. I will advocate for Texas public schools and teachers, because I believe an investment in strong public
schools is an investment in our nation's future. Teachers, educators, and school staff deserve to be treated with respect and to be paid salaries worthy of the critical service they provide to society.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Education:
Lower interest rates on student debt, ensure affordability
Far too many Texans struggle from crippling student loan debt. We must put an end to the government profiting off loans by lowering interest rates on student debt, while also ensuring all higher education is more affordable for current and future
students. Every student loan should have a grace period of at least several months during which the loan does not accrue interest.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Texas can lead country on wind and solar energy
As the mother of two little boys, climate change is one of the top reasons I decided to run for Senate. We cannot wait any longer to take action. We must set aggressive goals for the expansion of clean, renewable energy, and invest in clean energy
manufacturing and sustainable transportation. Texas has the opportunity to be America's leader in wind and solar energy, and we should use our natural, renewable resources to create jobs here in our state.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Government Reform:
Refuses corporate PAC money, endorsed by End Citizens United
Whenever someone tells me they don't understand why a bill passed or decision was made in Washington, I always tell them to follow the money. Americans are sick and tired of watching DC politicians put special interest donors and political games over
the needs of the people. It is time to clean up our broken system and return the power back to people. That's why I am refusing to accept any corporate PAC money and am proud to be endorsed by End Citizens United.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Government Reform:
Overturn gerrymandering, fight voter suppression
Once elected, I will make it a priority to overturn partisan gerrymandering schemes that further polarize our politics, fight the increasingly-common voter suppression tactics designed to keep people from exercising their right to participate in our
democracy, and pass comprehensive campaign finance and ethics reforms that ensure Washington is accountable to the voters--and no one else.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Gun Control:
For background checks, red flag laws; end open carry
We must pass common-sense gun safety legislation to require background checks on every gun sale, including closing the gun show loophole. We must stop the sale of assault weapons to the public, pass red flag laws, and fully fund the CDC to
reverse the ban on gun violence research.I am also calling for state and local officials to end open carry. The reasons gun owners like me have for wanting to protect our Second Amendment rights are not served by open carry.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Health Care:
Make high-quality care available to all Americans
We must create a public option to make Medicare available for all those who want it. The best health care I've ever had was when I was on military-provided Tricare, similar to Medicare, and
I believe that kind of high-quality care should be made available to all Americans. Every child should be covered, period. We can and must protect the progress made by the Affordable Care Act while making much-needed improvements.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Homeland Security:
We must mobilize against epidemic of domestic terrorism
The increasing spread of anti-immigrant, white nationalist ideology is a serious threat to our safety. I want to be crystal clear: we must mobilize against this epidemic of domestic terrorism here at home.
I will always stand against this type of hateful rhetoric that has real consequences, and will call on elected leaders who amplify white nationalist rhetoric and racist dog-whistles to take ownership of the impact of their words and reverse course.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Will stand against efforts to privatize the VA
I will always seek to make good on our promise to our service members by ensuring they receive quality health care, housing assistance, and help starting careers or businesses as they return from serving our country. I will stand against efforts to
privatize the VA while supporting initiatives to streamline services for veterans to get better care when they need it. It's critical we provide adequate mental health care to address the unique struggles of those who serve.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Immigration:
Asylum seekers should not be treated as criminals
We need to bring some common sense to the issue. That means starting with permanently ending child separation, ensuring asylum seekers are not treated as criminals and their claims are properly processed, securing the border with effective procedures
and technologies instead of wasting billions on an ineffective wall that would require robbing our military construction budget while seizing land from Texans, and building a path to citizenship for undocumented residents.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Jobs:
Supports rights of workers to unionize, collectively bargain
I am grateful for the hard-fought victories of the labor movement that have created safer and fairer workplaces, and will protect that progress as a senator--
I'll always support the rights of workers to unionize and collectively bargain for safe and healthy working conditions, fair wages, and to secure benefits and pensions. In addition, I will fight efforts to cut pensions, Social Security, and Medicare.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Social Security:
Medicare & Social Security not entitlements, but promises
I will oppose any effort to privatize, dismantle or undercut Medicare, including raising the eligibility age. Medicare and Social Security are not entitlements--they are promises made to every American.
I will also oppose any "age tax" insurance companies seek to impose against older Americans.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Use tax credits, incentives to support small business
I believe the country and our economy are stronger when our workers and their families are strong.
We need to raise wages and work to lower the cost of housing to ensure workers can provide for their families and use tax credits and incentives to support small businesses instead of giving tax breaks to companies that ship their jobs overseas.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Opposed 2017 tax cuts for corporations, extremely wealthy
It's important to acknowledge that the scales have shifted to favor the rich and powerful over the working families that are left to contend with obscene medical costs, high rent and bills, student loan debt, and more. I opposed the 2017 tax cuts
for big corporations and the wealthiest Americans and would vote against any legislation that benefits corporations and the extremely wealthy while hurting working families trying to make ends meet.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On War & Peace:
Reserve deployment of American troops as a last resort
I will support responsible national security policies that recognize the value of seeking diplomatic solutions and employing strategic use of humanitarian assistance and trade negotiations, while insisting we reserve the deployment of
American troops as a last resort. I believe a healthy State Department is our military's first line of defense, and our relationships with our allies are fragile and critical to maintain.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Make sure carbon tax don't increase food costs
Following her recent Tribune appearance, several audience members old enough to be grandparents approached her to discuss climate change.
Though Hegar said she favors "aggressive action," she declined to bless a carbon tax measure, saying she wanted to make sure it doesn't increase the cost of food for the middle class.
Source: The Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senate race
Dec 16, 2019
On Health Care:
Provide Medicare-for-All as public option
Heathcare is another important topic for Hegar. She said she wants all her neighbors, family and friends to have access to Medicare, but also still leave people the option to choose their healthcare providers. "You know Texans are so proud of Texas,
and it really rankles when we hear things about (Texas) maternal mortality rates ranking with third world counties," Hegar said. "Those things are really embarrassing to us Texans."
Source: KXAN Austin NBC-TV on 2020 Texas Senate race
Nov 17, 2019
On Immigration:
Support DACA recipients, they represent the best of us
Hegar said when it comes to immigration there's a lot that needs to be done. She said she supports comprehensive immigration reform, fully funding immigration courts and supporting DACA recipients. "I believe that the people who are DACA recipients
represent the best of us," Hegar said. "We need to support DACA recipients and make sure they know the only country they've ever known is not going to be taken away from them."
Source: KXAN Austin NBC-TV on 2020 Texas Senate race
Nov 17, 2019
On Gun Control:
Ban assault weapons, but no mandatory buyback
Like many Democrats, Hegar supports a ban on sales of AR-15s, AK-47s and similar assault-style weapons. That was the stance Beto O'Rourke took last year when he tried to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, and which he stuck with for months as a presidential contender
Source: Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senate race
Oct 30, 2019
On Principles & Values:
Stop electing people whose lifelong dream is to be a senator
We need to stop electing people whose lifelong dream it is to be a senator. Because when you put somebody up there who is doing this as a fulfillment of their life's ambition, the probability that they will do anything to get re-elected is higher.
We need to start electing people who can do without public office, that will put themselves up. And if you see something in their character that you identify with and you share values with, vote for them. And if not, then don't.
Source: Politico.com on 2020 Texas Senate race
Oct 24, 2019
On Families & Children:
Asked FEC to allow campaign funds for candidate child care
MJ Hegar, candidate for U.S. Senate and mother of two young kids, has asked the Federal Election Commission for approval to spend campaign donations on child care as she seeks to oust Sen. John Cornyn. "The time and travel demands of
federal candidacy place a unique burden on the parents of young children," she told the commission.Cornyn weighed in Friday with the commission--offering his "full support."
Federal law bars diversion of campaign cash to "personal use." Donor funds can't be spent on groceries or a home mortgage. But the FEC has long held that candidates may tap campaign accounts for outlays they wouldn't need to make if
they weren't running for office. In 1975, the commission let a candidate pay for child care out of campaign funds when his wife joined him on the stump. Hegar's lawyers filed a request June 5 for an advisory opinion tailored to her situation.
Source: Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senatorial race
Jun 15, 2019
Page last updated: Oct 24, 2020