Gubernatorial campaign websites: on Crime

Andria Tupola: Prioritize budget increases for police

Less than 1% of our state budget goes to the judiciary, we have a revolving door for criminals to commit repeat offenses, and in areas where we've had a growth of population our police force remains at the same outdated numbers. Prioritize increasing the budget for our police and make sure the city receives adequate attention and funds from the State. Establish a mandated threshold of police in populated areas where more police assistance is needed. Source: 2022 Hawaii governor campaign website TupolaForCouncil.com Nov 3, 2020

Bob Stefanowski: I will advocate for a holistic approach to reform

I will advocate for a holistic approach to reform, not limited to the scope of criminal justice, but all-inclusive. We cannot wish these serious problems away nor can we ignore crime that we either see for ourselves or read about every day. We need local law enforcement, working with parents, and community leaders to tackle rising crime and evaluate their own police departments, and if there are problems, then we work together to fix them. Source: 2022 Connecticut BobForGovernor.com campaign website Apr 21, 2022

Brett Lindstrom: Don't coddle criminals who harm our most innocent

Children are society's most precious resource. Brett passed legislation toughening laws against child abusers as well as guardians who don't report the abuse they witness to authorities. As Governor, Brett will continue his record of supporting law enforcement and being tough and smart on crime - not coddling criminals who harm our most innocent. This includes pushing back on any attempt that would defund our police. Source: 2022 Nebraska Governor campaign website VoteLindstrom.com Jun 24, 2022

Brian Dahle: Rights of criminals shouldn't come before rights of victims

The ISSUE: Many of the most serious crimes, particularly murder, have spiked. Retail thefts, carjackings, and home invasions dominate the news and put our families in danger.
The TRUTH: The primary function of government is public safety. The rights of criminals shouldn't come before those of the victims.
The PLAN: We need to rethink and work to repeal the recent efforts to decriminalize thefts and reclassify many felonies and violent felonies.

Source: 2022 California Governor campaign website BrianDahle.com Feb 21, 2022

Chase LaPorte: I believe in maintaining a strong National Guard presence

As an Army veteran and a former corrections officer and volunteer firefighter, I understand the importance of law enforcement as the first line of defense in protecting our communities and maintaining civility and order. Additionally, in these uncertain times, I believe in maintaining a strong National Guard presence. Source: 2022 Kansas Governor campaign website LaPorte4KSgov.com Jun 24, 2022

Christine Drazan: End treating police like criminals, criminals like victims

Violent crime in Oregon is out of control, especially in Portland, which is experiencing an all-time high in murders. Under my administration, the days of treating police like criminals and criminals like victims will end. I will support law enforcement and I will increase funding for our state troopers. I will ensure that laws are being enforced fairly. And when Portland politicians refuse to stop the nightly riots and bring peace to the streets, as Governor, I will. Source: 2022 Oregon Governor campaign website ChristineForOregon.com Mar 3, 2022

Christopher Kurka: We need a justice system where punishment fits the crime

Alaska needs a criminal justice system where punishment fits the crime and victims are protected. Every Alaskan deserves to feel safe and protected in this great State we call home. As Governor, I will do everything in my power to foster such an environment by fighting for criminal justice reform that ensures criminals have fair consequences for their crimes and victims receive restitution. Source: 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial campaign website ChrisKurka.com Feb 23, 2022

Cindy Axne: Voted for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Axne voted to advance the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, legislation that would establish a national standard for the operation of police departments, mandate law enforcement agencies report use of force data, and invest in community-based programs to help inspire public safety systems that are more equitable and just. "I'm reaffirming my commitment to tackling racism and bias in our institutions and taking direct steps to save lives and hold our police officers accountable." Source: 2022 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website axne.house.gov Apr 15, 2021

Dan Cox: Hold dangerous criminals accountable with stiff jail terms

From defending our Second Amendment and supporting the Thin Blue Line, to attacking crime and human trafficking by passing sweeping legislation to hold dangerous criminals accountable with stiff jail terms, to opposing the lockdowns and draconian Executive Orders destroying businesses while illegally limiting safe and inexpensive healthcare remedies to the most vulnerable, Dan Cox has and is fighting for the rule of law in our State Government as an elected member of the House of Delegates. Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website CoxForFreedom.com Apr 24, 2022

Deirdre Gilbert: WE THE PEOPLE have been stripped of constitutional rights

Texas has been for many years engaged in deceptive and discriminatory practices that have stripped many people of their constitutional rights.

We have had a one-sided plan that benefits those in power but forgets about WE THE PEOPLE. We've seen back door legislation that interfere with our health care by making laws that make it harder for injured people to use class action rules that can expose widespread harms of dangerous products, makes it easier for corporations to get a judge to dismiss an injured American's case before it gets to trial, bar cases by saying the injured assumed the risk, alter rules, deter lawsuits by punishing injured Americans by requiring them to pay corporate attorneys' fees if jury award a significantly lower settlement, bar injured Americans from getting any damages from corporations whose products injure them, allow doctors who have histories of alcohol and drug abuse, rape, sexual assault, and murder to practice medicine, with no legal recourse.

Source: 2022 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website gilbert4gov.com Sep 22, 2022

Doug Gansler: Bring every police shooting to the grand jury

Bring every police shooting to the grand jury. Accountability for police violence is vital for Black Marylanders. But as a former prosecutor, I know that prosecutors and police work closely, making justice harder to come by. The Gansler Administration will mandate every police shooting be brought before a grand jury so that evidence of police shootings is always heard by a jury of our peers.
Prioritize returning citizens' employment opportunities. The burden of prison should not extend to obtaining a job after incarceration. It is not only good for those returning from incarceration but for all of us, as employment reduces recidivism. We must invest in obtaining employment for every single person coming out of prison.

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website DougGansler.com Dec 29, 2021

Duke Aiona: Spearheaded Hawai'i Drug Court for non-violent offenders

In 1996, then Circuit Court Judge Aiona spearheaded the innovative Hawai?i Drug Court program, which offers active and effective drug rehabilitation to non-violent offenders as an alternative to prison. As its primary architect, he became the Drug Court's first administrative judge for the successful, time-tested, platform. During Judge Aiona's tenure, Drug Court realized an 85% retention rate. Source: 2022 Hawaii Gubernatorial campaign website DukeAiona.com Aug 15, 2022

Greg Lopez: Oppose unwarranted, irrational hatred of cops by radicals

The current wave of unwarranted, irrational hatred of cops by leftist radicals, demagogic politicians, and the liberal media is making our communities unsafe. Legislators believe that reducing incarceration rates is more important than the public safety of our communities. I firmly believe that prosecution of criminals is an important public responsibility. My administration will support the men and women in blue and will be the voice to counter the rhetoric of defunding the police. Source: 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website Lopez2022.com Nov 9, 2021

Heidi Ganahl: Reinstate bail, ensure parole board enforces sentences

I will be tough on crime and work hard to make our neighborhoods safe again.
I will reinstate bail in Colorado and appoint a strong parole board that will enforce sentences to keep our streets safe. We'll strive to help those convicted reform their lives but repeat violent offenders will face severe consequences.
I will allocate resources to better fund our public safety to improve law enforcement training and build better community relationships.

Source: 2022 Colorado Governor campaign website HeidiForGovernor.com Dec 28, 2021

Jason Martin: Our criminal justice system is broken

Our criminal justice system is broken. We need to take serious steps to make sure communities feel safe and that individuals are treated fairly. This means making sure that police departments have the right resources to address the situations they may face. It means reducing the sentences for non-violent drug offenders. It means that we use diversionary courts when we can, and find ways to rehabilitate and reintegrate, and not immediately push for mandatory minimum sentences. Source: 2022 Tennessee Governor campaign website MartinForTN.com Aug 7, 2022

Jim Pillen: Calls to defund the police are reckless and dangerous

I will stand with law enforcement and safeguard our communities. Calls to defund the police are reckless and dangerous. Police officers, Sheriffs, the State Patrol, firefighters, and first responders put their lives on the line for us everyday and they deserve our respect and support. Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

Joe Lombardo: Enact more severe penalties for violence on school grounds

Most importantly, I'm calling on the Legislature to enact more severe penalties for anyone--parents, students, teachers, and staff included--who commits a violent act on school grounds. Our state must maintain a culture that has zero-tolerance for school violence, so that we keep all individuals safe at school. Families already have enough to worry about--they shouldn't be afraid every morning when their kids leave for school. Source: 2022 Nevada Governor campaign website JoeLombardoForNV.com Apr 20, 2022

Karrin Taylor Robson: More funding for police & keep qualified immunity

I support our officers. I do not support Defunding the Police or "reallocating" resources. More resources will provide for more staffing and equipment; improve training; build stronger community relationships and reduce crime. In addition to more resources, we will guarantee our law enforcement officers always have qualified immunity. As Governor, if any city or town defunds the police, I will work with lawmakers to ensure that community loses its allocation of state-shared revenue. Source: 2022 Arizona Governor campaign website KarrinForArizona.com Jun 24, 2022

Katie Hobbs: Reform Dept. of Corrections, kept inmates past release dates

Reforming The Department Of Corrections: A source of controversy in Arizona, the Department of Corrections needs reform to cut wasteful spending. Recent reports revealed the Department of Corrections was keeping inmates past their release dates and failing to provide rehabilitation programs to thousands who could return to a productive life. Hobbs will investigate these issues, implement policy to ensure tax dollars are not wasted, and reform the corrections system. Source: 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website KatieHobbs.org Dec 20, 2021

Katie Hobbs: Will work to reform Arizona's antiquated sentencing laws

Katie will create a Governor's panel, composed of diverse community leaders, to inform criminal justice reform policymaking and build grassroots support for meaningful change.

Katie will work to reform Arizona's antiquated sentencing laws; provide additional funding to support re-entry into society; work with local law enforcement to address systemic racism in policing; and improve the sentencing provisions to encourage more frequent use of alternative sentences.

Source: 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website KatieHobbs.org Dec 20, 2021

Maura Healey: Supported 2020 reform bill repealing mandatory minimums

She's supported criminal justice reforms--the 2020 police reform bill in Massachusetts, repealing mandatory minimums, bail reform, adopting uniform policies on eyewitness identification, increasing the property crime thresholds amounts and thereby downgrading many of these offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, releasing terminally ill incarcerated individuals, ending mandatory drivers license revocations for non-driving offenses. Source: 2022 Massachusetts Governor campaign website MauraHealey.com Jun 7, 2022

Mia McLeod: Will continue to push for meaningful criminal justice reform

Under my leadership, South Carolina's Crime Victim Compensation Program received national recognition in the areas of fiscal responsibility and expanded access to services. Throughout my career, I've utilized a collaborative, bipartisan, multidisciplinary approach to help address domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other violent crimes against women and will continue to push for meaningful criminal justice reform. Source: 2022 South Carolina Governor campaign website MiaForSC.com Jun 15, 2022

Michele Fiore: Support our office; FUND the police!

We need to make our streets safe and support our officers in protecting our communities. VOTE Michele Fiore in 2022 and FUND the police! Source: 2022 Nevada Gubernatorial campaign website VoteFiore.com Jun 26, 2022

Michelle Benson: Defunding the police would make us less safe

Prioritize Public Safety: Every single Minnesotan deserves to feel safe in their community. Defunding the police would make us less safe. Properly funded public safety officials, prosecutors holding criminals accountable, and judges who follow sentencing guidelines must work together to protect our families. Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com Dec 23, 2021

Mike Murphy: Increase rehabilitation for human trafficking victims

As governor, Mike will push for a human trafficking task force in cooperation with federal resources to bring awareness of human trafficking in Minnesota and track down and imprison offenders. Mike will also push the Minnesota legislature to increase rehabilitation assistance for victims beyond the age of 24. There should not be an age cutoff for victims who desperately need assistance recovering and assimilating back to society. Source: 2022 Minnesota governor campaign website MikeMurphyForMN.com Feb 16, 2021

Nan Whaley: Police reform process led to major systemic changes

After the racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd, Nan built an innovative, inclusive process to reform Dayton's police policies and make the city a safer place for all residents. She brought together community leaders, clergy, public defenders, judges, and police to analyze policies and offer recommendations. This ongoing process has already led to major, systemic changes like body cameras, de-escalations training, and the creation of an alternative responder system. Source: 2022 Ohio Governor campaign website NanWhaleyForOhio.com Apr 6, 2021

Paul Gazelka: Shutting down the police is not the answer

PUBLIC SAFETY: People in Minneapolis, St. Paul, the suburbs, and across the state are asking us for safer streets and communities. Shutting down the police is not the answer. We need to support them so they are allowed to do their jobs: keeping our communities safe. Source: 2022 MN Governor campaign website GazelkaForGovernor.com Dec 23, 2021

Peter Franchot: End all use of no-knock warrants

Ending all use of no-knock warrants
Decertify any officer who was fired or resigned while under investigation for misconduct or excessive force
Applying normal Public Information Act standards to all records on police misconduct, use of force, and civilian complaints against police
Expanding pending legislation that will create independent review of civilian deaths involving police, to include use-of-force incidents that result in hospitalization of civilians.

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com Jul 19, 2021

Richard Irvin: As mayor he defeated the local 'Defund the Police' movement

As Mayor of the second-largest city in Illinois, he defeated the local 'Defund the Police' movement by standing proudly with law enforcement and hiring more cops to keep our communities safe. During the summer of 2020, when Chicago did nothing to stop looting, Irvin called in the National Guard, shut down roads, and arrested lawbreakers. While crime has skyrocketed around Illinois, Richard held crime down in Aurora. As Governor, he'll continue to be tough on crime and criminals. Source: 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial campaign website IrvinBourne.com Jun 2, 2022

Rushern Baker: Key to public safety is healing underlying root causes

Experience tells us that the key to unlocking public safety is healing underlying root causes and creating unique approaches tailored to the specific needs of each jurisdiction. The Transforming Maryland Initiative (TMI) is our answer. However, we also know a crisis when we see one, and that's exactly what is happening in Baltimore with the killing of mostly young, Black men. This will end with our administration. Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website RushernBaker.com Jun 24, 2022

Scott Jensen: Increasing number of officers will restore law and order

Dr. Scott Jensen believes we need to support our law enforcement and call for violent criminals to be caught, convicted, and imprisoned. Tim Walz and out-of-touch Democrat leaders in our cities blame the police; Dr. Scott Jensen knows we need more cops, not less. He will seek to increase the number of officers, which will restore law and order to our broken cities. Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website DrScottJensen.com Dec 30, 2021

Stephen Heidt: Criminal justice reform would save millions in tax money

Idaho has the 13th highest incarceration rate in the nation, and prison spending is among the highest. Prison admissions data show that nonviolent offenders make up a significant proportion of Idahoans entering prison. Reforming the criminal justice system would save millions in taxpayer money. Expanded access to education would allow people to reenter society prepared and contribute to the economy. It's time to look at the current "hard on crime" stance and search for new solutions. Source: 2022 Idaho Governor campaign website HeidtForGovernor.com May 19, 2022

Tudor Dixon: Fully fund law enforcement; oppose cash bail reform

Fund De-escalation Training: Increase funding for training in de-escalation techniques. Stop perpetuating the false and racist myths that law enforcement officers are inherently racist.
Keep Cash Bail for Violent Criminals & Repeat Offenders: Fight efforts by liberal politicians to bust criminals out of jail through so-called "Cash Bail Reform".
Zero-Tolerance for Riots: Enhance criminal penalties for crimes committed during riots or violent "protests."

Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website TudorDixon.com Aug 3, 2022

Wes Moore: Remove barriers to state aid for those with criminal records

Remove barriers to state financial aid for individuals with criminal records
Grow the Apprenticeship for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Pilot Program in both number of locations and funding
Better align prison education and re-entry programs to the University System of Maryland, using the Second Chance College Program as a blueprint
Implement clean slate initiatives and expungement mechanisms to ensure that low-level nonviolent offenses do not become life sentences

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

Betsy Johnson: Won't defund or demonize our police; demand accountability

I will not tolerate rising violence, lawlessness, or mob rule. I will not defund or demonize our police, but I will always demand accountability and professionalism from anyone in a uniform. I will work to repeal Oregon's dangerous, deadly, and failed experiment to legalize hard drugs. I will end Kate Brown's policy of releasing violent criminals from state prisons. Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

Betsy Johnson: I will enforce Oregon's twice-approved death penalty

I will enforce Oregon's twice-approved death penalty in cases where a judge or jury deems it appropriate for a heinous crime. Lastly, I will use the power of clemency in very limited cases and only with extensive consultation with crime victims and their families. Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

The above quotations are from Survey of 2022 Gubernatorial campaign websites. Click here for definitions & background information on Crime. Click here for other issues (main summary page). Click here for more quotes by Jared Polis on Crime. Click here for more quotes by Charlie Baker on Crime.
*Candidates and political leaders on Crime:*
*Retired Senate as of Jan. 2015:* GA:Chambliss(R) IA:Harkin(D) MI:Levin(D) MT:Baucus(D) NE:Johanns(R) OK:Coburn(R) SD:Johnson(D) WV:Rockefeller(D) *Resigned from 113th House:* AL-1:Jo Bonner(R) FL-19:Trey Radel(R) LA-5:Rod Alexander(R) MA-5:Ed Markey(D) MO-9:Jo Ann Emerson(R) NC-12:Melvin Watt(D) SC-1:Tim Scott(R)	*Retired House to run for Senate or Governor:* AR-4:Tom Cotton(R) GA-1:Jack Kingston(R) GA-10:Paul Broun(R) GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R) HI-1:Colleen Hanabusa(D) IA-1:Bruce Braley(D) LA-6:Bill Cassidy(R) ME-2:Mike Michaud(D) MI-14:Gary Peters(D) MT-0:Steve Daines(R) OK-5:James Lankford(R) PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D) TX-36:Steve Stockman(R) WV-2:Shelley Capito(R)	*Retired House as of Jan. 2015:* AL-6:Spencer Bachus(R) AR-2:Tim Griffin(R) CA-11:George Miller(D) CA-25:Howard McKeon(R) CA-33:Henry Waxman(D) CA-45:John Campbell(R) IA-3:Tom Latham(R) MN-6:Michele Bachmann(R) NC-6:Howard Coble(R) NC-7:Mike McIntyre(D) NJ-3:Jon Runyan(R) NY-4:Carolyn McCarthy(D) NY-21:Bill Owens(D) PA-6:Jim Gerlach(R) UT-4:Jim Matheson(D) VA-8:Jim Moran(D) VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
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Page last updated: Aug 18, 2024