Maura Keller

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Maura Keller completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Keller's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-403141-2026-01-26\" id=\"heading-bio-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-403141-2026-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-403141-2026-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI live by selfless service—putting others and country first—while believing hard work and purpose deliver results. Born in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, I've called Fayetteville, Georgia, home for 30 years, committed to our nation's strength and improving local communities through support for causes that strengthen families and build better futures.\r\n<p>My U.S. Army career started in 1978 enlisting as a Military Policewoman. I identified ways to improve operations and made driving change my mission. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, I rose through the ranks, commissioned as an officer, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years—always focused on mission success, Soldier care, and a stronger force.\r\nIn retirement, I served as a senior consultant and expert in military personnel and readiness, providing direct analytical support to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Chief, Army Reserve.\r\nTo serve veterans more directly, I earned a degree in Radiologic Sciences (Nuclear Medicine Technology) and worked at the Atlanta VA supporting them.\r\n</p>\nMy career brought several awards for performance and leadership. The highest: the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, a national honor for officers who embody Duty, Honor, and Country—testament to my commitment to excellence and mission-first leadership. I'm ready to bring that same dedication, experience, and results-driven approach to Washington as GA's next Representative for GA-03.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-403141-2026-01-26\" id=\"heading-key-message-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-403141-2026-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-403141-2026-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I’m committed to creating real opportunities for everyone in District 3. A fairer economic future is the foundation of all my positions, and we must start by raising the minimum wage.\r\n<p>In Georgia, a livable wage should be at least $22/hour, yet too many of our neighbors—hardworking families, teachers, nurses, and essential workers—are stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25/hour. This rate hasn’t risen in 16 years, while inflation keeps driving up costs for rent, groceries, and basics.\r\nPrevious representatives repeatedly voted to keep this outdated wage, leaving families deeper in debt and struggle.\r\n</p>\nI’ll fight for a higher minimum wage that reflects today’s reality—so no one has to choose between paying bills and feeding their family.</li><li>Every American deserves meaningful, easily accessible healthcare. No one should ever have to choose between buying groceries, paying rent, or getting the medicine needed to stay alive.\r\nWhen a neighbor can’t get timely care, preventable illnesses grow worse, families break under the strain, and lives are lost needlessly. The United States stands alone among developed nations without a system that guarantees healthcare access for all our citizens.\r\nWe can fix this—together. Let’s create a healthcare system that truly puts people first, ensuring no one in our communities is ever left behind or forced to suffer in silence. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.</li><li>In our communities, too many hardworking neighbors—teachers, nurses, firefighters, young families, retirees, and essential workers—can no longer afford to live where they’ve built their lives. Skyrocketing home prices and rents are forcing long commutes, splitting families, or ending lifelong roots in the places they love.\r\nWe need more attainable and affordable housing for everyone. Safe, quality homes at prices that match real wages so families can stay together, build stability, and strengthen neighborhoods. Workforce housing is part of it, but we must solve the broader crisis so no one is priced out of their own community.\r\nWe must remove unnecessary barriers, so housing becomes affordable and attainable again.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-403141-2026-01-26\" id=\"heading1-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-403141-2026-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-403141-2026-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe issues I’m most passionate about are the ones we talk about at the dinner table with our loved ones—the ones that touch our daily lives. Accessible healthcare so no family has to choose between medicine and groceries. Quality education that truly prepares our children for success. Fair wages and job opportunities that let hardworking Georgians build stable lives. Strong support for our farmers and ranchers, who take all the risk to feed us and deserve real economic security for their families. Balancing the federal budget so our children and grandchildren aren’t buried under impossible debt. Protecting our environment for future generations to enjoy clean air, water, and land.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-403141-2026-01-26\" id=\"heading2-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-403141-2026-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-403141-2026-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-403141-2026-01-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt is still early. I have received an endorsement from Veterans for Responsible Leadership. You can visit my website and see all the endorsements from 2024. I will earn their endorsements again.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Maura Keller completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Keller's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading-bio-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am dedicated to service, progress, and the idea that hard work paired with a helping hand can make a real difference. I was born in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, but for the past 28 years, Fayetteville, Georgia, has been my home. It's here that I've continued my service journey—reaching personal milestones and committing myself to the well-being of my country and community.\r\n<p>My military story began in 1978 when I enlisted as a Military Policewoman in the United States Army. It wasn't long before I realized the need for systemic change and made it my mission to be a part of it. Climbing the ranks, I took the oath as an Officer and culminated my service as a Lieutenant Colonel.\r\n</p><p>After retiring, I returned to Washington, D.C., as an analyst and consultant working with the Department of Defense to ensure troop readiness.\r\n</p><p>Although I enjoyed my time in that role, I eventually felt compelled to serve our troops differently. I returned to school with a degree in Nuclear Medicine, which allowed me to support our veterans at the Atlanta VA.\r\n</p><p>Throughout my career, I've been honored with several awards, none more significant than the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, which stands as a testament to my dedication to leadership and the pursuit of excellence.\r\n</p>\nI'm ready to take everything I've learned during my career back to D.C. as Georgia's next congressional representative for the 3rd district.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading-key-message-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Economic Equity - I'm committed to creating greater opportunities for District 3 by working to pass fiscal policies that help everyone instead of those who’ve already “made it.”.\r\n<p>Building a more equitable economic future is the foundation for all my policy positions, but we must start with raising the minimum wage.\r\n</p><p>Studies show a livable wage in Georgia should be at least $17.00/hour. Still, District 3’s previous representatives continually voted to keep their neighbors living at or below the poverty line, with many making only $7.25/hour – the Federal Minimum, which hasn’t increased in 14 years despite inflation continually pushing working-class families deeper into debt and struggle. \r\n</p><p>Visit www.GetMoreWithMaura.com to learn more.\r\n</p>\n</li><li>Codifying Access to Women’s Reproductive Healthcare - I stand for reproductive rights because they're crucial for women’s economic security and health in District 3.\r\n\r\nThe ability to plan if and when to have children allows women to pursue education and careers, enhancing their earning potential.\r\n\r\nControl over reproductive health, including access to contraception and prenatal care, is fundamental.\r\n\r\nYet, some lawmakers' votes undermine these rights, impeding women's economic contributions and health. \r\n\r\nI'm committed to ensuring comprehensive reproductive care, which is vital for women's autonomy and our community's prosperity.</li><li>Universally Accessible Healthcare - I believe all Americans deserve meaningful and easily accessible healthcare because no one should choose between paying for life’s necessities or staying alive.\r\n\r\nMy military career taught me how unhealthy soldiers can significantly decrease operational readiness, which is why soldier health has long been a cornerstone of our military’s strength.\r\n\r\nA healthy population lays a strong foundation for a robust economy, while healthcare inaccessibility causes avoidable illness and unnecessary deaths and weakens our entire economy.\r\n\r\nThe United States is the only developed nation without a universal healthcare system that codifies access to healthcare for all its citizens.\r\n\r\nTogether, we can fix that!</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading1-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe policies I'm most passionate about impact our daily lives, the ones we debate while sitting at the dinner table with family and friends. <br/><br/>\n<p>These include accessible healthcare, ensuring that no family must choose between medical bills and groceries, education that prepares our children for the future, and economic strategies that support job growth and fair wages. <br/><br/>\r\nI'm also deeply invested in protecting the environment for future generations.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nThese issues aren't just political talking points; they're the fabric of our discussions at home, where the real effects of policy and its impact on the American Dream are most deeply felt.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading2-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tServant-hearted leadership and the determination to get things done even when it's hard.<br/><br/>\r\n\"It can't be done\" and \"This is how we've always done it\" are my two least favorite sentences, and every time I hear either, I take it as a personal challenge!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading3-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe most critical responsibility for a congressional representative is working in good faith on behalf of their district regardless of how other representatives choose to operate.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading4-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tPresident Kennedy's funeral. I wasn't even 4 1/2 years old, but I can remember that moment like it was yesterday.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading5-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI started my first job selling women’s clothing at a store where my dad was the manager when I was 14 years old and stuck with it for 2.5 years. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading6-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tVeteran Affairs<br/>\n<p>Armed Services<br/>\r\nEducation and Workforce<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAnd the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-217096-2024-02-09\" id=\"heading7-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-217096-2024-02-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-217096-2024-02-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-217096-2024-02-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFinancial transparency and government accountability are not just policies to me; they are the principles that have steered my entire career. Having served where accurate data is the bedrock of decision-making, I understand that open, transparent financial reporting is crucial for trust and efficiency in governance.<br/><br/>\n<p>Transparent practices ensure that every dollar is accounted for and spent in service of the public. Likewise, accountability is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy—leaders must be answerable to those they serve.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI’m committed to upholding these values and ensuring that our government works transparently in the public interest, with every action open to scrutiny.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nMaura Keller completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Keller's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I live by selfless service—putting others and country first—while believing hard work and purpose deliver results. Born in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, I've called Fayetteville, Georgia, home for 30 years, committed to our nation's strength and improving local communities through support for causes that strengthen families and build better futures. My U.S. Army career started in 1978 enlisting as a Military Policewoman. I identified ways to improve operations and made driving change my mission. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, I rose through the ranks, commissioned as an officer, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years—always focused on mission success, Soldier care, and a stronger force.\r\nIn retirement, I served as a senior consultant and expert in military personnel and readiness, providing direct analytical support to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Chief, Army Reserve.\r\nTo serve veterans more directly, I earned a degree in Radiologic Sciences (Nuclear Medicine Technology) and worked at the Atlanta VA supporting them. My career brought several awards for performance and leadership. The highest: the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, a national honor for officers who embody Duty, Honor, and Country—testament to my commitment to excellence and mission-first leadership. I'm ready to bring that same dedication, experience, and results-driven approach to Washington as GA's next Representative for GA-03. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I’m committed to creating real opportunities for everyone in District 3. A fairer economic future is the foundation of all my positions, and we must start by raising the minimum wage. In Georgia, a livable wage should be at least $22/hour, yet too many of our neighbors—hardworking families, teachers, nurses, and essential workers—are stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25/hour. This rate hasn’t risen in 16 years, while inflation keeps driving up costs for rent, groceries, and basics.\r\nPrevious representatives repeatedly voted to keep this outdated wage, leaving families deeper in debt and struggle. I’ll fight for a higher minimum wage that reflects today’s reality—so no one has to choose between paying bills and feeding their family. Every American deserves meaningful, easily accessible healthcare. No one should ever have to choose between buying groceries, paying rent, or getting the medicine needed to stay alive.\r\nWhen a neighbor can’t get timely care, preventable illnesses grow worse, families break under the strain, and lives are lost needlessly. The United States stands alone among developed nations without a system that guarantees healthcare access for all our citizens.\r\nWe can fix this—together. Let’s create a healthcare system that truly puts people first, ensuring no one in our communities is ever left behind or forced to suffer in silence. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. In our communities, too many hardworking neighbors—teachers, nurses, firefighters, young families, retirees, and essential workers—can no longer afford to live where they’ve built their lives. Skyrocketing home prices and rents are forcing long commutes, splitting families, or ending lifelong roots in the places they love.\r\nWe need more attainable and affordable housing for everyone. Safe, quality homes at prices that match real wages so families can stay together, build stability, and strengthen neighborhoods. Workforce housing is part of it, but we must solve the broader crisis so no one is priced out of their own community.\r\nWe must remove unnecessary barriers, so housing becomes affordable and attainable again. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? The issues I’m most passionate about are the ones we talk about at the dinner table with our loved ones—the ones that touch our daily lives. Accessible healthcare so no family has to choose between medicine and groceries. Quality education that truly prepares our children for success. Fair wages and job opportunities that let hardworking Georgians build stable lives. Strong support for our farmers and ranchers, who take all the risk to feed us and deserve real economic security for their families. Balancing the federal budget so our children and grandchildren aren’t buried under impossible debt. Protecting our environment for future generations to enjoy clean air, water, and land. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? It is still early. I have received an endorsement from Veterans for Responsible Leadership. You can visit my website and see all the endorsements from 2024. I will earn their endorsements again.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\n\n\nMaura Keller completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Keller's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am dedicated to service, progress, and the idea that hard work paired with a helping hand can make a real difference. I was born in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, but for the past 28 years, Fayetteville, Georgia, has been my home. It's here that I've continued my service journey—reaching personal milestones and committing myself to the well-being of my country and community. My military story began in 1978 when I enlisted as a Military Policewoman in the United States Army. It wasn't long before I realized the need for systemic change and made it my mission to be a part of it. Climbing the ranks, I took the oath as an Officer and culminated my service as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring, I returned to Washington, D.C., as an analyst and consultant working with the Department of Defense to ensure troop readiness. Although I enjoyed my time in that role, I eventually felt compelled to serve our troops differently. I returned to school with a degree in Nuclear Medicine, which allowed me to support our veterans at the Atlanta VA. Throughout my career, I've been honored with several awards, none more significant than the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, which stands as a testament to my dedication to leadership and the pursuit of excellence. I'm ready to take everything I've learned during my career back to D.C. as Georgia's next congressional representative for the 3rd district. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Economic Equity - I'm committed to creating greater opportunities for District 3 by working to pass fiscal policies that help everyone instead of those who’ve already “made it.”. Building a more equitable economic future is the foundation for all my policy positions, but we must start with raising the minimum wage. Studies show a livable wage in Georgia should be at least $17.00/hour. Still, District 3’s previous representatives continually voted to keep their neighbors living at or below the poverty line, with many making only $7.25/hour – the Federal Minimum, which hasn’t increased in 14 years despite inflation continually pushing working-class families deeper into debt and struggle. Visit www.GetMoreWithMaura.com to learn more. Codifying Access to Women’s Reproductive Healthcare - I stand for reproductive rights because they're crucial for women’s economic security and health in District 3.\r\n\r\nThe ability to plan if and when to have children allows women to pursue education and careers, enhancing their earning potential.\r\n\r\nControl over reproductive health, including access to contraception and prenatal care, is fundamental.\r\n\r\nYet, some lawmakers' votes undermine these rights, impeding women's economic contributions and health. \r\n\r\nI'm committed to ensuring comprehensive reproductive care, which is vital for women's autonomy and our community's prosperity. Universally Accessible Healthcare - I believe all Americans deserve meaningful and easily accessible healthcare because no one should choose between paying for life’s necessities or staying alive.\r\n\r\nMy military career taught me how unhealthy soldiers can significantly decrease operational readiness, which is why soldier health has long been a cornerstone of our military’s strength.\r\n\r\nA healthy population lays a strong foundation for a robust economy, while healthcare inaccessibility causes avoidable illness and unnecessary deaths and weakens our entire economy.\r\n\r\nThe United States is the only developed nation without a universal healthcare system that codifies access to healthcare for all its citizens.\r\n\r\nTogether, we can fix that! What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? The policies I'm most passionate about impact our daily lives, the ones we debate while sitting at the dinner table with family and friends. These include accessible healthcare, ensuring that no family must choose between medical bills and groceries, education that prepares our children for the future, and economic strategies that support job growth and fair wages. I'm also deeply invested in protecting the environment for future generations. These issues aren't just political talking points; they're the fabric of our discussions at home, where the real effects of policy and its impact on the American Dream are most deeply felt. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Servant-hearted leadership and the determination to get things done even when it's hard. \"It can't be done\" and \"This is how we've always done it\" are my two least favorite sentences, and every time I hear either, I take it as a personal challenge! What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The most critical responsibility for a congressional representative is working in good faith on behalf of their district regardless of how other representatives choose to operate. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? President Kennedy's funeral. I wasn't even 4 1/2 years old, but I can remember that moment like it was yesterday. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I started my first job selling women’s clothing at a store where my dad was the manager when I was 14 years old and stuck with it for 2.5 years. What committees interest you? Veteran Affairs Armed Services Education and Workforce And the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Financial transparency and government accountability are not just policies to me; they are the principles that have steered my entire career. Having served where accurate data is the bedrock of decision-making, I understand that open, transparent financial reporting is crucial for trust and efficiency in governance. Transparent practices ensure that every dollar is accounted for and spent in service of the public. Likewise, accountability is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy—leaders must be answerable to those they serve. I’m committed to upholding these values and ensuring that our government works transparently in the public interest, with every action open to scrutiny.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Keller’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>ECONOMIC EQUITY\n</p><p>We are a country that doesn’t take care of its people. The American Dream is supposed to come with a good quality of life; instead, it is dependent on our citizens working themselves to the bone. If the federal minimum wage had not increased in 2009, workers in Georgia would still be making $5.05/hour. Although studies show a liveable wage in Georgia should be at least $17.00/hour, District 3’s previous representatives continually voted to keep their neighbors at or below the poverty line, with many making only $7.25/hour. That means it has been 14 years without a pay increase and still our Republican leaning Congress will not do anything about it.\n</p><p>REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE\n</p><p>For Maura, taking a stance on reproductive healthcare is easy: EVERYONE should have access to the care they need and have the right to make all decisions about their own body. The government should not come between Americans and their bodily autonomy; when Maura is sent to Congress, she will do everything in her power to both enshrine Roe v. Wade and expand on protections for women and birthing people across our nation.\n</p><p>ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE\n</p><p>When it comes to health care, Maura is endlessly committed to making sure every American can access the care they need. After working in Nuclear Medicine for many years, Maura knows just how important it is that we make health care accessible and affordable. She believes it is a basic right that we all deserve at all stages of our lives, and no one should ever have to choose between paying for life’s necessities or lifesaving medical services.\n</p><p>VETERAN ADVOCACY\n</p><p>Veteran advocacy is the driving force behind Maura’s decision to run for Congress. As a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and a Nuclear Medicine Technologist at Atlanta’s VA, Maura is one of the few who actually understands the needs of Veterans. She has seen firsthand the ways in which we fail our service members. From archaic computer systems and broken machinery to infiltrated IVs and dilapidated facilities; as Maura likes to say, she knows where the bodies are buried.\n</p><p>VOTING RIGHTS\n</p><p>Maura believes that we need to protect voting rights at the federal level to ensure that everyone has equal access to voting and the ability to participate in our democracy. In Georgia, State legislators have gone too far. They are introducing bills that violate our constitutional rights, affecting both Democrats and Republicans who want to cast their ballots, and disproportionately affecting communities of color. Congressional Representatives from District 3 have a history of choosing to disenfranchise their own voters—Maura will never.\n</p><p>AGING WITH DIGNITY\n</p><p>Maura stands with District 3’s aging population and she is disgusted that Georgia consistently ranks at the bottom for quality of living for seniors. She wants to work on legislation that will bring Social Security into the 21st century, keeping in line with inflation and the cost of living. Recent increases to Social Security payments via the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) have had the opposite effect for our seniors, with many being told they no longer qualify for Medicaid and food stamps. The increase in benefits that was supposed to help has sent many into poverty because our politicians are not prioritizing proper legislation that works for those receiving benefits.\n</p><p>LGBTQ+ EQUALITY FOR ALL\n</p><p>Maura offers unwavering support for all and believes that every citizen should have access to the American dream, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or skin color. As a friend and relative of members of this community, Maura is troubled by the trajectory of our country and she is determined to speak up in Congress. She will fight to enshrine legal protections for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Americans, and will push back against politicians who seek to strip away the human rights of these communities through deeply harmful and discriminatory policies.\n</p><p>EDUCATION + CHILD WELFARE\n</p><p>In Maura’s eyes, many Georgia politicians have forgotten where they came from. They have taken for granted their access to education, the basic necessities they had growing up, and their ability to achieve a high paying job. Now, they are trying to prevent future generations from having the same opportunities. Investing in public education is not a pipedream, it is a necessity. Nobel Prize winner James Heckman completed research that shows every $1 invested in early childhood development can yield returns of up to $16. Investment starts with our educators, and Maura wants to ensure that all teachers are paid a fair and liveable wage. In Georgia, you are required to have a college degree yet, according to Indeed, the average teacher salary in Georgia is $14.60/hour. In order to retain high quality teachers, we need to pay them what they deserve.\n</p><p>GUN SAFETY\n</p><p>Maura is a passionate advocate for gun safety legislation, understanding the Second Amendment while opposing reckless gun ownership. Currently, Georgia ranks 47th out of 50 for gun safety. Out of the 10 worst states that have guns stolen out of vehicles, we rank 5th. Our military and law enforcement are required to attend training on how and when to use a weapon, but an 18 year old can get an AR-15 without going through any training or safety procedures. How many more lives must be lost to gun violence before politicians stop pedaling party lines and start caring about the lives they represent in Congress?\n</p><p>IMMIGRATION REFORM\n</p><p>It’s no secret that our immigration system is broken, and has been for a long time. Maura believes that properly reforming our immigration service is a process that benefits everyone. We can improve our border security and enforce our rules all while strengthening our economy and keeping families together. In recent years, we have seen young children separated from their parents and kept in cages, while politicians spread hate in the media. Let’s be clear: this is not immigration reform. If you’re ready for actual change that benefits our country, then Maura is the representative for you.\n</p><p>ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE\n</p><p>Every year, the planet is changing in front of our eyes. We are seeing natural disasters ravage our country more often, record high temperatures that lead to death, and an onset of health conditions that will continue to get worse. Every record breaking storm, wildfire, and flood causes tens of billions of dollars in damages, destroying the communities left in their wake. Maura champions a bold stance on climate justice, for both the planet and the people. If we don’t take action now, the damage to our planet will soon be irreversible.\n</p><p>CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM\n</p><p>Maura believes that criminal justice reform is paramount to the success of our nation. Statistics show that, per capita, more people are in prison in America than anywhere else in the world. That doesn’t mean that we have more criminals here; it means that we are failing our citizens. Our criminal justice system is flawed, and Maura intends to fix it by supporting progressive legislation in Congress that puts the needs of our communities first.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Maura Keller’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Keller’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ ECONOMIC EQUITY We are a country that doesn’t take care of its people. The American Dream is supposed to come with a good quality of life; instead, it is dependent on our citizens working themselves to the bone. If the federal minimum wage had not increased in 2009, workers in Georgia would still be making $5.05/hour. Although studies show a liveable wage in Georgia should be at least $17.00/hour, District 3’s previous representatives continually voted to keep their neighbors at or below the poverty line, with many making only $7.25/hour. That means it has been 14 years without a pay increase and still our Republican leaning Congress will not do anything about it. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE For Maura, taking a stance on reproductive healthcare is easy: EVERYONE should have access to the care they need and have the right to make all decisions about their own body. The government should not come between Americans and their bodily autonomy; when Maura is sent to Congress, she will do everything in her power to both enshrine Roe v. Wade and expand on protections for women and birthing people across our nation. ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE When it comes to health care, Maura is endlessly committed to making sure every American can access the care they need. After working in Nuclear Medicine for many years, Maura knows just how important it is that we make health care accessible and affordable. She believes it is a basic right that we all deserve at all stages of our lives, and no one should ever have to choose between paying for life’s necessities or lifesaving medical services. VETERAN ADVOCACY Veteran advocacy is the driving force behind Maura’s decision to run for Congress. As a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and a Nuclear Medicine Technologist at Atlanta’s VA, Maura is one of the few who actually understands the needs of Veterans. She has seen firsthand the ways in which we fail our service members. From archaic computer systems and broken machinery to infiltrated IVs and dilapidated facilities; as Maura likes to say, she knows where the bodies are buried. VOTING RIGHTS Maura believes that we need to protect voting rights at the federal level to ensure that everyone has equal access to voting and the ability to participate in our democracy. In Georgia, State legislators have gone too far. They are introducing bills that violate our constitutional rights, affecting both Democrats and Republicans who want to cast their ballots, and disproportionately affecting communities of color. Congressional Representatives from District 3 have a history of choosing to disenfranchise their own voters—Maura will never. AGING WITH DIGNITY Maura stands with District 3’s aging population and she is disgusted that Georgia consistently ranks at the bottom for quality of living for seniors. She wants to work on legislation that will bring Social Security into the 21st century, keeping in line with inflation and the cost of living. Recent increases to Social Security payments via the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) have had the opposite effect for our seniors, with many being told they no longer qualify for Medicaid and food stamps. The increase in benefits that was supposed to help has sent many into poverty because our politicians are not prioritizing proper legislation that works for those receiving benefits. LGBTQ+ EQUALITY FOR ALL Maura offers unwavering support for all and believes that every citizen should have access to the American dream, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or skin color. As a friend and relative of members of this community, Maura is troubled by the trajectory of our country and she is determined to speak up in Congress. She will fight to enshrine legal protections for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Americans, and will push back against politicians who seek to strip away the human rights of these communities through deeply harmful and discriminatory policies. EDUCATION + CHILD WELFARE In Maura’s eyes, many Georgia politicians have forgotten where they came from. They have taken for granted their access to education, the basic necessities they had growing up, and their ability to achieve a high paying job. Now, they are trying to prevent future generations from having the same opportunities. Investing in public education is not a pipedream, it is a necessity. Nobel Prize winner James Heckman completed research that shows every $1 invested in early childhood development can yield returns of up to $16. Investment starts with our educators, and Maura wants to ensure that all teachers are paid a fair and liveable wage. In Georgia, you are required to have a college degree yet, according to Indeed, the average teacher salary in Georgia is $14.60/hour. In order to retain high quality teachers, we need to pay them what they deserve. GUN SAFETY Maura is a passionate advocate for gun safety legislation, understanding the Second Amendment while opposing reckless gun ownership. Currently, Georgia ranks 47th out of 50 for gun safety. Out of the 10 worst states that have guns stolen out of vehicles, we rank 5th. Our military and law enforcement are required to attend training on how and when to use a weapon, but an 18 year old can get an AR-15 without going through any training or safety procedures. How many more lives must be lost to gun violence before politicians stop pedaling party lines and start caring about the lives they represent in Congress? IMMIGRATION REFORM It’s no secret that our immigration system is broken, and has been for a long time. Maura believes that properly reforming our immigration service is a process that benefits everyone. We can improve our border security and enforce our rules all while strengthening our economy and keeping families together. In recent years, we have seen young children separated from their parents and kept in cages, while politicians spread hate in the media. Let’s be clear: this is not immigration reform. If you’re ready for actual change that benefits our country, then Maura is the representative for you. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Every year, the planet is changing in front of our eyes. We are seeing natural disasters ravage our country more often, record high temperatures that lead to death, and an onset of health conditions that will continue to get worse. Every record breaking storm, wildfire, and flood causes tens of billions of dollars in damages, destroying the communities left in their wake. Maura champions a bold stance on climate justice, for both the planet and the people. If we don’t take action now, the damage to our planet will soon be irreversible. CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM Maura believes that criminal justice reform is paramount to the success of our nation. Statistics show that, per capita, more people are in prison in America than anywhere else in the world. That doesn’t mean that we have more criminals here; it means that we are failing our citizens. Our criminal justice system is flawed, and Maura intends to fix it by supporting progressive legislation in Congress that puts the needs of our communities first. [2] ” —Maura Keller’s campaign website (2024) [3]"}]