Mark Shannon Wheeler II

[{"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>Mark Wheeler II completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wheeler'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-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading-bio-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-309590-2025-02-08\" 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-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tHey there! My name is Mark Wheeler II, and I know firsthand what it means to put in long hours and hard work. I was born and raised in Heflin, Alabama. I grew facing significant financial poverty. But through determination and a whole lot of grit, I managed to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Jacksonville State University, with a minor in Emergency Management.\r\n<p>For most of my career, I worked 12-hour night shifts with constant mandatory overtime—often pushing 60+ hours a week. During the day, I squeezed in school, studied whenever I could, all while making sure to pass down my core values of love, respect, and frugality to my kids. I know what it’s like to struggle and work hard, chase a dream, and do everything possible to build a better life. \r\n</p><p>Thanks to my years of hard work, I now enjoy a very fulfilling career working in Research and Development for a privately owned manufacturing company, where I help create sustainable solutions in polymers and energy transmission. My job is all about innovation and making sure we meet the highest safety standards. \r\n</p><p>If you’ve ever felt like you were grinding away at a job with no end in sight, know that I understand your struggle. I have been there too. \r\n</p><p>It is my deepest desire to fix this mess we all find ourselves in, and to leave a better world for our kids, and grandkids to grow up in. \r\n</p>\nIn the upcoming election, I hope you'll strongly consider voting for me - a man who is just like you.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading-key-message-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-309590-2025-02-08\" 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-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Our leaders are being bought. Corrupt money is flooding into Congress, turning public service into personal profit. As long as members of Congress can trade stocks, they will continue to serve their own wallets instead of the people who elected them.\r\n<p>This must end. We will never have a government \"by the people, for the people\" until we ban stock trading in Congress. Every day we wait, they grow richer while working Americans struggle. They will keep taking advantage of us—unless we stop them.\r\n</p>\nI won’t just support this fight—I will lead it. I will champion legislation, push relentlessly, and negotiate aggressively to get this done. Because if Congress won’t hold itself accountable, then we must.</li><li>Power unchecked is power abused. History has proven time and time again that absolute power corrupts absolutely—and nowhere is this more dangerous than in the halls of Congress and the Supreme Court. Without term limits, career politicians and lifelong justices grow disconnected from the very people they were meant to serve, making decisions without ever facing the consequences themselves.\r\n\r\nThis must change. We need term limits to ensure that those in power know they will one day have to live under the very laws and rulings they create. Only then can we guarantee that they act in good faith—not just for their own interests, but for the generations to come. The future of our democracy depends on it.</li><li>The United States is falling behind. While other developed nations surge ahead with cutting-edge infrastructure, we remain stuck in a cycle of crumbling roads, outdated utilities, and an economy that struggles to keep pace. If we don’t act now, the gap will only widen—weakening our economy, stifling job growth, and leaving us vulnerable on the world stage.\r\n\r\nThere is a solution. Investing in Ultra High-Speed Transit, we can revolutionize our nation’s infrastructure. We can slash housing costs by opening new areas for development, create millions of high-paying jobs, strengthen our national defense by improving rapid mobility, and expand access to essential utilities like power, clean water, and high-speed internet. \r\n\r\nThis is our chance.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading1-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-309590-2025-02-08\" 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=\"heading1-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 driven by a deep passion for improving everyone’s quality of life. I have no interest in being a career politician—I simply want to step in, make real, lasting change, and then return to my research lab knowing I’ve helped create a better future for the next generations. My goal isn’t power or prestige; it’s progress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading2-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tRobin Williams and Steve Irwin.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading3-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\t2019 - Dark Waters\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading4-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-309590-2025-02-08\" 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=\"heading4-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tFor me, the most important characteristics and principles of an elected official are integrity, accountability, and an unshakable commitment to the people they serve. Too many politicians prioritize their own power and wealth over the needs of hardworking Americans, and that has to change.<br/><br/>\n<p>I believe in term limits because absolute power corrupts absolutely. No one should hold office indefinitely, growing more disconnected from reality while making decisions they’ll never have to live under. Leaders must be held accountable and know they will one day walk the same streets, pay the same bills, and face the same challenges as the rest of us.<br/><br/>\r\nHard work and dedication are non-negotiable. I’ve spent years grinding through long shifts, studying during the day, and doing everything I could to build a better future for my family. I expect the same level of work ethic from anyone in office. Public service isn’t about making speeches—it’s about getting things done.<br/><br/>\r\nI’m not here to play political games or climb the ladder of career politics. I’m here to fight for real, practical solutions that will actually improve people’s lives. That means taking on corruption, banning stock trading in Congress, strengthening our infrastructure, and ensuring that every decision made in Washington prioritizes the working class, not the elite.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI won’t back down from a fight. I will push relentlessly, negotiate aggressively, and do whatever it takes to deliver real results. Because at the end of the day, I don’t want to stay in politics forever—I just want to make things better and go back to my research lab knowing that I left this country stronger for the next generation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading5-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 have a deep sense of empathy and strong ethical drive.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading6-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-309590-2025-02-08\" 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=\"heading6-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tAt the end of the day, it all comes down to one simple thing: acting in good faith. Elected officials must prioritize the well-being of the people, not their own interests. That means making decisions based on what’s right for the country, not what’s convenient for their career. Public service is about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, and always putting the needs of the people first.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading7-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tClean air, clean water, shorter commutes for workers, and a safer more functional world.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading8-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-309590-2025-02-08\" 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=\"heading8-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 biggest thing that sticks out is 9/11. I was 8 years old at the time.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading9-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-309590-2025-02-08\" 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=\"heading9-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tMy very first job was at a Hardees in my home town. It has since closed. My first \"real\" job was a night shift 4PM-4AM at a parts manufacturer in Anniston, Al. I stayed there for just over a year. I left because of a severe injury to my left hand that happened while helping a relative of mine.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading10-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\t\"Flowers for Algernon\" - Daniel Keys\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading11-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tThis is pretty hard.<br/>\r\nEither John Stewart - The Green Lantern or Dr. Manhattan.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading12-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\t\"keep the Wolves Away\" - Uncle Lucius\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading13-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tGrowing up without a father figure. I didn’t fully understand the impact it had on me until I became a father myself. It was then that I truly realized how much I missed by not having someone to lean on and learn from. This experience has shaped me into a highly self-sufficient person and has made me deeply focused on being the best \"Dad\" I can be for my own children.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading14-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tOvercoming ourselves is our own greatest challenge. Nothing in the world can stop us if we put our minds to it. But we as a nation can destroy ourselves from the inside. It is time for unity.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading15-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tOne of my primary campaign promises are to push aggressively for term limits.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading16-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tWell, there are several things that make the U.S. Senate unique. In brief, unlike the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, the Senate provides equal representation to each state, with each state having two senators regardless of size or population. This ensures that smaller states have an equal voice in the legislative process, balancing the influence of larger states.<br/><br/>\n<p>Senators serve six-year terms, compared to the two-year terms of members of the House of Representatives. This longer term allows senators to focus on longer-term issues and provides stability in governance, reducing the frequent turnover seen in the House.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nThe Senate is often considered a more deliberative body than the House, due to its smaller size and longer terms. It tends to foster more in-depth debate, as individual senators have more time to speak and deliberate on issues. This allows for more comprehensive scrutiny of legislation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading17-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tWhile individuals from all walks of life bring valuable perspectives and experiences to any role, the U.S. Senate is no exception. At this critical juncture, I believe it is essential to have a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of the average citizen to ensure the long-term prosperity and well-being of our great nation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading18-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 think of the filibuster?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 have mixed feelings about the filibuster. Like any tool, it can be used for both positive and negative purposes. Ideally, in a well-functioning government, such a tool would not be necessary.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading19-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tNo\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading20-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\t\"If a black bear and a white bear go into the water, which one dissolves first?\" <br/><br/><br/>\r\n\" The polar bear!\"\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading21-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow would you evaluate a judicial nominee?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tOn their ability to honor the law as written and no apply their own political bias to bend the sprit of the law.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading22-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat kind of relationships would you build with other senators?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tWhile I will always put the needs of Americans over any relationship I might build in Congress, I will work diligently to ensure that I understand the wants and needs of the other Senators to ensure we can achieve common goals more easily.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading23-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tCompromise is almost always necessary.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading24-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 U.S. Senate has a responsibility to enforce ethics amongst other federal officials. The Senate should use its investigative powers to that end alone.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading25-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-309590-2025-02-08\" 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=\"heading25-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tAt the time of writing this, about 30,000 individual Redditors have endorsed me in some way or another. More than 100 donors on ActBlue. My local committee Chair.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading26-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse26-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading26-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse26-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 would consider whether the individual is both well-educated and experienced in a field directly relevant to the responsibilities of the cabinet position.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading27-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse27-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-309590-2025-02-08\" 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=\"heading27-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse27-309590-2025-02-08\" 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\tSenate Select Committee on Ethics, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senate Appropriations Committee\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse28-309590-2025-02-08\" id=\"heading28-309590-2025-02-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse28-309590-2025-02-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse28-309590-2025-02-08\" 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=\"heading28-309590-2025-02-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse28-309590-2025-02-08\" 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 should be absolutes. The public has a right to know everything and a responsibility to hold their officials accountable for their actions in bad faith.\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\nMark Wheeler II completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wheeler's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Hey there! My name is Mark Wheeler II, and I know firsthand what it means to put in long hours and hard work. I was born and raised in Heflin, Alabama. I grew facing significant financial poverty. But through determination and a whole lot of grit, I managed to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Jacksonville State University, with a minor in Emergency Management. For most of my career, I worked 12-hour night shifts with constant mandatory overtime—often pushing 60+ hours a week. During the day, I squeezed in school, studied whenever I could, all while making sure to pass down my core values of love, respect, and frugality to my kids. I know what it’s like to struggle and work hard, chase a dream, and do everything possible to build a better life. Thanks to my years of hard work, I now enjoy a very fulfilling career working in Research and Development for a privately owned manufacturing company, where I help create sustainable solutions in polymers and energy transmission. My job is all about innovation and making sure we meet the highest safety standards. If you’ve ever felt like you were grinding away at a job with no end in sight, know that I understand your struggle. I have been there too. It is my deepest desire to fix this mess we all find ourselves in, and to leave a better world for our kids, and grandkids to grow up in. In the upcoming election, I hope you'll strongly consider voting for me - a man who is just like you. 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? Our leaders are being bought. Corrupt money is flooding into Congress, turning public service into personal profit. As long as members of Congress can trade stocks, they will continue to serve their own wallets instead of the people who elected them. This must end. We will never have a government \"by the people, for the people\" until we ban stock trading in Congress. Every day we wait, they grow richer while working Americans struggle. They will keep taking advantage of us—unless we stop them. I won’t just support this fight—I will lead it. I will champion legislation, push relentlessly, and negotiate aggressively to get this done. Because if Congress won’t hold itself accountable, then we must. Power unchecked is power abused. History has proven time and time again that absolute power corrupts absolutely—and nowhere is this more dangerous than in the halls of Congress and the Supreme Court. Without term limits, career politicians and lifelong justices grow disconnected from the very people they were meant to serve, making decisions without ever facing the consequences themselves.\r\n\r\nThis must change. We need term limits to ensure that those in power know they will one day have to live under the very laws and rulings they create. Only then can we guarantee that they act in good faith—not just for their own interests, but for the generations to come. The future of our democracy depends on it. The United States is falling behind. While other developed nations surge ahead with cutting-edge infrastructure, we remain stuck in a cycle of crumbling roads, outdated utilities, and an economy that struggles to keep pace. If we don’t act now, the gap will only widen—weakening our economy, stifling job growth, and leaving us vulnerable on the world stage.\r\n\r\nThere is a solution. Investing in Ultra High-Speed Transit, we can revolutionize our nation’s infrastructure. We can slash housing costs by opening new areas for development, create millions of high-paying jobs, strengthen our national defense by improving rapid mobility, and expand access to essential utilities like power, clean water, and high-speed internet. \r\n\r\nThis is our chance. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am driven by a deep passion for improving everyone’s quality of life. I have no interest in being a career politician—I simply want to step in, make real, lasting change, and then return to my research lab knowing I’ve helped create a better future for the next generations. My goal isn’t power or prestige; it’s progress. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Robin Williams and Steve Irwin. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? 2019 - Dark Waters What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? For me, the most important characteristics and principles of an elected official are integrity, accountability, and an unshakable commitment to the people they serve. Too many politicians prioritize their own power and wealth over the needs of hardworking Americans, and that has to change. I believe in term limits because absolute power corrupts absolutely. No one should hold office indefinitely, growing more disconnected from reality while making decisions they’ll never have to live under. Leaders must be held accountable and know they will one day walk the same streets, pay the same bills, and face the same challenges as the rest of us. Hard work and dedication are non-negotiable. I’ve spent years grinding through long shifts, studying during the day, and doing everything I could to build a better future for my family. I expect the same level of work ethic from anyone in office. Public service isn’t about making speeches—it’s about getting things done. I’m not here to play political games or climb the ladder of career politics. I’m here to fight for real, practical solutions that will actually improve people’s lives. That means taking on corruption, banning stock trading in Congress, strengthening our infrastructure, and ensuring that every decision made in Washington prioritizes the working class, not the elite. I won’t back down from a fight. I will push relentlessly, negotiate aggressively, and do whatever it takes to deliver real results. Because at the end of the day, I don’t want to stay in politics forever—I just want to make things better and go back to my research lab knowing that I left this country stronger for the next generation. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I have a deep sense of empathy and strong ethical drive. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? At the end of the day, it all comes down to one simple thing: acting in good faith. Elected officials must prioritize the well-being of the people, not their own interests. That means making decisions based on what’s right for the country, not what’s convenient for their career. Public service is about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, and always putting the needs of the people first. What legacy would you like to leave? Clean air, clean water, shorter commutes for workers, and a safer more functional world. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The biggest thing that sticks out is 9/11. I was 8 years old at the time. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My very first job was at a Hardees in my home town. It has since closed. My first \"real\" job was a night shift 4PM-4AM at a parts manufacturer in Anniston, Al. I stayed there for just over a year. I left because of a severe injury to my left hand that happened while helping a relative of mine. What is your favorite book? Why? \"Flowers for Algernon\" - Daniel Keys If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? This is pretty hard. Either John Stewart - The Green Lantern or Dr. Manhattan. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? \"keep the Wolves Away\" - Uncle Lucius What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Growing up without a father figure. I didn’t fully understand the impact it had on me until I became a father myself. It was then that I truly realized how much I missed by not having someone to lean on and learn from. This experience has shaped me into a highly self-sufficient person and has made me deeply focused on being the best \"Dad\" I can be for my own children. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Overcoming ourselves is our own greatest challenge. Nothing in the world can stop us if we put our minds to it. But we as a nation can destroy ourselves from the inside. It is time for unity. What are your thoughts on term limits? One of my primary campaign promises are to push aggressively for term limits. What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution? Well, there are several things that make the U.S. Senate unique. In brief, unlike the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, the Senate provides equal representation to each state, with each state having two senators regardless of size or population. This ensures that smaller states have an equal voice in the legislative process, balancing the influence of larger states. Senators serve six-year terms, compared to the two-year terms of members of the House of Representatives. This longer term allows senators to focus on longer-term issues and provides stability in governance, reducing the frequent turnover seen in the House. The Senate is often considered a more deliberative body than the House, due to its smaller size and longer terms. It tends to foster more in-depth debate, as individual senators have more time to speak and deliberate on issues. This allows for more comprehensive scrutiny of legislation. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics? While individuals from all walks of life bring valuable perspectives and experiences to any role, the U.S. Senate is no exception. At this critical juncture, I believe it is essential to have a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of the average citizen to ensure the long-term prosperity and well-being of our great nation. What do you think of the filibuster? I have mixed feelings about the filibuster. Like any tool, it can be used for both positive and negative purposes. Ideally, in a well-functioning government, such a tool would not be necessary. Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? No Tell us your favorite joke. \"If a black bear and a white bear go into the water, which one dissolves first?\" \" The polar bear!\" How would you evaluate a judicial nominee? On their ability to honor the law as written and no apply their own political bias to bend the sprit of the law. What kind of relationships would you build with other senators? While I will always put the needs of Americans over any relationship I might build in Congress, I will work diligently to ensure that I understand the wants and needs of the other Senators to ensure we can achieve common goals more easily. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is almost always necessary. How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers? The U.S. Senate has a responsibility to enforce ethics amongst other federal officials. The Senate should use its investigative powers to that end alone. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? At the time of writing this, about 30,000 individual Redditors have endorsed me in some way or another. More than 100 donors on ActBlue. My local committee Chair. What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet? I would consider whether the individual is both well-educated and experienced in a field directly relevant to the responsibilities of the cabinet position. What committees interest you? Senate Select Committee on Ethics, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senate Appropriations Committee What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Financial transparency and government accountability should be absolutes. The public has a right to know everything and a responsibility to hold their officials accountable for their actions in bad faith.\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."}]