Candidate Directory
John Ragan
House District33
Incumbent
Republican
Oak Ridge
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Candidate is running in a contested General Election.
SURVEY QUESTIONS
Would you support or oppose legislation that would prohibit abortion except when necessary to prevent the death of the mother?
Support
Would you support or oppose legislation that would make sexual orientation a new protected class under Tennessee’s civil rights laws?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation that would make gender identity/expression a new protected class under Tennessee’s civil rights laws?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose a bill to amend Tennessee’s marriage statute to expressly authorize the issuance of marriage licenses to two people of the same sex?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation that would establish a $15 per hour minimum wage in Tennessee?
Oppose
Do you support or oppose the proposition that a person should be allowed by law to use the bathroom or locker room that corresponds to the gender they identify with?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose a law creating the office of Solicitor General, a lawyer to serve as the state’s advocate in the court systems, to be appointed by the General Assembly?
Support
Do you support or oppose the U.S. Department of Justice redefining the word “sex” to also include gender identity for purposes of Title VII and Title IX?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation, like Insure Tennessee, that would expand Medicaid coverage in TN beyond the Medicaid eligible population?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation that would prohibit state courts or any local government from ordering a privately owned business to participate in activities associated with solemnization or celebration of a marriage through the provision of goods or services if participating would violate their beliefs regarding the nature of marriage?
Support
Do you support or oppose the legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation to award all of Tennessee’s Electors in a presidential election to the Party of the candidate who wins the national popular vote?
Oppose
Do you support or oppose the legalization of horse racing tracks in Tennessee at which bets can be placed on races?
Undecided
Would you support or oppose a nominee to the TN Supreme Court if there is credible evidence that the nominee believes the state or federal constitution should be viewed or interpreted as a “living” document?
Oppose
ESSAY QUESTIONS
Explain your view of state government’s role in relation to economic growth and/or job creation.
Governments are instituted to protect the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness among other rights. Beyond resolving disputes, governments should maintain the order prescribed by laws that do not conflict with the rights of citizens. Economic growth is best encouraged by low taxes, well maintained infrastructure, an honest and efficient government, a capable workforce and low crime rates. Limited-time tax incentives are among the proper tools for government to entice businesses to locate or expand within state borders.
Explain your views regarding the roles state government and parents have in elementary and secondary education.
Tenn. Const. Art. XI, § 12. Education's inherent value -- Public schools -- Support of higher education.
The State of Tennessee recognizes the inherent value of education and encourages its support. The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance, support and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools. The General Assembly may establish and support such postsecondary educational institutions, including public institutions of higher learning, as it determines.
A child belongs to its parents until that child reaches the age of legal majority. Because a child is also a citizen of Tennessee, within the constraints of being a minor, that child has the rights to life and the protection from abuse as defined by statute and must be afforded the opportunity for an education. Parents may, and should, direct the education of their children.
What is one of the most satisfying things you have ever done or accomplished and what made it so satisfying to you?
Being a good, Christian husband, father and grandfather. After this, my most satisfying experience has been serving my country and my state. The reason is best explained in a quote by Robert E. Lee: "Your should do your duty in all things. You can never do more and you should never wish to less."
What personal qualities or experiences do you think will best serve you in your role as a state legislator?
The personal qualities that best serve me in my capacity as a state legislator are honesty, perseverance and hard work. My previous incumbency in the legislature will be the most beneficial experience in continuing to serve in that capacity.
What bill passed in the last General Assembly that you would have voted against and why, or what bill did not pass in the last General Assembly that you wish had passed and why?
This question is best answered by looking at my voting record on the General Assembly's website. As to why I vote for, or against, any particular bill, I do so because I believe such action to be the right thing to do in the best interests of the citizens of the State of Tennesse, the action which best represents the will of my constitutents and in the best interests of America.
