Name: Joseph “Joe” Kaufman
Campaign website: www.kaufmanforcongress.com
Date, place of birth: 4/24/1970, Detroit, MI
Education: BA, University of Maryland
Occupation: Counter-Terrorism Writer/Researcher/Lecturer
Work history for the past 15 years, starting with the most recent.
2009-Present
Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center
Writer at Freedom Center’s FrontPage Magazine
Writer at Middle East Forum
Why are you running for this office, and what specifically makes you a better candidate than your opponent?
I am concerned about the current state of America. Our debt is out of control. Our foreign policy is in shambles. I am a product of the 70s and 80s, and I remember the gas lines, the hostage crisis, and the surge in food prices. Today is eerily similar, and I want to be part of the change that brings our nation back to greatness. My background in national security is very needed in Congress. I have experience in dealing with the border situation, and I will have an immediate impact on national security and foreign policy. As well, I am married to someone from Peru, so I have first-hand knowledge of what immigrants who arrive here legally have to go through. It shapes my policy and it will help me in office.
What are the three most important issues facing this congressional district?
*Inflation. We live in a time when my daughter needs to know the meaning of BOGO, Buy One Get One Free, at the supermarket. Except the price is no bargain. It’s just the same price as the regular price two years ago. We need an economic atmosphere in the U.S. that is conducive to ending inflation and bringing down the debt. We need to cut taxes and spending, but we also need to bring up energy, to where we are not only energy independent, but energy dominant.
*Education. In 2018, I was part of a delegation invited to the White House to discuss School Choice with the Trump Administration. Afterward, a half-dozen of us were sent to the office of then-Congressman Ron DeSantis. I was spokesman for the group and explained the importance of vouchers for private schools – for religious families and for parents who find their children in failing schools. I am proud that, shortly after our meeting, DeSantis became Governor and enacted one of the largest School Choice initiatives in America. I’m also a huge advocate of vocational training in schools. Many kids elect not to go to college, and they should have job skills right out of high school. I did, when I grew up in Yonkers, NY, where all of our high schools taught different vocations.
*Healthcare. I came to South Florida to care for my grandmother and best friend, Ruth. My grandparents raised me, and I needed to be there for her in her time of need. As a result, I understand what seniors go through, and I want them to know that I will have their backs when it comes to their Social Security and Medicare. As well, deductibles and premiums are way too high, and I will work to bring down the costs.
What more should America be doing to protect our environment and critical ecosystems?
The greatest thing for the environment is to have a great economy to pay for it. People in Third World countries live in squalor, because their economies are non-existent. Fossil fuels are not the enemy. They have actually allowed for the beautification of the environment. They further have helped us lead an Industrial Revolution, get through two world wars, and feed much of the impoverished world. Calling for their abrupt end are shortsighted. While we work towards cleaner energy, we must not destroy that which has allowed our nation to thrive, both economically and militarily.
What is your opinion of how Israel has conducted its military operations in Gaza?
Israel should be commended on how she has conducted military operations in Gaza. Following the October 7 attacks, Israel had no choice but to go into Gaza and destroy Hamas. With such an incredibly difficult terrain to maneuver in, Israel managed to wipe out most of Hamas, while sparing the lives of most Gazans, many of which are strong supporters of Hamas. I am with my brethren in Israel 100%. Am Yisrael Chai!
Do you support or oppose the Florida abortion rights measure known as Amendment 4, and why?
The way Amendment 4 is written, it is such vague language that is allows for virtually all abortions at any stage. I am absolutely against it. If they knew how misleading this amendment is, Pro-Life or otherwise, I believe a very small percentage of Floridians would support this.
Do you support or oppose reinstating the federal assault weapons ban? What other changes would you support to reduce gun violence in the U.S.?
I am not in favor of any further legislation that would harm our 2nd Amendment rights. Doing so only benefits the criminals, as they will get their hands on the weapons regardless of any laws that are in place. Any changes should deal with mental health initiatives. As well, as a result of my involvement in the counter-terrorism field, I support keeping those whose names appear on the Federal No-Fly List from obtaining firearms.
Did Joe Biden legitimately win the 2020 presidential election? Why or why not?
I have my doubts about the 2020 election, mainly because, in my opinion, certain states violated their own election laws. That said, I do not wish to dwell on the past. My concern is 2024, when I will be elected United States Congressman and President Trump will be elected to four more years.
Win or lose, will you pledge to accept the results of your own campaign and the 2024 presidential election?
When I was the Republican Nominee against Debbie Wasserman Schultz, there were many issues with the actions of Brenda Snipes and the elections office she ran, but I did not contest any of it. And anyway, do I have any choice?
Do you support or oppose an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices? What other changes would you support to restore respect for the court?
I support term limits for Congress, and I signed the Term Limits Pledge. I haven’t thought about the Supreme Court.
Describe in detail any demographic, economic or social factor about your congressional district that sets it apart from others.
District 23 contains one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, including a substantial Orthodox Jewish population. Anyone elected to this seat needs to represent this community. As well, there is a fairly large Hispanic population. I represent both, as my wife, daughter and I are a big part of the observant Jewish community. My wife teaches Hebrew and Spanish at one of the most prominent Boca yeshivas, and my daughter goes to Hillel. My wife, as well, grew up in Peru, and we have extended family in and from Venezuela and Cuba. I personally am passionate about and have fought side-by-side with those working to bring democracy to the Hispanic world overseas, and as Congressman, I will make it a big part of my mission to do just that.
Have you ever been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime, received a withheld adjudication or had a matter sealed or expunged? If yes, please explain.
No.
Have you been a plaintiff or defendant in a civil action, including bankruptcy or foreclosure or had a restraining order issued against you? If so, please explain.
In 2007, I was sued for seven dollars by seven Islamist groups based in Texas for libel. I won in the Texas Appellant Court, the Appellant En Banc, and the Texas Supreme Court.
