John Clark

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

There is significant agreement that the prison system is overwhelmed, inefficient, and ill-equipped to handle today’s demands and challenges. Learn more

I believe the private sector, rather than the government, is better able and more appropriately positioned to cost-effectively manage prison operations. Learn more

Defense / Veterans

I strongly support America’s continuing efforts as a global leader in the fight against terrorism, human suppression, and suffering. The primary responsibility of our federal government is, and should continue to be, keeping American safe. Learn more

Drug Policy

The opioid crisis has held us in its grip too long. I will work diligently with our federal and state legislators and medical professionals to address the epidemic of addiction right here at home through prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. Learn more

Economy

Within my first three months as your congressman, I will host another summit bringing together the thought leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, recruiters, and experts from every corner of our region with the sole purpose of ensuring that our citizens are prepared for jobs right here at home and that those jobs keep multiplying. Let’s work together to ensure that anyone who wants a well-paid job in Northeast Tennessee can find one and keep it. Learn more

Education

I ardently support the pursuit of excellent public schools and continuation of programs like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. These foundational programs make job training and reeducation affordable and attainable for countless Tennesseans throughout our region. Education is about employability and attaining skills to perform a task. Our citizens should have robust access to job-ready training. Coordinating efforts between community colleges, technical education campuses, and high school diploma programs will allow more of our residents to attain gainful employment with a living wage. Learn more

Environment / Energy

I oppose the Green New Deal many Democrats are currently touting as a solution to our energy crisis. The Green New Deal would fundamentally change how Americans harvest crops, raise livestock, build homes, drive cars, travel throughout our country, manufacture goods, and more. The American way of life would drastically shift in an unreasonably short period of time at the cost of trillions of dollars. Learn more

I support the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in a practical and cost-effective way. We must continue working with the other countries to ensure they too make efforts to control global pollution and continue their transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Learn more

Foreign Policy

It is my belief that we must remain united with President Trump’s agenda as we face growing global threats, like the political unrest in the Middle East, the denuclearization of North Korea, growing economic power in China, and increasing terrorism and cyber-attacks. The U.S. is a land of opportunity for all and it will only remain that way through our maintained vigilance and united stance on foreign affairs and geopolitical issues. Learn more

Guns

As a gun owner, I support the enforcement of our existing laws before infringing on the rights of our citizens any further. Learn more

Healthcare

Every American should have equal access to quality, affordable healthcare through robust, affordable, private sector insurance. I support the repeal and reform of Obamacare and free-market competition so families can purchase comprehensive insurance coverage that lowers costs, improves the quality of care, and preserves the doctor-patient relationship. Allowing competition across state lines and making it easier to shop for insurance are some of the fundamental ways we will help drive down the cost of private insurance for our employers and families. Learn more

Immigration

Illegal immigration has a negative impact on our nation’s safety and financial stability. I strongly support the comprehensive border security policy that the Trump administration is implementing, especially along our southern border. Additionally, I support the construction of a border wall to ensure the security of our nation’s border with Mexico. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

As mayor, I helped balance budgets while investing in quality of life initiatives each year to make the city of Kingsport a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We made the city more attractive and appealing for residents and businesses while maintaining the lowest cost of living (taxes, fees, utilities) of the Tri-Cities. It’s high time that we approach the federal budget with the same reasonable eye toward sustainable spending practices that will help decrease our national deficit. Learn more