Bennie Foster

Bennie Foster earned a bachelor's degree from Jackson State University and graduated from Strayer University. His career experience includes working as an educator and business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Bennie Foster Jr. I was raised in Jackson, MS. I'm a graduate of THEE Jackson State University. I am a husband to my wife Lisa Foster, a father, and a follower of Christ.

Throughout my life I spend decades serving as an educator, creating successful programs for youth and violence intervention, music and art, business incubation, and ministry throughout the nation.

I was living my best life with my wife on the beach in Florida 5 years ago when I felt God calling me back to Jackson, MS. It didn't make sense, we were financially prospering, successful in business, and we literally lived on a beach. Everything was going right, but I couldn't shake the call to return.

I obeyed the call, originally staying with my mother in her small home in Jackson as I figured out my next steps. I began to see the pain and struggle of the city I grew up in. As I reached out to city, county, and state leaders with ideas, solutions, and programs that worked in other cities and states I had served, I was surprised to be met with stark opposition and resistance. I discovered a system of gatekeeping and self serving leaders who were more focused on protecting their egos and income than serving the people.

This eventually led me to prayer, and my decision to run for congress. God gave me a vision to ReImagine Mississippi. To identify and empower local leaders throughout our district, and to start solving problems NOW, before even being in office.

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?

People Over Politics.

Great success is not a secret, it's a system. Our district is failing because of broken systems. We must bring accessibility to our constituents, accountability for the work we do and the money we are receiving and allocating, and we must empower teams and leaders to solve the problems in our community without gatekeeping resources and connections because of greed, ego, and petty rivalries.

We must put the needs of the people we are serving over our own agendas. The congress seat has 18 full time positions available to serve the district. I intend to fill every position I can with leaders who can engage our 28 counties, and help me deliver results for our people.Results over Rhetoric.

Too often we see our current leadership spend countless days bickering, arguing, and grandstanding over issues and ideas that are nothing more than well rehearsed rhetoric. They know it's half truths, twisted words, and often - flat out lies. But they know their voters trust them, and they like to keep them in a fight.

I want to move past emotional buzzwords and rhetoric to work in a bipartisan fashion to accomplish the business of our district. We cannot afford to miss out on securing a better future for our district because of political and partisan fights. We need to work collaboratively with those on each side of the aisle to secure wins for our constituents, regardless of which party gets credit.Foster our Future.

We must recognize that the old way isn't working. The system is broken. We must allow new ideas, fresh vision, and the next generation to become part of the solution.

I intend to invest in our next generation, workforce development, education and trade programs, and technology training in order to equip the next generation of Mississippians to participate in the new economy that is coming.

Every vote, every allocation, every effort must be made to prepare our residents for a better future. Economic growth is coming to our state, we must be in position in the 2nd congressional district to seize the moment and capitalize on these opportunities to grow - without being hindered by old systems and broken promises.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Healthcare, and Economic Development.

Education is one of the biggest antidotes for poverty. The better educated our populace, the less likely they are to experience poverty - and the less likely they are to commit crimes.

Healthcare is broken in America, and our residents need solutions NOW. I am already working to bring solutions for better health to our district by working to bring mobile health stations, fresh market grocery stores, and maternal support and birth professionals to our district.

Economic growth is the key to a new future in our district. We have untapped potential in the form of many natural resources and unrealized funding. We already have plans and business ready to work with us when I am elected.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity. Humility. Accountability.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Uphold the constitution, represent the voice of their constituents by staying connected to them, secure funding for the needs of their district, and vote for laws and policies that advance American and Mississippi values.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of progress. I want to pass the torch while I'm still standing and capable. This isn't about me or one man, it's about a team and a vision. It's about leaving a legacy of systems that will work for the benefit of the district long after I'm gone from office.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The large size of the House makes it a very unique body because you must truly be persistent to succeed in bringing policy out of a session. You have the ability to make great progress financially for the country, or to ruin things. It's a big machine and it takes a special person to handle the work required to be effective in it.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Adapting to advancing technology and fighting for an identity while battling a culture that profits off identity politics. We must choose to stand together against the division and hateful rhetoric from every side - or we will fall alone.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I don't believe compromise is the right word, I prefer to choose collaboration. Obviously when you are different people with different viewpoints, you will have to choose which hills to die on and what your real priorities are when negotiating policy. But ultimately I think we must focus less on what we are losing, and more on what we agree on and can gain if we work together. We are all supposed to be here on behalf of our constituents, not our egos or political ambitions and party agendas.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

While we have received numerous endorsements, we are choosing not to rely on the support of others names, but rather the merits of our platform and vision for this district. We are happy to provide names of individuals and organizations to anyone who asks us directly.