Keith Allen

Keith Allen was born in Detroit, Michigan. He earned his education from Lee University in 2007. His career experience includes working as a retail manager, ordained minister, and podcast host.[1]

U.S. House

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Like each of you, I love the great State of Texas and have a strong faith in God. Many of us are tired of the godless culture around us and remember a time in our history when our nation’s laws and culture honored God. I am with you, and I am committed to getting us back there. I’m a man of faith who wants to honor God and to serve the great people of Texas.

We all know that Texas and America were very different in the days when there was prayer in our public schools and our children were taught to respect our flag and the rich history of our nation. Prayer was the answer then, and it is still the answer today! There is a passage in the book of Exodus, chapter 3, where Moses is on the mountain and the Lord tells him that he has heard the cries of his people and that He was concerned about their suffering. And today, I know that God still hears the cries of His people and is concerned. As you and I continue to seek God for His blessings on our great State and on our Nation, I believe He will honor our prayers. God moved in a powerful way for His people back then, and He will do the same for us today if we will just put our hope and trust in Him alone.

My professional background is in retail leadership. This has prepared me very well for representing the people of Texas in the U.S. Congress. I am excited about what God is going to do for Texas and for our great nation! I look forward to a great revival in our nation starting right here in our great State! Texas is a big state,

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?

I am a proud Republican, and I believe we must always honor God, and our founding principles as laid out in the Declaration of Independance and the United States Constitution. This means that the original writing and intent on our Constitution should not be compromised. The Bill of Rights is meant to limit our Congress' actions. I have a firm belief that States rights need to be protected and that the Federal Government needs to stay in their boundaries. I will fight for small, limited government and will fight the government overreach that has been prevalent in our country for far too long.Honor God / Serve Texas. I believe God expects us to honor and to value life. I am unapologetically pro-life. This also means that the mother's life is also to be protected in cases where her life may be at risk. I believe in the traditional family and traditional family values. I will always fight to protect our children from all the deviant sexualization that is happening in public schools and libraries in our country. I believe that any person serving in a government role is by definition a "servant". I view the role of a United States Congressman as one that listens to the voice of the constituents and then represents and fights for those things in Washington DC. I will honor God in every decision I make.Acknowledging the need for a compassionate solution to the complex issue of illegal immigration, which harms any nation, my priorities for border security enforcement and immigration are clear: We must build a physical wall on our southern border with enhanced technology and aggressively combat human and child sex trafficking. Separately, I am committed to reforming our national immigration laws and finding a resolution for the DACA issue. By addressing border security, combating exploitation, and tackling immigration reform and the DACA challenge distinctly, we can forge a path forward that is both secure and just. I will always support our Veterans, our great men and women of Law Enforcement and the brave Border Patrol Agents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I have a personal passion around the DACA issue and am committed to fixing it. This will be my first priority as I believe many people in both parties can, should, and WILL come together on this issue. DACA recipients were brought to our country as minors and have been here many years. We have a responsibility to do what's right here; that will honor God. As for the rest of our Immigration laws, we need major reform, and I am committed to taking up this cause. I look forward to this kind of work. It is the "heavy lifting" that is necessary today so that 50 years from now there isn't another group of people "talking about it". I am committed here!

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I have been studying the Bible for well over 30 years. If you understand the teachings of Jesus, you will have a good handle on my political and life philosophy

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

The 3 Characteristics that I believe are most important in business also apply here:

1- Care & Compassion. Any good leader must love the people that they represent and/or lead. Leaders who struggle with loving the people that they are appointed to serve, are in the wrong role. Leaders who love also are better listeners and tend to have a much greater ability to communicate and collaborate with others.

2: Inspirational. Good Leaders are able to win others over through building strong relationships. Motivation, (the ability to make a person move their hands and feet), is at times a necessary thing. However, "Inspiration", (the ability to move a person's heart), is most often the better route. Inspirational leaders are more inclusive leaders and usually have a penchant for developing future leaders. They also build things to last over time because they look to the future with optimism.

3: Authentic: Good leaders must be transparent and confident in their own skin. A leader that is willing to admit their weaknesses will usually surround themself with others to fill in the gaps. This also creates an environment of safety for other to be vulnerable as well. Authentic leaders bring a high level of responsibility to the table and their words can be trusted. This promotes teamwork and a strive for excellence.

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

1: Honor God with every decision and influence I have.

2: Serve the great people of Texas

3: Protect the United States Constitution and its original intent.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible is my favorite book because it is the written Word of the God that I serve. Jusus was the best leader to ever walk the planet. Over 2000 years ago, he trained a group of 12 men, (and one of them was a traitor), to go out and take his message to the world. Today, over 2000 years later, his messages and teachings have reached across the entire globe.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it can be beneficial, but I have also seen it as a big problem. Lifetime politicians have put us in the predicament we are currently in with almost 37 trillion dollars in debt. There are also members of the House that have made a living on owning/trading public stocks with insider information. Not all of them, but according to the facts, over 90% of members of Congress do this.

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

1: We are a nation divided and have been for too long.

2: A.I.; this new technology and the changes in jobs, economy, and culture will be the greatest challenge for our nation and the rest of the world.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I would like to see Representatives terms at 4 years.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

My view has evolved over the past year or so. I recently signed the "Term-Limits" Pledge. 2 terms for Senate and 3 terms for House members. That is enough time to get some good work done and just enough time where a person can't screw it up too bad. Many politicians do not want term-limits but 86% of Americans do!

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I had a man tell me that he wanted to get married and start a family but because of his DACA status he was afraid to put others in his life at risk. There are far too many stories out there like his. I want to get it fixed for him and the 538,000 others. We are a great nation and we can fix this. We must.

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

Compromise is necessary for government to work. That said, there are core tenants that should not be compromised. There has been way too much "my way or no way" on both sides of the aisle in the last decade and it is time to get back to governing through Congress and compromise versus Executive Orders. Compromise brings people together and should be a part of the healing of our nation.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I believe in small government, LOWER taxes. I would protect the taxpayer. This goes under the Honor God/Serve Texas heading!

What committees interest you?

Immigration Reform

Homeland Security

Foreign Affairs

Natural Resources

Ethics

U.S. Senate

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Sanctity of Life- ALL life is precious to God and should be to us! That includes all people from the unborn in the womb to the centenarian. That includes all races, people of all religions, all sexual orientations. All are God's creation.

Fiscal Responsibility- Our nation's debt is out of control. Both sides are responsible. We must have a plan, and we need one now! Our children's future depends on it!

Energy dominance must be at this foundation, and we are rich with resources!

Law & Order- I support a federal law that would require mandatory prison sentences for crimes committed against any member of law enforcement. I am in support of our 2nd Amendment rights for legal citizens of the United States. NO compromising!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Jesus!

Also, I look up to men of God like John Hagee and his son Matthew as I believe they live transparent lives and do not compromise their values. I also look up to my spiritual mentors, Ron and Marilyn Monzo, who led me to the Lord many years ago.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Although I have been in business leadership for over 30 years and have read many leadership books, I have found that the best book to follow to be a good leader is the Bible. Jesus is the best teacher. He loved ALL people but he NEVER compromised his message.

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

1- Caring and Compassionate: A Leader must have a servant's heart and must love the people and the Country they serve. Elected officials have a lot of "personal power" so they must be driven by honoring God and the people in their decision-making and influences. They must be steadfast in their core beliefs and willing to fight for what is right. Sometimes compromise is necessary in government, but not if it involves core principles.

Inspiration and Influence: Leaders must have the ability to communicate with others in a way that inspires belief. There is a lot of "give and take" in government, (just as there is in business), however, when a leader truly loves and cares about others, he/she is able to connect others to their vision. Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump displayed these characteristics, and both have had an enormous impact on our nation.

Authentic: Leaders must be authentic, (even to a fault at times). The people that we are serving should know where we stand, and our message must be clear. In business leadership or as an elected official, our word MUST matter! When we say something or commit to something, the people must be able to trust that we will do what we say. As an elected official, our "Say/Do" ration needs to be 100%!

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have an unwavering faith in my God and Savior, Jesus Christ and am guided by His principles and standards. I have a passion and a love for the people in the State of Texas and for the United States of America. I have a history of business leadership success founded in my core leadership characteristics. I have a strong work ethic and uncompromising values. I have a willingness to listen to others but also the resolve to fight for righteousness.

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

I will represent the State of Texas in a way that honors the people of Texas and the people of the United States, and the God that I serve. I will do my best to make decisions and have influences over the things that are most important to the people of Texas and the United States of America. I will always seek good counsel from trusted men and women of God and will be in constant prayer for our State and Nation prior to bringing motions forth or voting for any bills/proposals. I believe I must always be the Salt and Light of the world. I believe that our Nation should be the one that others in the world look to for an example of good and righteousness. We must have a safe and secure nation that is fiscally responsible with what God has placed in our hands. I believe that we must always keep our children and grandchildren at the forefront when making decisions and laws in our nation. I believe that as a US Senator, I have a responsibility to carry myself in a way that is an example for future generations. I will always care about the rights and protection of our citizens. I belive that our US Constitution means what it says and as an elected leader in govrnment, I promise to uphold it as it was originally written.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to leave the mark: "There was a man committed to do what was right" by God and man. He loved God and our Nation and stood for a fought for what was right!

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

President Nixon resigning in August of 1974

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

When I was 12 years old, I worked at a carwash in Detroit, Michigan drying cars all winter!

What is your favorite book? Why?

I love the Bible- I have read it every day for many years! It helps me in leadership and keeps me humble.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Spiderman! He was committed to doing good for the people at the risk of personal loss. And I would love to shoot webs out of my wrists and wear such a cool costume! lol

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"I exalt thee" sung by Kim Walker Smith"

Watch it on YouTube!

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Because of my early life, I hurt for those that are hurting, homeless, or alone. There is a scripture that says, he is "A father to the fatherless...." Psalm 68:5, and he has been that for me. It is a struggle for me not to have the ability to help everyone in need. I belive we have opportunities in government to make a difference in people's lives.

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

Our Culture, Sanctity of life, DEI, LGBTQ, Law and Order

Our National Debt

Our Nation's Immigration and Border Security

Our National Security on the world stage

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that term limits for the presidency should remain. I am not fo term limits for members of the House and Senate. I believe that we have free and fair elections in our Country and the length of time a person serves should be determined by the voters.

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

Confirmations of the Presidents appointments- the Senate is the "guardian".

The Senate also consents and provides advice/guidance to ratify treaties.

As the Legislative branch of government, the Senate brings stability and deliberativeness to the process of governing.

The Senate provides "checks and balances" on the Executive and Judicial branches of our government.

With only 100 members versus the House of Representatives 435 members, each Senators vote and contributions are exacerbated and material. With that comes a high level of accountability and responsibility.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

A person's character and history in leadership roles is most important. Although experience in government or politics can be beneficial, history has shown it to be a big negative at times. (see Joe Biden, 50 years).

In business we have a saying, "When selecting talent, a person's history of success and current performance are the best indicators of future success." I have successfully led teams for many years based on my key leadership characteristics.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I think it is necessary. Period.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I love Senator Kennedy out of Louisianna because he is pragmatic and he communicates in a way that inspires. I would not model myself after

Tell us your favorite joke.

Ok, so 3 smart democrats walked into a bar.......

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

I would consider three things:

1- History of success or failure in current past roles

2- Values: Do their values line up with the core values of our nation and do they line up with honoring God?

3- What does their vision for the future look like and do they have a plan to get there through influence.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

I believe that all people are inherently good. I have a history of success in influencing others through building "thick-line" relationships. I believe that when we appreciate and love others, we can do great things. I can disagree with a person whole-heartedly and still love them. I am a good listener and can be influenced by colleagues, however, I will not compromise on my core principles.

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

Yes, but not if it means compromising on core principles. I believe that many Republicans compromised on their core principles in voting "yes" on the Omnibus bill and the multiple CR's over the past several years.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

I would consider three things:

1- History of success or failure in current past roles

2- Values: Do their values line up with the core values of our nation and do they line up with honoring God?

3- What does their vision for the future look like and do they have a plan to get there through influence.

What committees interest you?

Education

Finance

National Security

Foreign Policy

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial Ethics Code for members of Congress. Over the last several years there have been calls to reform the ethics laws which would ban sitting members of the US Congress from trading stocks. Expectedly, there has not been much of an appetite for this reform for obvious reasons. Republicans and Democrats have both thwarted efforts for this reform. There are several public examples of Congressional members making millions of dollars on the stock market; Nancy Pelosi, D-California, and Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, to name just a couple of them. There are many more who fly “under the radar” but are doing the same thing. If any member of the public makes stock trades based on “insider information” or passed such information on to friends or family for financial gain, it would be a crime. I propose reform which includes laws barring members of Congress from publicly trading any stocks that they or any of their family members may have “insider information” of. In addition, I would support a third-party committee to investigate any violations by members of Congress as well as their immediate family members.

I believe elected members of government are public servants and therefore are subject to complete public scrutiny of their finances. I've long wondered how so many members of Congress become millionaires in such a short period of time. That may make some people upset on both sides, but I would just say that it's a "shoe fits, wear it" conversation. Just sayin'....