Joseph Leigh
Joseph Leigh (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Georgia's 14th Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on May 21, 2024.
Leigh completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Joseph Leigh was born in East Ridge, Tennessee. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2010. Leigh's career experience includes working as the general manager of Architectural Surfaces LLC.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Georgia's 14th Congressional District election, 2024
Georgia's 14th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 21 Democratic primary)
Georgia's 14th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 21 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Georgia District 14
Incumbent Marjorie Taylor Greene defeated Shawn Harris in the general election for U.S. House Georgia District 14 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) | 64.4 | 243,446 |
 | Shawn Harris (D) | 35.6 | 134,759 | |
| Total votes: 378,205 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary runoff election
Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Georgia District 14
Shawn Harris defeated Clarence Blalock in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Georgia District 14 on June 18, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Shawn Harris | 69.0 | 7,219 |
 | Clarence Blalock | 31.0 | 3,245 | |
| Total votes: 10,464 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 14
Clarence Blalock and Shawn Harris advanced to a runoff. They defeated Deric Houston and Joseph Leigh in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 14 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Clarence Blalock | 38.7 | 7,005 |
| ✔ | | Shawn Harris | 38.1 | 6,881 |
 | Deric Houston | 14.5 | 2,630 | |
 | Joseph Leigh | 8.7 | 1,566 | |
| Total votes: 18,082 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Mandi White (D)
- Bart Bryant (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 14
Incumbent Marjorie Taylor Greene advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 14 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Marjorie Taylor Greene | 100.0 | 56,932 |
| Total votes: 56,932 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Luke Farmer (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Leigh in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Joseph Leigh completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Leigh's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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In 1995, Joseph’s father, Larry, and longtime business partner and friend, Bernard Westner, formed Architectural Surfaces llc. Joseph remembers summers of working in the shop, on jobsites, and the engineering department. After graduation from Tech, Joseph began his professional career as the General Manager of Architectural Surfaces, managing people, accounting, finance, IT, and all other aspects of the business. From this experience he has met people of all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds. He hopes to use the experience gained from leading people and bringing people together on decisions when he begins his term in Congress. Joseph lives in Rossville, Georgia with his Scottish Terrier, Fala. Joseph has attended the Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene since he was 2 weeks old. Above all other things, Joseph enjoys spending time with his friends and family, including his mom, dad, siblings, nieces and, nephews. Joseph believes firmly that our best days are ahead of us and that is why he is running for Congress.
- It's time for a new generation of leadership
- Our best days are ahead of us.
- There is more that unites us than divides.
National Security
Border Security and Immigration
Health and General Welfare
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Leigh’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
ECONOMY, TAXES, AND INFLATION The goal of our economic policy should be simple: every hardworking American deserves the opportunity for a decent and stable life. Yet, the reality is that many find themselves in a challenging cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, a situation exacerbated by rising inflation. Our approach to tackling this issue needs to be multifaceted and effective. Boosting Productivity and Tax Reforms: A key step is to enhance the nation’s productivity. The current federal tax burden, along with state and local taxes, weighs heavily on individuals and businesses alike. Drawing inspiration from President Kennedy’s successful tax cuts and reforms, which led to increased personal incomes, higher consumption, and boosted tax revenues, I believe a similar approach can yield significant benefits today. Sensible tax reforms can stimulate economic growth while ensuring fairness. Proposed Measures for Economic Growth: To further support our economy and alleviate the burden on families and small businesses, I advocate for the following measures:
By implementing these measures, we can create an economic environment where growth, stability, and opportunity are accessible to all Americans. NATIONAL SECURITY Our experience in the Second World War taught us the dangers of appeasement: it emboldens aggressors and escalates conflicts. This historical lesson shapes my stance on international relations, particularly in supporting freedom everywhere in the world. When the sovereignty of our allies is under threat or when civilians are targeted by terrorists, it isn't just an issue for those countries – it directly impacts our national security as well. Addressing the Challenge of China: Looking ahead, it's clear that China represents our most significant global challenge, both economically and militarily. Avoiding conflict with China aligns with the interests of both nations, and diplomatic efforts to maintain peace are crucial. However, peace and preparedness are not mutually exclusive. We must be vigilant and ready to respond to various scenarios, especially given China's ambitions regarding Taiwan. Our strategy should balance diplomatic engagement with robust preparedness to protect our interests and those of our allies. Our national security policy must be guided by a clear understanding of historical lessons, a commitment to supporting our allies, and a strategic approach to emerging global challenges. This involves a combination of diplomatic efforts and strong defense capabilities, ensuring that the United States remains a resilient and influential global leader. BORDER SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION We have a security and humanitarian crisis on our southern border. For too long, the issue has been mired in political blame games in Washington, with little substantial action being taken. It's important to recognize that while the administration can and should do more, real change depends on the laws enacted by Congress. It's time for us to move beyond partisan divides and address this critical issue together starting with the following:
Together, these steps form a comprehensive approach to reforming our immigration system, enhancing border security, and upholding our values as a nation of laws and as a land of opportunity. HEALTH AND GENERAL WELFARE The commitment to Social Security and Medicare is a cornerstone of our nation's promise to its citizens. These programs represent more than just benefits; they are a testament to our dedication to the general welfare and well-being of all Americans, particularly our seniors and those in need. It is imperative that we uphold and strengthen these vital social safety nets. Ensuring Healthcare for All: In addition to safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, I am a strong advocate for making quality healthcare accessible and affordable for every American. Healthcare should be “a matter of right, not a privilege.” This commitment to the well-being of all Americans is fundamental to the strength and prosperity of the entire nation. SECOND AMENDMENT My commitment to upholding the Constitution extends to all its amendments, including the Second Amendment. I firmly believe in the right of every American to self-defense, a principle that is foundational to our nation's values. Balancing Rights with Responsibility: While advocating for the right to bear arms, I also recognize the critical need to ensure public safety. It is essential that we implement effective measures to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of violent criminals. This dual approach respects our constitutional rights while addressing the crucial responsibility we have to safeguard our communities. I believe we can and we must preserve our freedoms and protect our citizens. EDUCATION Education is widely acknowledged as a transformative force, capable of addressing numerous challenges our nation faces. I wholeheartedly endorse this view. A strong educational foundation is essential for the future success of our children and our country. Investing in K-12 Education: The first step is ensuring that our primary and secondary schools are well-equipped. This means providing them with the necessary resources to offer a high-quality education that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world. A well-resourced school system is the backbone of a thriving society. Making Higher Education More Accessible: In parallel, it is crucial to address the affordability of higher education. This includes not only four-year universities but also community and technical colleges, which are vital for many high school graduates seeking practical and specialized skills. We need to work towards a system where higher education is accessible to all, regardless of their financial background. Making college more affordable is not just an investment in individual students; it’s an investment in our nation’s future. My commitment to education is focused on ensuring that every level of our education system, from kindergarten through college, is robust, well-supported, and accessible to all. By investing in education, we invest in the future of our country. MENTAL HEALTH & DRUG ADDICTION The United States is confronting a critical mental health crisis. This issue is personal to me, as my family, like so many others across the country, has been deeply affected by the challenges of alcohol and drug addiction. The current approach, often termed the War on Drugs, has proven to be ineffective in addressing the root causes of addiction. Rethinking Our Approach to Addiction: It's clear that addiction should be treated as a medical issue, not solely a criminal one. Those struggling with addiction need compassionate, professional medical care, rather than incarceration alongside violent offenders. This shift in perspective is vital in developing more effective strategies for dealing with drug addiction and its associated mental health issues. In summary, my vision for addressing the mental health and drug addiction crisis involves a compassionate, healthcare-focused approach. By treating addiction as a health issue, we can provide more effective support and treatment to those in need, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals, families, and our communities. This will also lead to citizens who are able to once again contribute to society by working and providing for their loved ones. DISCLOSURE AND TRANSPARENCY
ABORTION While I differ from many in the Democratic party on this issue, I believe abortion is primarily a moral issue and the federal government cannot and should not attempt to solve moral issues. Moral questions should primarily be addressed by the people themselves, rather than by the federal government. Here is what I believe:
Our approach to abortion should be one that respects the moral considerations involved, adheres to the constitutional framework of our nation, and recognizes the importance of state and individual autonomy in addressing such deeply personal matters.[2] |
” |
| —Joseph Leigh’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 6, 2023
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Joseph Leigh’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed April 24, 2024
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