Donald Schmidt
From Ballotpedia
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Donald Schmidt (Republican Party) ran for election to the Georgia House of Representatives to represent District 103. He lost in the Republican primary on June 9, 2020.
Schmidt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Donald Schmidt was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He earned an undergraduate degree from Georgia College & State University in 2019. He has been affiliated with the Georgia Republican Party, the Gwinnett County Republican Party, Gwinnett County Young Republicans, and Young Americans for Liberty.[1]
Elections
2020
See also: Georgia House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Georgia House of Representatives District 103
Incumbent Timothy Barr defeated Clifton Marshall in the general election for Georgia House of Representatives District 103 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Timothy Barr (R) | 67.5 | 24,204 | |
| Clifton Marshall (D) | 32.5 | 11,652 | ||
| Total votes: 35,856 | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 103
Clifton Marshall advanced from the Democratic primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 103 on June 9, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Clifton Marshall | 100.0 | 4,263 | |
| Total votes: 4,263 | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 103
Incumbent Timothy Barr defeated Derrick McCollum and Donald Schmidt in the Republican primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 103 on June 9, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Timothy Barr | 62.6 | 5,699 | |
| Derrick McCollum | 31.8 | 2,897 | ||
| Donald Schmidt | 5.5 | 501 | ||
| Total votes: 9,097 | ||||
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Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Donald Schmidt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schmidt's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I do not understand what has happened to the Republic Party in the state of Georgia. Today, there are so few Republicans who fight anymore, fight against socialism, fight against the establishment, fight for Georgia. I have worked for two Governors, worked in the Georgia legislature, and understand the problems facing Georgia. The issue is not that we cannot solve the problems facing us, it is that those we have elected simply do not care to solve them. I run and live by the notion, "People over Party". Georgia is amongst the worst ranked in the country for healthcare, education, crime, and economic accessibility. The establishment has no interest in addressing any of these problems, which is what has brought me to run for office. I was raised in this district, went to school in this district, got my first job in this district, and hope to raise a family in this district. I take someone who will fight against the establishment, and fight for Georgia to turn this state around.
- Repeal Common Core and unleash the potential of our teachers
- Bring healthcare into the free market
- Remove obsolete regulations in the workplace and allow for Georgians the Right to Earn
The two most pressing issues in the state are Education and Healthcare. Ten years ago Georgia was rank in the low 30s for both of these sectors across the country. Fast forward to today, and we are ranked in the mid 40s for each, amongst the worst in the nation.
Education has been assaulted by Common Core. It has replaced the individual uniqueness of our teachers with textbooks written by bureaucrats. Georgia has one of the highest rates of illiterate high schoolers. The drop out rate is increasing. And they have spent much of there time discussing massive pay increases only for superintendents. Our teachers, our students, and our parents have been ignored. Coupled with public education, the higher education for Georgia is in a similarly troubling area. Tuition rates have inflated by over 1200% in just over 10 years. Less students are receiving jobs following graduation, graduation rates are lower, and the median income of college graduates has dropped, yet the cost of tuition raises year after year. We need an investigative body to look into the reasonings for this and promote innovative solutions.
People like Congresmen Ron Paul, someone who understood the issues, and understood the problems our nation faces. Someone who served the public rather than private interests.
Rights of Man by Thomas Paine
The understanding that you are there to solve problems. You are there to follow the Constitution. Being principled in your ideas, and never hesitating to disagree with someone. You must remember you are there to serve the people, not the party, not a chairman, not a speaker, but the people who got you elected.
Honesty and transparency are vital for anyone who wishes to hold office. Additionally, understanding you are there to solve problems, not start a career is essential. I also learned from my grandfather, "Never take life too seriously." That helps in my campaign as well. Do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, and fight for what is right.
To go to the state capital to solve issues. To follow the same principles you ran on. You should be able to return to your district with a litany of ways in which you helped each of them live better lives. Your accomplishments should not consist of getting a nicer office or a fancy title as many politicians do.
I am a man who served the people of Georgia, and helped in making a better future for the state. For students graduated than ever before. Less and less people are uninsured. Our veterans are properly taken care of. Young people can access our economy and start families here. And the Constitution is upheld.
I recall 9/11, and seeing it on the television. I believe I was four or five years old at the time.
My first job I ever had was as soon as I turned 16. I worked at the Brusters Ice Cream Shop near the Mall of Georgia. I had the job for about a year.
Right of Man by Thomas Paine
It follows my political philosophy. The objective for a government is to be run by the people, and should answer to the people. Politicians and our government have moved away from this model.
It follows my political philosophy. The objective for a government is to be run by the people, and should answer to the people. Politicians and our government have moved away from this model.
Captain Jack Sparrow
Country Road by John Denver
When I was younger my father was starting a business. Perhaps the most difficult thing for our family was just that. Seeing just how difficult and time consuming starting a small business is. I would help him day or night, anytime of the week with whatever he needed. Today my father owns a successful company, but recalling the sleepless nights and long days of working with my father was a very difficult part of my life.
The State House in Georgia is practically controlled by the Speaker of the House. Thus the establishment offers virtually no solutions to the various problems we face in Georgia, the Senate does continue with a similar trend, but has some individual who are truly statesmen.
I believe it certainly may help them. I worked for both Governor Nathan Deal and Governor Brian Kemp and gained valuable experience. I understood the process of how politics works. I had the chance to work closely with the representatives in the Georgia House of Representatives. I quickly learned from the representatives (my opponent included) how rarely the benefits or solutions of legislation are discussed, rather if voting yes or no on something will get someone reelected. I learned from the representatives (my opponent included) that politicians speak to special interests and lobbyists, and rarely consult their constituents on political matters. I learned from the representatives (my opponent included) that your vote should not be predicated on solving an issue, but if it gets you on a committee, or a nicer title, or a bigger office. My time spent working with these representatives was primarily occupied with understanding what not to do. Understanding just how broken the system was.
Resolving a education system that is amongst the worst in a nation. Providing a lasting solution to our healthcare system. And creating an economy that allows for accessibility for Georgians.
Both hold on another accountable. Preferably a bit of friction exists between the two. If both bodies agree on everything, then everything will be passed, allowing terrible legislation to flow through.
Of course. For someone to believe they can be a lone wolf throughout the term, interacting with nobody, and believing they will then possess the ability to pass legislation is foolish. You must work with others. However, you must ensure that you are not becoming part of the establishment.
I would hope to be on the Higher Education Committee, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Small Business Development, or Natural Resources and the Environment.
Unless the State House were to change, I would have very little interest in working in leadership. If the current establishment, which is mostly composed of life long politicians who work for special interests and their own personal ambitions, is succeeded by individuals who serve their constituents and look to solve the problems of Georgia, then I would be more than happy to join.
I believe Matt Gurtler has done good in terms of following the Constitution, and voting just as he campaigned. He has set a track record every individual in the State House should follow.
Perhaps. It would be predicated on solving issues. I believe public officials should abide by term limits, so I will never become a life long politician, but if a problem arises in my community that is not being resolved, I would run for office.
I was doorknocking about a month or so ago. I knocked on a screen door of a relatively small house. An older gentleman answered the door. I began speaking to him about my campaign and wished to gain his vote. His hands, arms, neck, and eyes were shaking consistently, and having had a grandfather with Parkinsons, I understood what he was dealing with. He then spoke to me of the issues he was facing. He continues to be prescribed these drugs from pharmaceutical companies that cause him severe pains and aches. He told me he lost his job due to his ailments, and can no longer pay for his granddaughters college. He told me medical marijuana would help him have a happy life. That the politicians just don't care about people like him, and that he feels forgotten. Well, I will never forget that man. We spoke for several more minutes before I was on my way.
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.
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 2, 2020
Current members of the Georgia House of Representatives
Leadership
Minority Leader:Carolyn Hugley
Representatives
District 1
Mike Cameron (R)
District 2
Steve Tarvin (R)
District 3
Mitchell Horner (R)
District 4
Kasey Carpenter (R)
District 5
Matt Barton (R)
District 6
Jason Ridley (R)
District 7
Johnny Chastain (R)
District 8
Stan Gunter (R)
District 9
Will Wade (R)
District 10
Victor Anderson (R)
District 11
Rick Jasperse (R)
District 12
Eddie Lumsden (R)
District 13
Katie Dempsey (R)
District 14
District 15
Matthew Gambill (R)
District 16
Trey Kelley (R)
District 17
Martin Momtahan (R)
District 18
Tyler Smith (R)
District 19
Joseph Gullett (R)
District 20
Charlice Byrd (R)
District 21
Brad Thomas (R)
District 22
Jordan Ridley (R)
District 23
Mandi Ballinger (R)
District 24
Carter Barrett (R)
District 25
Todd Jones (R)
District 26
Lauren McDonald (R)
District 27
Lee Hawkins (R)
District 28
Brent Cox (R)
District 29
Matt Dubnik (R)
District 30
Derrick McCollum (R)
District 31
Emory Dunahoo (R)
District 32
Chris Erwin (R)
District 33
Alan Powell (R)
District 34
Devan Seabaugh (R)
District 35
Lisa Campbell (D)
District 36
Ginny Ehrhart (R)
District 37
District 38
David Wilkerson (D)
District 39
Terry Cummings (D)
District 40
Kimberly New (R)
District 41
Michael Smith (D)
District 42
Gabriel Sanchez (D)
District 43
Solomon Adesanya (D)
District 44
Don Parsons (R)
District 45
Sharon Cooper (R)
District 46
John Carson (R)
District 47
Jan Jones (R)
District 48
Scott Hilton (R)
District 49
Charles Martin (R)
District 50
Michelle Au (D)
District 51
Esther Panitch (D)
District 52
Shea Roberts (D)
District 53
Deborah Silcox (R)
District 54
Betsy Holland (D)
District 55
Inga Willis (D)
District 56
Bryce Berry (D)
District 57
Stacey Evans (D)
District 58
Park Cannon (D)
District 59
Phil Olaleye (D)
District 60
Sheila Jones (D)
District 61
Mekyah McQueen (D)
District 62
Tanya Miller (D)
District 63
Kim Schofield (D)
District 64
Sylvia Wayfer (D)
District 65
Robert Dawson (D)
District 66
District 67
Lydia Glaize (D)
District 68
Derrick Jackson (D)
District 69
Debra Bazemore (D)
District 70
Lynn Smith (R)
District 71
Justin Howard (R)
District 72
David Huddleston (R)
District 73
Josh Bonner (R)
District 74
Robert Flournoy (D)
District 75
Eric Bell (D)
District 76
Sandra Scott (D)
District 77
Rhonda Burnough (D)
District 78
District 79
Yasmin Neal (D)
District 80
Long Tran (D)
District 81
Noelle Kahaian (R)
District 82
Karen Mathiak (R)
District 83
Karen Lupton (D)
District 84
Mary Oliver (D)
District 85
Karla Drenner (D)
District 86
Imani Barnes (D)
District 87
Viola Davis (D)
District 88
Billy Mitchell (D)
District 89
Omari Crawford (D)
District 90
Saira Draper (D)
District 91
Angela Moore (D)
District 92
Rhonda Taylor (D)
District 93
Doreen Carter (D)
District 94
Karen Bennett (D)
District 95
District 96
Arlene Beckles (D)
District 97
Ruwa Romman (D)
District 98
Marvin Lim (D)
District 99
Matt Reeves (R)
District 100
David Clark (R)
District 101
Scott Holcomb (D)
District 102
Gabe Okoye (D)
District 103
Soo Hong (R)
District 104
Chuck Efstration (R)
District 105
Sandy Donatucci (R)
District 106
District 107
Samuel Park (D)
District 108
Jasmine Clark (D)
District 109
Dewey McClain (D)
District 110
Segun Adeyina (D)
District 111
Rey Martinez (R)
District 112
Bruce Williamson (R)
District 113
Sharon Henderson (D)
District 114
Tim Fleming (R)
District 115
District 116
El-Mahdi Holly (D)
District 117
Mary Santos (D)
District 118
Clint Crowe (R)
District 119
Holt Persinger (R)
District 120
Houston Gaines (R)
District 121
Marcus Wiedower (R)
District 122
Spencer Frye (D)
District 123
Rob Leverett (R)
District 124
Trey Rhodes (R)
District 125
Gary Richardson (R)
District 126
L.C. Myles (D)
District 127
Mark Newton (R)
District 128
Mack Jackson (D)
District 129
Karlton Howard (D)
District 130
Lynn Gladney (D)
District 131
Rob Clifton (R)
District 132
Brian Prince (D)
District 133
Danny Mathis (R)
District 134
Robert Dickey (R)
District 135
Beth Camp (R)
District 136
David Jenkins (R)
District 137
Debbie Buckner (D)
District 138
Vance Smith (R)
District 139
Carmen Rice (R)
District 140
Teddy Reese (D)
District 141
Carolyn Hugley (D)
District 142
Miriam Paris (D)
District 143
Anissa Jones (D)
District 144
Dale Washburn (R)
District 145
Herring (D)
District 146
Shaw Blackmon (R)
District 147
Bethany Ballard (R)
District 148
Noel Williams (R)
District 149
Floyd Griffin (D)
District 150
Patty Stinson (D)
District 151
Mike Cheokas (R)
District 152
Bill Yearta (R)
District 153
David Sampson (D)
District 154
Gerald Greene (R)
District 155
Matt Hatchett (R)
District 156
Leesa Hagan (R)
District 157
Bill Werkheiser (R)
District 158
Larry Parrish (R)
District 159
Jon Burns (R)
District 160
Lehman Franklin (R)
District 161
Bill Hitchens (R)
District 162
Carl Gilliard (D)
District 163
Anne Westbrook (D)
District 164
Ron Stephens (R)
District 165
Edna Jackson (D)
District 166
Jesse Petrea (R)
District 167
Buddy DeLoach (R)
District 168
Al Williams (D)
District 169
Angie O'Steen (R)
District 170
Jaclyn Ford (R)
District 171
Joe Campbell (R)
District 172
Charles Cannon (R)
District 173
Darlene Taylor (R)
District 174
John Corbett (R)
District 175
John LaHood (R)
District 176
James Burchett (R)
District 177
Dexter Sharper (D)
District 178
Steven Meeks (R)
District 179
Rick Townsend (R)
District 180
Steven Sainz (R)
Republican Party (100)
Democratic Party (80)
