One of the greatest honors of my life is when I raised my hand and swore to uphold the Utah Constitution, and the Constitution of the United States, while serving in the Utah Legislature. I took that oath seriously and did everything I could to honor it. I’m running for Congress because I feel the Constitution and our founding principles are under attack. Congress has strayed greatly from the Constitution’s original intent. Article 1 Section 8 specifically limits congressional authority, yet Washington, D.C.’s powers grow over the states.
Power also needs to be rebalanced between the branches. Rule-making authority must be taken back by the legislative branch so that Congress can be held accountable for rules that greatly affect our lives. The most grievous example is the Antiquities Act, which has hurt rural Utah.
When I served in the Utah Legislature, I co-founded a State Sovereignty and 10th Amendment caucus. I passed legislation that reignited the public land debate. Mike Lee testified on behalf of it before he was even elected. I want to continue the fight in Washington.
I witnessed the Soviet Union collapse and saw the misery it created. For me the failures of socialism are not theoretical but practical in nature. My wife literally bears the scars of socialized medicine. Socialism robs individuals of their full potential, weakens the family and eventually morally bankrupts a society. The Nobel Prize-winning economist Fredrick Hayek warned that socialism always leads to authoritarianism and a loss of freedom. My wife and other legal immigrants plea for Americans to wake up and see the freedoms we are losing.
I haven’t been afraid to talk on the tough issues. I gave a voice to the victims of illegal immigration and to legal immigrants who don’t feel like they are being listened to. In my book, “The Forgotten Immigrant,” I explain it’s not fair to those waiting to allow people to jump to the front of the line. It’s not compassionate to the working and middle classes who experience downward pressure on wages.
I passed the first human trafficking bill in Utah. It’s not compassionate to entice people to risk their and their children’s lives by crossing the border. I warned the establishment that they were becoming out of touch with the common man. President Trump tapped into that frustration. Realistic solutions exist beside amnesty. Go to my website herrodforcongress.com and listen to legal immigrants explain why they’re supporting me.
I’m a platform Republican. Americans are tired of politicians saying one thing and doing another when elected. I was the state director for Ted Cruz, but supported President Trump after Cruz pulled out. I twice endorsed Mitt Romney (my 14-year-old son even had a gun pulled on him when walking for Mitt in Vegas), but I disagreed with Mitt’s attack on Donald Trump. It only hurt Mitt’s reputation.
I’ve studied in Europe and the Middle East and taught at two universities in the former Soviet Union. I understand what are real threats and what are simply distractions. Vladimir Putin is a chess player. He’s outplayed President Obama and currently outplaying the Democrats, the press and even some Republicans.
When paralyzed about “collusion,” we aren’t talking tax reform, health care reform, issues that make us stronger. If you elect me, my message to Congress will be to get to work on things that will help the common American.
I’ve been endorsed by Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Rand Paul. I’m so grateful for the countless volunteers who have helped me. My name is Chris Herrod and I humbly ask for your vote.
Chris Herrod was a Republican member of the Utah House of Representatives representing the 62nd District from 2007-2012.