Tre Pennie
Tre Pennie (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 3rd Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on March 5, 2024.
Pennie completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Pennie was born in Houston, Texas. He earned his bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University in 2003, his master's degree from Prairie View A&M University, and his doctorate degree from Texas Tech University. His professional experience includes working as a Dallas Police Sergeant. He served in the United States Army from 1995 to 1999.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Texas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2024
Texas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)
Texas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)
General election
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
General election for U.S. House Texas District 3
Incumbent Keith Self, Sandeep Srivastava, and Christopher Claytor are running in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 3 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
 | Keith Self (R) | |
 | Sandeep Srivastava (D) | |
 | Christopher Claytor (L) | |
| ||||
 = 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 Texas District 3
Sandeep Srivastava advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 3 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sandeep Srivastava | 100.0 | 17,422 |
| Total votes: 17,422 | |||
| = 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Neil Efros (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 3
Incumbent Keith Self defeated Suzanne Cassimatis Harp, Tre Pennie, John Porro, and Jeremy Ivanovskis in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 3 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Keith Self | 72.8 | 55,888 |
 | Suzanne Cassimatis Harp | 18.5 | 14,215 | |
 | Tre Pennie | 3.6 | 2,797 | |
 | John Porro | 3.4 | 2,634 | |
 | Jeremy Ivanovskis | 1.6 | 1,224 | |
| Total votes: 76,758 | |||
| = 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
- Burt Thakur (R)
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 3
Christopher Claytor advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 3 on March 23, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Christopher Claytor (L) |
| ||||
| = 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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Endorsements
To view Pennie's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2020
See also: Texas' 30th Congressional District election, 2020
Texas' 30th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)
Texas' 30th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Texas District 30
Incumbent Eddie Bernice Johnson defeated Tre Pennie and Eric Williams in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 30 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Eddie Bernice Johnson (D) | 77.5 | 204,928 |
| Tre Pennie (R) | 18.4 | 48,685 | |
 | Eric Williams (Independent) | 4.1 | 10,851 | |
| Total votes: 264,464 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 30
Incumbent Eddie Bernice Johnson defeated Shenita Cleveland, Barbara Mallory Caraway, and Hasani Burton in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 30 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Eddie Bernice Johnson | 70.6 | 58,804 |
 | Shenita Cleveland | 13.6 | 11,358 | |
 | Barbara Mallory Caraway | 12.6 | 10,452 | |
 | Hasani Burton | 3.2 | 2,638 | |
| Total votes: 83,252 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 30
Tre Pennie advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 30 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tre Pennie | 100.0 | 9,928 |
| Total votes: 9,928 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Libertarian convention
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Tre Pennie completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pennie's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Dr. Tre Pennie was born in Houston, Texas. He earned his bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University in 2003. He earned his master's degree from Prairie View A&M University in 2006, and his doctorate degree from Texas Tech University in 2017. His professional experience includes serving in the United States Army from 1995-1999, teaching as an adjunct university professor, serving in law enforcement and being a police advocate.
He served 22 years of honorable service with the Dallas Police Department and retired as a Police Sergeant in 2021. He currently serves as the President of the National Fallen Officer Foundation and is nationally recognized as a law enforcement advocate.
In February of 2022, he testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. In July of 2022, he was called to testify as an expert witness for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Law Enforcement Officer Safety: Protecting Those Who Protect and Serve. In 2023, he filed an amicus brief on behalf of law enforcement in the landmark Supreme Court case Gonzalez v. Google to challenge the legality of social media companies' immunity protection under the 1996 Communications Decency Act, Section 230 (CDA 230).
- We must protect the interests of our nation’s law enforcement by disallowing political agendas like "Defund the Police” to render our communities unsafe.
- We must prioritize education and campus safety to ensure that our kids are able to learn in a safe and nurturing environment.
- We must enhance internet safety to protect our communities from malicious actors on social media that seek to indoctrinate our kids with harmful ideas, or poison them with counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl, or persuade them to participate in dangerous TikTok Challenges.
1. Law Enforcement and Public Safety: Ensuring the safety of law enforcement officers is critical to maintaining effective law enforcement. If officers are constantly in danger or fear for their own safety, they can't be less effective in carrying out their duties, which can lead to a rise in crime rates and a decline in public safety. It's time for America to protect law enforcement by making police a "protected class" under 18 U.S. Code § 249 (Hate Crimes Act)
2. Internet Safety: Regulating social media is essential to protecting our homeland security interests. We can't allow America to remain vulnerable to threats, attacks, riots, counterfeit drugs sales (fentanyl) and sex trafficking facilitated by social media while the social media companies hide behind broad immunity offered under CDA 230. We can't continue to lose our kids to the dangers of social media.
3. Education & Jobs: This generation has produced more college degrees than any other generation before, yet students are still graduating from college without the skills needed to enter the workforce. To enhance workforce opportunities for students, America must support colleges and universities in developing workforce pipelines through government-sponsored internship, apprenticeship and placement programs.
I admire leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King for their vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Dr. King's message of non-violent resistance and his role in the civil rights movement have inspired me to strive for positive change in my own life and community, and to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Our political philosophies cannot be limited to one specific way of thinking, but all of our philosophies should be governed by ideas that center on three questions and how they relate to political governance.
1. What is justice?
2. What is law and order?
3. What is customary or tradition?
The book I would recommend is Plato's "Republic" is a philosophical work that discusses the nature of justice, the ideal society, and the education necessary to produce such a society. In the dialogue, Socrates, the main character, and his companions discuss a wide range of topics related to political philosophy, including the nature of justice, the different forms of government, the role of the individual in society, and the importance of education.
The central theme of the Republic is the question of what constitutes justice, and how it can be achieved in a society. Plato argues that justice is not simply a matter of laws and customs, but rather a fundamental characteristic of the human soul, which can be cultivated through education and the proper organization of society. He proposes a system of government based on the rule of philosopher-kings, who possess both wisdom and virtue and are thus best suited to govern society in a just and harmonious manner.
The characteristics or principles are most important for an elected officials include:
Integrity: Elected officials must act with honesty and ethics, and they should always put the interests of their constituents ahead of their own personal gain.
Transparency: Elected officials must be transparent about their actions and decisions, and they should be accountable to the public they serve.
Empathy: Elected officials should be able to understand and empathize with the concerns of their constituents, and they should strive to represent the diverse interests of their communities.
Leadership: Elected officials should be effective leaders who can inspire and motivate others to work towards common goals.
Collaboration: Elected officials should be willing to work with others, including those with different viewpoints, in order to find common ground and achieve progress for their constituents.
Respect for the law: Elected officials must respect and uphold the laws and Constitution of the United States.
Vision: Elected officials should have a clear vision for the future of their communities and the country, and they should work to enact policies that help achieve that vision.
The qualities that will make me a successful officeholder include:
Strong leadership skills: A successful officeholder should be able to inspire and motivate others, set clear goals, and make effective decisions.
Good communication skills: An officeholder should be able to communicate effectively with their constituents, colleagues, and other stakeholders. This includes the ability to listen, negotiate, and articulate their ideas and positions clearly.
Integrity and honesty: An officeholder should be honest, trustworthy, and have a strong sense of ethics. They should prioritize the public good over their own personal interests.
Strategic thinking: A successful officeholder should be able to think strategically and develop long-term plans to address the challenges facing their constituency.
Collaboration and teamwork: An officeholder should be able to work well with others and build relationships across party lines, interest groups, and other stakeholders to achieve their goals.
Resilience: An officeholder should be able to weather criticism, setbacks, and obstacles that inevitably come with the job and be able to bounce back from adversity.
As an elected official, one of the core responsibilities is to represent and advocate for the interests of the constituents who elected them. This involves actively listening to their concerns, needs, and ideas, and working to address them through legislation, advocacy, and other means.
Another core responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and defend the values and principles upon which the country was founded. This involves a commitment to justice, equality, freedom, and democracy, and a willingness to work across party lines to promote these values.
Elected officials are also responsible for promoting the general welfare and safety of their constituents. This includes issues related to public health, education, infrastructure, and other areas that impact the daily lives of the people they represent.
The legacy that I would like to leave behind is that I was a "positive voice" for the residents in my district. Being a "positive voice" means actively listening to their concerns and needs and advocating for their interests. It also means being transparent and accountable for decisions made and working towards creating a positive and lasting impact on my community. My goal is to “inspire” the next generation to “aspire” for greatness.
The first historical event that happened in my lifetime that I still remember today was the Oklahoma City Bombing. I was 17 years old at the time and I simply couldn't believe that a terrorist attack could happen on American soil.
The bombing occurred on April 19, 1995, when a truck bomb exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, killing 168 people and injuring hundreds more. The attack was carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, two domestic terrorists who held anti-government and white supremacist beliefs. Their actions had a profound impact on the nation, and in particular, on the city of Oklahoma City, which was left reeling from the devastation.
In the aftermath of the bombing, the country came together to mourn and to support the victims and their families. The tragedy also led to increased attention on domestic terrorism and the need for improved security measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.
For many people, including yourself, the Oklahoma City Bombing was a formative event that left a lasting impression. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant against hate and extremism and working to promote unity and understanding in our communities.
Even today, that event shocks consciousness to think that people could be so evil, but that why our federal laws must be strengthened to prosecute domestic terrorists under 18 U.S. Code § 2331 (5). There must be specific federal penalties assigned to behaviors that violate this code. When I testified before the U.S. Senate in 2022, I asked the Senate to establish a standard for prosecuting domestic terrorists by definition, so that States are not left with the ambiguity of deciding the limits of prosecuting based on state statutes.
My first job was serving in the U.S. Army, an experience that instilled discipline and structure in me. This period of service taught me how to be responsible, focused, and resilient in challenging situations, valuable qualities that have remained with me throughout my life.
My favorite book of all time is "Gathering Storm: America's Militia Threat" by Morris Dees and James Corcoran. It was first published in 1996 and revised in 2004. It was one of the first books that I ever read in college.
The book is an exploration of the rise of militias in the United States during the 1990s and the threat they posed to American society. It describes the motivations behind the formation of these militias, including the fear of government overreach, the perceived erosion of individual rights, and the belief in various conspiracy theories.
Dees and Corcoran provide a detailed examination of several high-profile militia groups, including the Michigan Militia, the Montana Freemen, and the Republic of Texas. They also discuss the connections between these groups and other extremist organizations, such as white supremacists and anti-government radicals.
The authors argue that the growth of these militias represented a dangerous trend in American society and that their ideology and actions could ultimately lead to violence and terrorism. The book is a sobering look at a difficult and controversial issue and remains relevant today as discussions about extremism and radicalization continue to shape American political discourse.
When I reflect on Dees and Corcoran's powerful story, I can't help but think that their efforts were at least a guide for me in exposing the threats that we faced from the Black Lives Matter Movement more than 21 years later.
If I could be any fictional character, I would probably be everyone's favorite superhero - "Batman". He stood for justice and protected the people of Gotham City from evil and corruption, using his intelligence, physical abilities, and wealth to fight crime. I admire his determination and dedication to making the world a better place, even in the face of great personal sacrifice. Batman's unwavering moral code and willingness to do what is necessary to achieve his goals are qualities that I aspire to embody in my own life and work. Plus, who wouldn't want to drive the Batmobile and have a cool utility belt?
The last song that got stuck in my head was "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. The song fuses elements of country music and hip-hop and became a viral sensation in 2019, topping Billboard charts in multiple countries. The song's success demonstrated the power of crossover appeal and sparked conversations about the boundaries between different genres of music.
While I do not dwell on the hardships of my past, it is important to acknowledge that as a young person growing up in the inner city, I faced many obstacles and had limited opportunities. Despite these challenges, I persevered and achieved remarkable success. I am proud to have served in the military, worked as a police officer for over two decades, earned a Doctorate in Education, become a respected college professor, and advocate for law enforcement on a national level. I consider my journey to be a testament to the power of resilience and the blessings that come from hard work and determination.
The U.S. House of Representatives possesses several qualities that make it unique as an institution. These include:
Representation: The House is designed to provide direct representation for the people of each state based on population. This ensures that each state has a voice in the legislative process and helps to promote a sense of democratic accountability.
Size: The House is much larger than the Senate, with 435 members, making it one of the largest legislative bodies in the world. This size allows for a diverse range of perspectives and opinions to be represented and can help to ensure that legislation reflects the needs and interests of a broad range of constituents.
Term Length: Representatives are elected for two-year terms, which means that they must be responsive to the needs of their constituents and face regular accountability through elections. This helps to promote a sense of democratic accountability and ensures that the House remains responsive to the changing needs and priorities of the American people.
Procedural Rules: The House has a complex set of procedural rules that govern the legislative process, including the ability of individual members to introduce legislation and the use of committees to conduct hearings and markup bills. These rules are designed to promote efficiency, fairness, and transparency in the legislative process.
Role in Budgetary Process: The House has a central role in the budgetary process, with the power to initiate spending bills and to oversee the implementation of the budget. This gives the House significant influence over the direction of government spending and helps to ensure that the priorities of the American people are reflected in the budget.
There is no evidence to support the idea that previous experience in government or politics is beneficial for representatives. However, being familiar with government functions through advocacy and political access can provide representatives with a deeper understanding of how the legislative process works and how to navigate the complexities of the political landscape. This can help them to be more effective in advocating for their constituents and advancing legislation that reflects their values and priorities.
Although I have not previously served in Congress, the access that I have had over the years through advocacy has afforded me opportunities to develop a knowledge base, build relationships, and establish mutual respect for the process to be able to work across the aisle and build new coalitions.
Ultimately, what is most important is not necessarily the specific background or experience of a representative, but rather their ability to represent the interests of their constituents effectively and to work collaboratively with their colleagues to advance policies that benefit the American people. Representatives should be judged based on their record of accomplishment, their ability to work across party lines, and their commitment to the principles of democracy and justice.
The United States’ greatest challenge over the next decade is avoiding being destroyed from within.
Over the last several years, the country has experienced significant political polarization and social unrest, and there is a growing threat from extremist groups that seek to destabilize the country and undermine democratic institutions and values.
To address this challenge, it is important for leaders and citizens to promote unity and respect while also rejecting intolerance and extremism in all forms. It is equally critical to ensure that government institutions remain robust and effective, with adequate checks and balances to prevent abuses. Our leaders must also be proactive and unwavering in developing policy aimed at prosecuting organized violence and domestic terrorism.
Yes. Representatives are elected for two-year terms, which means that they must be responsive to the needs of their constituents and face regular accountability through elections. This helps to promote a sense of democratic accountability and ensures that the House remains responsive to the changing needs and priorities of the American people.
Yes, there should be reasonable term limits for Congress. Term limits are put in place to ensure a degree of turnover in elected positions and prevent the accumulation of power and influence by any individual or group.
The problem with setting the limit too low is that it could lead to more inexperienced officials in office which could destabilize the system of governance. On the other hand, placing the limits too high or unlimited could lead to the centralization of power among a specific group or individuals whose limited ideologies have not evolved with the times.
Reasonable term limits will help prevent corruption and complacency, by ensuring that officials remain accountable and responsive to their constituents.
To conclude, the decision to end term limits is a complex and controversial issue. It ultimately comes down to a balance between the benefits of continuity and experience and the potential risks of entrenched power and lack of accountability.
No. I choose not to model my leadership after any specific member of Congress. I believe that my ability to empathize with people and understand the issues that affect their lives is a unique strength that sets me apart. Many of our leaders have become entitled and inaccessible, but I strive to remain grounded and approachable. I am committed to being a leader who is connected to the people and who represents them in a genuine and authentic way.
A particular story that resonated with me from a constituent in our district was about a teenager who lost their life due to a fentanyl overdose after buying the drug through social media. As someone who recognizes the harmful impact of social media, I could empathize with the pain and suffering that the family must have gone through. For almost a decade, social media has enabled bad actors to exploit and endanger our children online, which is a concerning issue that I am committed to addressing.
Q: How many congressmen does it take to change a dimming light bulb?
A: 2 — one to change the bulb and one to change it back again because he didn't like the brightness.
Compromise is an essential aspect of policymaking in a democratic society. It is often necessary to reconcile conflicting views and interests to develop policies that can be supported by a broad range of stakeholders and implemented effectively.
Compromise helps to promote a sense of cooperation and collaboration among policymakers and stakeholders, which can be critical in achieving consensus and building support for policies. It can also help to prevent extreme positions from dominating the policymaking process, leading to more balanced and effective outcomes.
However, compromise should not come at the expense of core values or principles, and policymakers must be mindful of the potential risks and tradeoffs involved in any compromise. It is important to ensure that compromises are based on informed and evidence-based decision-making, and that all stakeholders have a voice in the policymaking process.
Ultimately, effective policymaking requires a balance between compromise and conviction, with policymakers working to develop policies that reflect the diverse needs and values of their constituents while also upholding the core principles of democracy and justice.
As a member of the House of Representatives, it is first important to understand that the "power of the purse" is a significant responsibility. If elected, this power would play a crucial role in my priorities as I would work to ensure that any revenue-raising bills that I introduce or support align with my values and the needs of my constituents.
I would prioritize ensuring that any revenue-raising bills are fair and equitable, with a focus on supporting middle and working-class families. I would also prioritize ensuring that any revenue-raising bills are fiscally responsible and do not burden future generations with excessive debt.
Additionally, I would work to ensure that the revenue raised through these bills is directed towards important initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, education, and healthcare. Finally, I would work to ensure that the revenue-raising bills are transparent and accountable, with clear reporting mechanisms in place to ensure that the funds are used effectively and efficiently.
I believe that the House's investigative powers are a crucial tool for ensuring that the government is acting in the best interests of the American people. These powers should be used responsibly and should not be abused for political gain.
If elected, I would prioritize using the House's investigative powers to hold government officials accountable and to ensure that they are acting in the best interests of the American people. This may include investigating instances of government corruption or misconduct, examining policies and programs to determine their effectiveness, and working to uncover any wrongdoing or unethical behavior.
Additionally, I would work to ensure that any investigations conducted by the House are conducted fairly, objectively, and in accordance with the rule of law. It is important that any investigations are based on facts and evidence, rather than political motivations or personal biases.
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Campaign website
Pennie’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
SECURE AMERICA FOR EVERYONE (S.A.F.E) Tre aims to address the complexity and confusion of the current federal income tax system by proposing a simplified approach. He advocates for a "flat tax" rate of 10% for personal income tax and business taxes, drawing inspiration from the late-Herman Cain's 9-9-9 Plan. This streamlined system eliminates the annual requirement for W-2 employees to file personal tax returns, thereby reducing the burden on taxpayers and businesses. Implementing a flat tax rate ensures that everyone contributes their "fair share" without disproportionately penalizing those who have achieved success. By adopting this approach, the need for additional IRS agents is minimized, as taxpayers can easily calculate their tax obligations. Tre's proposal seeks to simplify the tax code, making it more transparent and accessible to taxpayers, while also easing the administrative burden on individuals and businesses alike. 2. Protect our nation’s law enforcement: For nearly a decade, Tre has been a prominent figure in the national movement to safeguard the interests of law enforcement in the face of riots and civil unrest. He is dedicated to introducing federal measures that would prevent any attempts to "Defund the Police" or hinder their enforcement capabilities. Tre also seeks to establish federal penalties for rioting and deliberate attacks on law enforcement personnel, recognizing the importance of protecting public safety. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of law enforcement officers, Tre emphasizes the need to provide them with comprehensive training, equipment, and resources. Additionally, he advocates for the implementation of policies and practices that prioritize officer wellness and mental health, aiming to mitigate risks to both officers and the public. Having witnessed officers losing their lives in the line of duty, violent riots, organized harassment, and premeditated attacks on police across the country, Tre has emerged as a leading advocate for law enforcement protection. He urges Congress to establish penalties for acts of “domestic terrorism” as defined by U.S. Code 18 § 2331 (5) and is actively proposing legislation to designate law enforcement officers as a "protected class" under 18 U.S. Code § 249 (Hate Crimes). 3. Protect Businesses & Incentivize U.S. Production: Following the 2020 riots, a significant number of businesses across the country were forced to halt their operations due to the damages incurred theft, looting, arson, and robbery. Sadly, some businesses, including high-end retail, were forced to permanently close "brick and mortar" stores due to the subsequent surge in insurance rates. Additionally, some companies found cost-saving opportunities by outsourcing labor to other countries. Safeguarding our local businesses becomes paramount in light of these challenges. Tre is fully dedicated to ensuring the safety and long-term viability of our businesses, as well as preserving job opportunities within the U.S.
Protecting family values and ensuring child safety is of paramount importance. It is critical to educate families and raise awareness about the evolving dangers and risks that children encounter in today's society. These include, but are not limited to, online safety concerns, human trafficking, bullying, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation or abuse crimes. By staying informed and proactive, we can take steps to safeguard our children and preserve the values that are fundamental to a healthy and nurturing family environment. Tre is committed to ensuring that our federal laws reflect these values.
Tre, a former U.S. Army service member, highly values military service and understands the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. With personal experience, he recognizes the challenges soldiers, and their families encounter during and after their service. Tre is dedicated to advocating for enhanced veterans' healthcare, better access to services, and responsible spending that prioritizes the well-being of our troops and veterans. He also supports providing free legal services to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life. Additionally, Tre plans to introduce legislation that grants "automatic citizenship" to immigrants who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces upon completing their service term. 6. Protecting Social Security: You've earned your Social Security benefits, and you deserve to receive them. Tre is committed to advocating for seniors and the working-class, which is why he opposes raising the social security age from 67 to 70. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about life expectancy challenges, particularly among ethnic minorities and African American males, whose current life expectancy stands at 68 years. This means that potentially almost 18% of the American population may not receive Social Security benefits. Tre will vigorously fight to safeguard Social Security, ensuring that every worker has access to it upon retirement. America's contribution to foreign aid currently stands at approximately 25% of the federal budget. Tre proposes a 15% reduction in foreign aid to secure America's working-class for future generations.
In March of 2022, Tre embarked on a mission trip to Israel with a focus on politics, culture, and religion. During his visit, he had the privilege of engaging with political officials, religious leaders, and scholars to deepen his understanding of Jewish and Christian history, culture, and religion. Tre also familiarized himself with Israel's homeland security concerns and their efforts to balance the diverse cultural and religious needs of their citizens, highlighting Israel's unique status as the only democracy in the Middle East. In October of 2022, Tre's unwavering advocacy for Jewish interests garnered recognition from the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF). His dedication led to his inclusion as #48 on the Top 50 Christian Allies list, a testament to his support for the Jewish community. Tre firmly believes in the significance of the relationship between Christians, Jews, the United States, and Israel, rooted in shared values and mutual interests. Tre is determined to vigorously defend Israel's sovereignty by ensuring the provision of necessary resources to combat all forms of terrorism. He recognizes the importance of standing by Israel and will actively fight to protect its security and interests. Tre is also a staunch defender against antisemitism in the United States. 8. Safeguarding Communities & Prison Reform: This plan involves mandatory psychological assessments, utilizing tools like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), to identify predictive behaviors in violent offenders before their release on parole. Tre acknowledges the need for a clinical approach to reduce risks to the public, given the past shortcomings of federal supervision. Additionally, Tre believes that victims of violent crime should have a greater role in determining whether a violent offender is released on parole. This perspective aims to empower victims and consider their perspectives in the parole decision-making process. Overall, Tre's approach is driven by data and seeks to minimize potential harm caused by violent offenders, promoting both public safety and victim-centered policies. 9. Prioritize campus safety and education: Tre is fully dedicated to advancing campus safety and implementing education policies that prioritize the well-being and success of our children. With his extensive background as a college professor, police officer, and researcher on campus safety, Tre strongly advocates for proactive measures to mitigate the risk of shooting attacks on school and college campuses. Tre firmly believes that every school in America should have sworn police patrols, with all officers receiving proper training and equipping them to effectively respond to active shooter incidents. He also emphasizes the importance of decentralizing school police agencies from bureaucratic leadership to ensure that the school's philosophy does not interfere with policing capabilities or campus response. In addition to robust policing measures, Tre supports the utilization of advanced security technologies like lock-down systems and gun detection equipment to enhance the protection of our schools. Recognizing that response times to active-shooter incidents typically ranges from 6-8 minutes, Tre proposes the establishment of triage teams on every school campus. These teams would be trained to respond swiftly and effectively, prioritizing life preservation in the event of an unexpected tragedy. To support these initiatives, Tre advocates for the allocation of federal funding to facilitate the necessary training and implementation. 10. Enhance internet safety to protect children: Tre is a fighter for the younger generation. He will continue to fight to defend our children from malicious actors online. Tre will implement policies to protect children from nefarious actors on social media seeking to indoctrinate children with harmful ideas, poison them with counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl, or even to persuade them to participate in dangerous suicide games. (TikTok games). Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act (CDA230) was designed to protect online service providers from being held liable for the actions of third-party users. However, in the era of social media, tech giants have used this outdated law to claim immunity protection from illegal activities they knowingly facilitate, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, piracy, and numerous other offenses. As an early advocate for challenging social media following the Dallas, Texas shooting that claimed five police officers' lives, Tre is dedicated to reforming Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. 11. Protect the Second Amendment: Tre places great importance on the 2nd Amendment and the right of Americans to bear arms. He is resolute in his defense of the 2nd Amendment and citizens' right to protect themselves using firearms. Moreover, Tre strongly disputes erroneous narratives surrounding shooting violence and common misconceptions about its causation. He firmly believes that human behavior is inherently complex and unpredictable, which is why firearms cannot be solely responsible for shooting attacks. While behavioral patterns can be studied and analyzed, individual thoughts, emotions, and external factors can greatly impact a person's behavior in a given situation. As someone who has personally been impacted by gun violence, Tre understands that “Guns don’t kill people. People kill people!” 12. Pro-Life Advocate: The future of the next generation rests heavily on the importance of our children. Tre strongly advocates for the pro-life movement and firmly believes that each child has inherent worth and the fundamental right to life. As someone who has actually fought against cultural norms to save his own child’s life, Tre believes that every child deserves a chance at life. 13. Strengthening Healthcare: The current state of healthcare prescription costs in the United States is unacceptable. Shockingly, nearly 19 million Americans are forced to import medicine from other countries in order to afford it, saving an average of 56% on world imports. This is a clear indication that the U.S. healthcare system is in dire need of reform. Additionally, it should be noted that drug prices for cancer treatment in the United States are two to four times higher than in other comparable countries and as a result, many patients are forced to skip or delay needed medications, which can often contribute to an exacerbation of the disease, worsening health, or even death. It is unacceptable that our citizens are penalized for purchasing the same medicines here at home by having to pay more money. Medicare, as the largest purchaser of medicines from pharmaceutical companies, is in a unique position to help address this issue. Unfortunately, federal law currently prohibits Medicare from negotiating prices, meaning that the government pays higher premiums which are ultimately passed on to consumers. This practice is unfair to and must be addressed for the sake of the countless children battling cancer in need of life-saving drugs. Tre is committed to introducing legislation that will allow Medicare to negotiate prices directly with drug companies which will result in better rates for American consumers. 14. Next Generation Jobs: As robotic automation continues to expand; it is projected that around 800 million jobs worldwide will be lost by 2030. Even workers in the United States are not immune to this trend. Texas Congressional District 3 has experienced a decline in retail jobs according to the latest U.S. Census, while manufacturing jobs have remained stagnant. Retail jobs in the district now stand at 10.8%, while manufacturing jobs account for only 7.9%. To address this issue, Tre is proposing an increase in manufacturing jobs in the district, particularly in areas such as semiconductor production and green-energy technologies that were previously outsourced to countries like China. Recognizing the changing job market, Tre believes it is crucial to provide training to the next generation in the latest technologies and research to help them stay competitive with automation. Additionally, to "recession-proof" the economy, it is essential to train more young people in critical infrastructure markets such as industrial and systems engineering, manufacturing systems, supply chain technologies, and cybersecurity. 15. Energy Independence: Maintaining America's energy independence is vital to its economic stability. Tre believes that protecting the oil and gas industry must remain a priority. This industry has been a significant contributor to the global economy by providing energy for transportation, manufacturing, and other essential sectors, while also creating employment opportunities for millions of people and generating substantial tax revenue for governments. America must remain 100% energy independent to break its dependency on foreign oil. 16. Border Security & Immigration: Tre advocates for fully funding the Border Patrol Agency and enhancing border security technologies (drones and sonar scans) to stop the flow of drugs and human trafficking above and below the ground. Tre proposes legislation that will allow Border Patrol agents to work hand-in-hand with the National Guard to strengthen our southern borders. Due to the manipulation of U.S. asylum laws, Tre proposes a "pause" on asylum seekers until a comprehensive immigration plan is developed by Congress, recategorizing immigration into three separate categories (visas, illegal immigration and asylum seeking), and reviewing each category by a different court system to address the backlog in immigration court. Tre also proposes legislation to withhold federal funding from countries that are sending migrants to the U.S. border. Tre believes the issues with those countries should be solved with the governments from which the migrants originated. This will relieve migrant in-flow at the U.S. border. 17. Protecting Our Wildlife and Livestock Preserving the well-being of our wildlife and livestock is a cause close to Tre's heart. He strongly advocates for safeguarding these invaluable resources to ensure they can be cherished by future generations. Additionally, he is dedicated to striking an appropriate balance that prevents excessive government interference, particularly in collaboration with far-left organizations like PETA, whose views don't align with Tre's conservative positions on preserving our natural heritage and personal liberties related to human-animal interaction. 18. Mitigating Environmental Risks The changing environment demands our attention towards mitigating the repercussions of natural disasters like wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. It's imperative to contemplate strategies such as enhancing irrigation and management practices in arid regions, fortifying infrastructure, constructing desalination facilities for water conversion, establishing early warning systems, and devising escape and refuge mechanisms to alleviate potential risks. Israel has taken a pioneering role in addressing environmental vulnerabilities, and it is now opportune for the United States to embrace similar measures[2] |
” |
| —Tre Pennie’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
2019
Tre Pennie completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pennie's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Dr. Demetrick "Tre" Pennie is a Doctor of Education from Texas Tech University, an Army veteran and a 20-year Dallas Police sergeant. He is currently running for U.S. House in Texas Congressional District 30. Dr. Pennie is nationally-recognized as a law enforcement advocate. He believes in bridging the gap between community and law enforcement. He is also an experienced researcher and has published numerous writings on issues impacting public safety.
- Reduce crime by addressing the conditions that facilitate violent crime in our communities.
- Empowering the community to become self-sufficient by enhancing education, economic development, and job training.
- Promoting conservative ideas that reinforce family values and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Dr. Pennie is passionate about the protection of children. He seeks to pass legislation to federally prosecute individuals that abuse children in the foster care and group home systems.
Dr. Pennie is passionate about homeland security and school safety. He is a leading authority on mitigating the outcomes of shooting attacks on school campuses.
Dr. Pennie is also an advocate for internet safety. He seeks to address online radicalism and other nefarious behaviors online by policing the "dark web" and social media platforms that facilitate the criminal behavior. He pledges to revise Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act to remove broad immunities for online companies that facilitate criminal and radicalized behaviors online.
Dr. Pennie is passionate about protecting the interest of law enforcement and public safety. He understands that the success of any community relies on the productivity of its public safety agencies. Dr. Pennie pledges to pass comprehensive "domestic terrorism" legislation to address premeditated, organized and radicalized attacks on law enforcement and other U.S. interests.
Dr. Pennie admires many historic leaders. He believes that studying and understanding the challenges that historic leaders faced and overcame helps others to circumscribe their worldviews. Dr. Pennie values the teachings of Frederick Douglass and his thoughts on education and self-empowerment.
One of the most profound readings that Dr. Pennie believes still has validity today is "The Lexus and the Olive Tree".
The characteristics most important for elected officials are: being ethical, socially-educated, compassionate, and principled in their beliefs.
Education, Experience, Background. All of which qualify Dr. Pennie for the office and validates his need run.
The core responsibilities of elected officials are: to maintain control over financial and budgetary issues, to protect the interests of this country by empowering our military and to pass laws regulating the affairs of this nation.
A legacy of advocating for the interest of The People!
Dr. Pennie grew up in the inner-city of Houston, Texas in a poverty-stricken community called Acres Homes. In 1989, the drug epidemic coupled with augmented gun violence in his community reached epic proportions; which garnered the attention of the White House. At the age of 12, Pennie recalled sitting in a ditch in front of Carver Park (the neighborhood park) and watching as President George H.W. Bush delivered a speech launching his national "War on Drugs".
Dr. Pennie joined the U.S. Army in 1995 at the age of 17 and served honorably until 1999.
The ability to initiate revenue bills. The ability to scrutize the work of the Government its officials.
Dr. Pennie believes that government leadership should be educated about the functions of government; however, he does not believe that it is necessary for them to have prior experience in politics. In fact, the established system in place has allowed freshman leaders to overcome even the sharpest learning curb changes in Congress for generations.
The United States' greatest challenges over the next decade include: (1) being prepared for emergent threats to homeland security interests, (2) being unable to compete in the global market because of disparities in education and technological advancements and (3) failure to adequately care for and/or meet the needs of our veterans and soldiers. These are all areas that Dr. Pennie has pledged to comprehensively address.
Dr. Pennie has committed to serve in any and all committees that align with his background and experience such as: Homeland Security, Veteran's Affairs and Education and Labor.
Dr. Pennie believes that all Congressional seats should be restricted to a total of (4) two-year terms. Eight years should be the maximum that any representative is allowed to serve in office.
Dr. Pennie is interested in serving where needed.
The people of Texas District 30 are struggling and are frustrated with the current conditions. As Dr. Pennie has toured the district and listened to the concerns of citizens, the consensus among the people is that they are ready for change. Dr. Pennie has stepped up to help accomplish that change.
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 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 15, 2019
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Dr. Tre Pennie, Secure America for Everyone, “Issues,” accessed January 15, 2024
