The Mississippi Free Press sent the following questionnaire to U.S. House District 2 candidate Bennie Foster, who is running as an Independent in the Nov. 3 congressional election.
We present his responses unedited. Candidate responses do not reflect the views of the Mississippi Free Press or its staff.
Tell us about yourself, your background, and past political or professional experience.
Bennie Foster, The Independent Implementer
I am an innovative architect for transformation, a lifelong educator, and a visionary leader born and raised in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi. Our campaign is built on a cornerstone of this unwavering principle: putting people over politics.
My professional journey spans over 38 years of high-impact service in mentorship, education administration, and the development of innovative business and emotional support systems. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education, I have dedicated my career to facilitating personal growth, implementing proven success systems, and driving community empowerment from the ground up, from conception to reality.
My wife and I work daily to build robust support ecosystems that bridge the gap between potential and intentional, sustainable results. As a devoted husband and father of six, I am driven by the conviction that we must break generational cycles of struggle. We achieve this by replacing outdated patterns with viable information, proper tools, and the funding opportunities necessary for growth. Part of our mission is to train and elevate local leadership to lead our communities with deep compassion and unshakeable integrity.
Currently, I serve as the visionary of the “ReIMAGINE Mississippi” Campaign. Alongside the ReIMAGINE Mississippi Team, I am traveling through all 28 counties of the 2nd Congressional District. We aren’t waiting for a title to take action; we are delivering resources and direct solutions to our constituents every single day leading up to the General Election on November 3, 2026 and beyond.
Mississippi’s transformation begins with your voice. Your voice is your vote. We invite you to visit us at www.reimaginems.info to schedule a Meet and Greet. Don’t wait—tell us how we can assist YOU. No empty campaign promises, we are ReIMAGINING Mississippi now!
What does Mississippi need most from Congress? What are our most pressing issues for Congress to solve?
The Mississippi 2nd Congressional District needs a Congressman ready to activate the dormant potential and resources necessary to combat poverty, which has cost our state an estimated $68B–$149B over the last decade. Because financial instability negatively impacts health, learning, and overall stability, we will focus on:
● Economic Empowerment: Creating ecosystems for trade and life-skills workforce training to provide young adults with viable careers and opportunities to earn a LIVABLE WAGE within the state.
● Broadband & Affordable Housing: Addressing the digital divide and housing instability that remain among the state’s top areas of need that education, healthcare, and local and corporate business will flourish in areas that were formerly stagnant and non-existent.
● Infrastructure & Health: Securing federal investment to stabilize Jackson’s water system, district roadways, and the restoration of rural health clinics through improved regulatory oversight and systems that govern the funding from disbursement to implementation with assessments.
● Political AI (Political Accountability & Integrity): Ensuring that federal and state leaders operate with transparency and respect for the concerns and constitutional rights of all citizens.
What are your views on immigration and ICE, particularly in light of the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti?
The tragic killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti—U.S. citizens killed by federal agents in Minneapolis—are a somber reminder of what happens when a “culture of impunity” takes root in law enforcement.
● Accountability & Professionalism: As someone trained in objective fact-finding and de-escalation, I support a full, unbiased investigation into these deaths. It is unacceptable for agents to prevent medical professionals from providing life-saving care to victims, as was reported in these cases.
● Reform: While I believe ICE is necessary to secure our borders and enforce immigration law legally, current policies have created negative side effects. I advocate for disallowing ICE agents from wearing masks, outfitting all field agents with bodycams, and strict adherence to constitutional law when detaining suspects. We must review use-of-force policies to ensure agents are not encouraged toward excessive force due to a lack of training, accountability, and lack of governance.
What are your views on abortion, IVF, birth control and reproductive care?
I believe in the dignity of every individual and the divine reality of life. In a state with some of the highest maternal infant mortality rates, our focus must be on saving lives and providing comprehensive resources and support.
● Access & Support: I advocate for protecting access to IVF and birth control, which are essential for those seeking to build families. Congress should focus on replacing negative cycles with viable solutions, such as improving maternal healthcare from conception to toddler stage while providing economic opportunities for mothers.
● Personal Conviction & Policy: As a follower of Christ and a father to six children, I believe God creates every human with a unique soul at the moment of conception. While I do not support elective abortions for reasons like unplanned pregnancy or disability, I believe our laws must consider the life of the mother. I support the right to consider an abortion in emergency situations—such as ectopic pregnancy, minor victims of sexual assault, or when the pregnancy is likely to result in the harm or death of the mother—leaving that difficult decision to the parents when all other options have been exhausted.
What are your views on transgender issues and restrictions on gender-affirming care, bathroom use, and sports participation?
My philosophy is “Transformation without Conflict”. I believe every Mississippian deserves to be treated with dignity and love while providing safety for vulnerable groups.
● Safety & Privacy: It is my belief that there are two genders assigned at birth—male and female—which is a scientific fact based on the knowledge of chromosomes. Accordingly, I believe only biological females should be allowed in women’s restrooms and that men and women should compete in sports according to their biological birth status.
● Youth Protection: I strongly oppose any government entity encouraging gender-affirming care for minors. Instead of radical ideology, I will support mental health resources, therapy, and counseling to help parents guide their children through the journey of adolescence.
● Adult Liberty: While I do not agree with gender-affirming care, I support a legal adult’s right to make whatever changes they desire to their own body as long as it does not harm others.
What are your policy views on improving health-care access?
Every U.S. citizen deserves quality healthcare, especially in our rural areas where travel distances are a major barrier.
● Rural Stability: I support federal grants to prevent hospital closures in the Delta and the deployment of mobile units for prenatal and preventive health care.
● Wholistic Care: We must invest in and validate nature-based, wholistic healthcare by providing funding for alternate birth centers, midwives, doulas, and homeopathic medicine in addition to hospitals. It should be the parents choice.
● Reform: I will collaborate with federal health leadership to challenge pharmaceutical monopolies and insurance companies that profit from sickness. We are for empowering citizens with education on natural ways to lower health risks and ensuring a clean food supply.
What are your views on artificial intelligence and AI regulation?
AI is a powerful tool for innovation that must be managed with a human-centric approach.
● Job Protection: We need federal safeguards to ensure AI does not lead to mass displacement of workers without a robust retraining plan.
● Regulation Pillars: I propose integrating AI training into existing trade programs. Our federal regulations must focus on three core goals: Protecting privacy, protecting jobs, and protecting our environment.
What are your views on climate change and the role the government should play?
We are seeing the effects of climate change in real time, and our government must lead the charge in protecting the health of the people and the planet.
● Resilience: I support funding “climate-proof” infrastructure and providing incentives for sustainable farming practices that protect our soil and water.
● Ending Intervention: We must protect our environment by ending man-made intervention in our weather. I will support legislation to ban chemtrails and geo-engineering programs, which studies show negatively affect public health and contribute to destructive weather patterns that leave constituents dismayed and communities destroyed.
What are your views on foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel?
I believe in a “People-First” foreign policy. While the U.S. has a global role, we must prioritize “ReIMAGINING Mississippi” alongside international commitments.
● Domestic Focus: If the federal government can authorize billions in aid abroad, it must show that same commitment to the water crisis in Jackson and poverty in the Delta. I will not support foreign aid for war or military conflict that does not directly involve Americans. I stand against the military-industrial complex and seek to reallocate those funds to solve hunger, homelessness, and poverty here at home.
● Independence: I will not knowingly accept donations from AIPAC or any foreign interest lobby.
What are your views on President Trump’s military actions in Venezuela?
Military actions like “Operation Absolute Resolve”—which recently captured Nicolás Maduro in Caracas—require the highest level of transparency and Congressional oversight. The American people deserve to know the full cost and strategic goals of such interventions. Any action taken must prioritize long-term stability and ensure that benefits, such as energy security, result in lower costs for American families rather than just increasing corporate profits.
Are there any other domestic or foreign policy views you’d like to highlight?
I want to highlight the necessity of Mentorship as a National Policy. Mentorship for home, schools, the workforce, and community will allow knowledge and experience to produce wisdom in the generations to come. We cannot legislate our way out of every problem; we must build ecosystems that provide our citizens with the emotional support, life skills, and economic opportunities they need to succeed. My campaign is about creating a sustainable path to success for every family in the 2nd Congressional District.
– Bennie Foster, The Independent Implementer for MS02
