Promote Democracy and Human Rights Everywhere

J. Gordon Mitchell stands unwavering in his belief that democracy and human rights are universal values that must guide America’s engagement with the world. Drawing on his experience teaching the next generation of American service members about the importance of the rule of law and respect for others, Mitchell knows that when America champions freedom, fairness, and justice, our nation is at its strongest. As a member of Congress, Mitchell will be a steadfast advocate for free and fair elections, the empowerment of civil society, and the protection of human rights defenders everywhere. He will work to ensure that American foreign policy never turns a blind eye to authoritarianism, repression, or the suffering of vulnerable populations.

Mitchell also understands that the most effective way to promote democracy and human rights is through a robust commitment to development and humanitarian assistance—America’s “soft power.” This is why he strongly opposes the actions of Pete Sessions, who personally oversaw the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID has long been a crucial instrument for advancing American values abroad, delivering life-saving programs that fight global poverty, hunger, and disease, and supporting civil society and democratic institutions in developing countries.

The closure of USAID has had devastating consequences:

• Human Rights: The loss of support for local organizations and activists has allowed authoritarian regimes to crack down on dissent and erode basic freedoms in vulnerable regions.
• Global Poverty and Starvation: Critical food aid programs and economic development projects have been slashed, leading to increased hunger, malnutrition, and economic instability in some of the world’s poorest communities.
• AIDS and Global Health: The rollback of USAID’s HIV/AIDS relief efforts has resulted in increased AIDS-related deaths and setbacks in the fight against pandemics, costing countless lives and undermining decades of progress.
• America’s Soft Power: Without USAID’s presence, America has lost much of its ability to shape global events through peaceful means, ceding influence to authoritarian powers who fill the vacuum with their own agendas. The absence of development and humanitarian assistance has made it harder to build partnerships, prevent conflicts, and advance U.S. interests without resorting to military force.

While Pete Sessions stood by as America’s commitment to promoting democracy and human rights was dismantled, J. Gordon Mitchell will fight to restore and expand the programs and partnerships that save lives and strengthen freedom worldwide. Mitchell knows that America’s greatest legacy is not just military might, but its ability to inspire hope, empower people, and stand up for what is right—wherever that struggle takes place.