Cyril Jefferson

Where Jefferson stands

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

A two-year term for members of the U.S. House of Representatives ensures they stay closely connected to the people they serve. Because elections happen frequently, representatives must constantly listen to their constituents’ concerns and work hard to earn their trust. This short term keeps them accountable—if they don’t deliver results or stay in touch with the needs of their district, voters have the chance to choose someone new every two years. It encourages responsiveness, transparency, and a strong connection to local issues.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

America was founded on the principle that the government should serve the people—not career politicians or special interests. That’s why it’s time to explore a constitutional amendment to establish term limits for members of the U.S. Congress. Term limits would help bring fresh ideas and new energy to Washington, while reducing the influence of entrenched politicians who lose touch with the people they represent. However, the amendment must strike a careful balance.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is not a weakness in policymaking—it's a strength. Our country was founded on compromise. The Constitution itself was the result of hard-fought agreements between states with very different interests. The founders understood that in a diverse nation, no one side can—or should—get everything they want. That’s still true today. Real progress happens when we bring different perspectives to the table and find common ground. This doesn’t mean giving up your values or beliefs. It means recognizing that others have values too, and that moving forward often requires meeting in the middle.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The Constitution clearly states that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives. That’s not just a formality—it’s a reflection of the Founders’ belief that decisions about how we collect and spend taxpayer money should be made by the body closest to the people. As your Congressman, I will not take that responsibility lightly. Every dollar the federal government spends comes from hardworking Americans, and I believe you deserve accountability, transparency, and a voice in how that money is used.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House of Representatives has a constitutional responsibility to serve as a check on the other branches of government—and that includes using its investigative powers when necessary. These powers exist to ensure that our government remains transparent, accountable, and focused on serving the American people. Investigations should be fact-driven and rooted in the goal of protecting the public interest—not scoring political points. When used properly, congressional investigations can uncover waste, fraud, abuse of power, or failures in leadership.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

The United States government has an important role to play in the development and use of artificial intelligence. We must strike a careful balance: promoting innovation and competitiveness while also protecting consumers and national security. As AI technology rapidly evolves, we cannot afford to implement overly burdensome regulations that put the U.S. at a disadvantage compared to global competitors like China. America should lead the world in AI development—not fall behind it. At the same time, we must ensure AI is not used for harmful or unethical purposes.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

One of the most important parts of our democracy is the right to vote. Throughout American history, we’ve worked to expand that right so more people can have a say in their government. The 15th Amendment gave people of color the right to vote. The 19th Amendment granted that right to women. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18, allowing young adults to fully participate in elections. And the Motor Voter Act made registering to vote easier by allowing people to register when getting a driver’s license or interacting with government agencies.