Ballotpedia, Jeff Criswell

Jeff grew up in the D.C. area and later moved to Atlanta. He has two sons, and is a Christian.  He attended Northern Virginia Community College, Radford University, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia. 

Jeff is an entrepreneur who founded a baseball brand called A.D. Starr. He also has experience working in education.

Jeff Criswell's campaign for U.S. Representative is his first entry into politics. 

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Sadly, for too long, our federal government fostered an economy that benefited only corporate America and Wall Street. Small business has long been left for dead, and our communities have suffered."

Said, "Some years later, wanting to pursue new dreams, I profitably sold the brand, which I am thrilled to say is now owned by Dick’s Sporting Goods, and serves as the official baseball of the Little League World Series."

The candidate's website says, "Cuts to social security and Medicare is not acceptable. Inflation must be brought under control now!"

Said, "I started the baseball brand A.D. Starr... Despite being new to that industry, I learned how to import balls and ship them directly to youth leagues... my sons and I were shipping 60,000 dozen balls to almost 2000 customers."

The candidate's website says, "Will be funneling tens of billions of dollars across the border to be spent in the economies of foreign countries."

Said, "As a conservative candidate for U.S. Congress, Georgia District-6, I am committed to ensuring that our seniors - who have worked so hard to build the U.S. - receive the care and support they deserve... To honor their contributions, we must ensure that they enjoy a safe, secure, and fulfilling retirement."

Said, "As a conservative centrist, I believe in free markets, limited government, and fiscal responsibility."

The candidate's website says, "If we don’t reduce burdensome regulations, cut wasteful spending, and promote pro-growth policies, wasteful politicians will destroy the jobs and American Dreams of hard-working Georgians in the 6th District."

Believes that "if we don’t reduce burdensome regulations, cut wasteful spending, and promote pro-growth policies, wasteful politicians will destroy the jobs and American Dreams of hard-working Georgians in the 6th District."

Said, "I believe that Social Security and Medicare are important safety nets... I will work to protect these programs from harmful cuts and ensure that they remain solvent for years to come."

Supports protecting Social Security and Medicare from "harmful" cuts.

- Said, "As a conservative centrist, I believe in free markets, limited government, and fiscal responsibility."
- Believes that "if we don’t reduce burdensome regulations, cut wasteful spending, and promote pro-growth policies, wasteful politicians will destroy the jobs and American Dreams of hard-working Georgians in the 6th District."
- Supports protecting Social Security and Medicare from "harmful" cuts.

Economy

Said, "My energy policies reflect my commitment to promoting American energy independence, creating jobs, and protecting the environment. I believe that a strong and diversified energy policy is essential to the long-term prosperity of the United States and its citizens."

Said, "I am committed to a balanced and diversified energy policy that promotes American energy independence, reduces reliance on foreign sources of energy, protects the environment, and creates jobs."

Supports a balanced environmental policy that weighs economic effects, promotes responsible resource stewardship, and commits to safeguarding the environment for future generations' well-being.

Said, "In addition, I am committed to reducing regulations that stifle energy production... Excessive government regulation hinders the development of domestic energy sources... I am dedicated to promoting a balanced regulatory environment that ensures public safety and environmental protection while encouraging investment and job creation."

Said, "I am committed to reducing regulations that stifle energy production... Excessive government regulation hinders the development of domestic energy sources... I am dedicated to promoting a balanced regulatory environment that ensures public safety and environmental protection while encouraging investment and job creation."

Said, "I am committed to promoting a diverse energy policy that prioritizes American energy independence, reduces reliance on foreign sources of energy, and protects our environment... a strong energy policy is essential for the economic prosperity of the United States and the well-being of its citizens."

Prioritizes American energy independence, wanting to reduce reliance on foreign sources of energy, as well as protect the environment.

Said, "I also believe in promoting energy efficiency and conservation, supporting policies that encourage energy-efficient technologies and practices, which can reduce energy consumption and costs while also protecting the environment."

Aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation by supporting policies that encourage energy-efficient technologies and practices.

Supports diversifying domestic energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables, to reduce reliance on single sources and stabilize prices, while advocating for safe and environmentally responsible exploration and production.

- Said, "I am committed to reducing regulations that stifle energy production... Excessive government regulation hinders the development of domestic energy sources... I am dedicated to promoting a balanced regulatory environment that ensures public safety and environmental protection while encouraging investment and job creation."
- Prioritizes American energy independence, wanting to reduce reliance on foreign sources of energy, as well as protect the environment.
- Aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation by supporting policies that encourage energy-efficient technologies and practices.
- Supports diversifying domestic energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables, to reduce reliance on single sources and stabilize prices, while advocating for safe and environmentally responsible exploration and production.

Energy & the Environment

Plans to champion a healthcare system prioritizing patient choice, transparency, and competition, aiming to lower costs, enhance quality, and bolster personal health autonomy, while collaborating on bipartisan policies for Americans' health needs and system sustainability.

The candidate's website says, "The cost of healthcare in America is too high. Tort and prescription drug reform now!"

Said, "I believe that every American deserves access to affordable, high-quality healthcare without relying on government interference or mandates."

Said, "That's why I am committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and ensuring that they remain viable for future generations."

Said, "I am committed to ensuring that our seniors receive the care and support they deserve... we must honor their contributions by ensuring that they can enjoy a safe, secure, and fulfilling retirement."

The candidate's website says, "Better Mental Health Services & Support Now!"

Said, "We must also address the rising costs of healthcare in our country."

Said, "As your representative in Congress, I will tirelessly work to ensure that our seniors receive the care and support they deserve. Thank you for your support!"

Said, "Young or old, healthcare remains a critical issue for the constituents of Georgia District-6. In the often-times complicated healthcare maze, I believe healthcare reform should prioritize the needs of patients while promoting market-based solutions that increase access and affordability."

Said, "This can be accomplished through policies that incentivize healthy behaviors and promote preventative care... By reducing the demand for healthcare services... we can lower healthcare costs and improve overall health outcomes."

Aims to incentivize healthy behaviors and promote preventative care: "By reducing the demand for healthcare services... we can lower healthcare costs and improve overall health outcomes."

Supports patient choice in healthcare, competition to lower costs, and quality improvement through transparency and reduced regulation, aiming for affordable, high-quality care for all Americans.

Opposes federal one-size-fits-all healthcare; supports state and local-tailored solutions, advocating for collaborative, responsive healthcare systems addressing patient, provider, and community needs.

Opposes federal one-size-fits-all healthcare and instead supports state and local-tailored solutions, advocating for collaborative, responsive healthcare systems addressing patient, provider, and community needs.

Said, "...we need to reduce the cost of prescription drugs... I will work to promote policies that increase transparency and competition in the pharmaceutical industry, and ensure that seniors have access to affordable medications."

Supports reducing the cost of prescription drugs, saying "I will work to promote policies that increase transparency and competition in the pharmaceutical industry, and ensure that seniors have access to affordable medications."

Said, "Finally, I believe that we need to promote programs and services that support seniors' physical and mental health... I will work to expand access to home care and other community-based services..."

Aims to promote programs and services that support seniors' physical and mental health and work to expand access to home care and other community-based services.

- Said, "Young or old, healthcare remains a critical issue for the constituents of Georgia District-6. In the often-times complicated healthcare maze, I believe healthcare reform should prioritize the needs of patients while promoting market-based solutions that increase access and affordability."
- Aims to incentivize healthy behaviors and promote preventative care: "By reducing the demand for healthcare services... we can lower healthcare costs and improve overall health outcomes."
- Supports patient choice in healthcare, competition to lower costs, and quality improvement through transparency and reduced regulation, aiming for affordable, high-quality care for all Americans.
- Opposes federal one-size-fits-all healthcare and instead supports state and local-tailored solutions, advocating for collaborative, responsive healthcare systems addressing patient, provider, and community needs.
- Supports reducing the cost of prescription drugs, saying "I will work to promote policies that increase transparency and competition in the pharmaceutical industry, and ensure that seniors have access to affordable medications."
- Aims to promote programs and services that support seniors' physical and mental health and work to expand access to home care and other community-based services.

Healthcare

The candidate's website says, "The Democrats did this on purpose; they intentionally let this happen in the hopes of creating voting power in future elections..."

Said, "Here in Georgia’s 6th district... While you’re voting for Trump, vote for Jeff Criswell, too. Republican control of the House of Representatives is crucial..."

As of June 22, 2025, Jeff Criswell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Voting & Elections

The candidate's website says, "Crime is on the rise in America. We must support responsible community policing efforts."

The candidate's website says, "But here in Georgia’s 6th District - and all over America - it’s time to take a hard look at some of the obvious flaws in the current policing model."

Said, "In this race, I am THE CANDIDATE of POLICE REFORM... Of course, I’m not suggesting that we don’t need police or that they should be defunded."

The candidate's website says, "Ongoing psychiatric evaluations of all police officers... are more likely to resort to brutality and may end up harming themselves, too. Let’s find and help these folks before it’s too late."

Supports ongoing psychiatric evaluations of all police officers.

The candidate's website says, "Bias training / awareness education. Law-abiding minorities are more likely to suffer at the hands of immature / badly trained cops."

Supports bias training and awareness education for police officers, saying that "law-abiding minorities are more likely to suffer at the hands of immature / badly trained cops."

The candidate's website says, "No agency may hire a cop who does not formally renounce the toxic aspects of “Blue Line” culture: retaliation, harassment, stalking, character assassination, intimidation."

Prioritizes stopping any agency from hiring "a cop who does not formally renounce the toxic aspects of “Blue Line” culture: retaliation, harassment, stalking, character assassination, intimidation."

The candidate's website says, "De-Militarization of police agencies. We make tanks to roll through enemy territory, not American neighborhoods. It’s not just the disastrous optics but the metaphor involved."

Supports the de-militarization of police agencies. 

The candidate's website says, "No agency may hire a cop who does not hold a 4-year Criminal Justice degree."

Wants to require a 4-year Criminal Justice degree for new cops. 

The candidate's website says, "Civilian / community oversight committees who impartially monitor police procedures and outcomes."

Supports the implementation of civilian and community oversight committees who impartially monitor police procedures and outcomes.

The candidate's website says, "End the weaponization of civil forfeiture against law abiding citizens."

Wants to "end the weaponization of civil forfeiture against law abiding citizens."

The candidate's website says, "Mandatory liability insurance to protect hiring agencies from the stiff financial penalties resulting from professional misconduct."

Prioritizes mandatory liability insurance to protect hiring agencies from the stiff financial penalties resulting from professional police misconduct.

The candidate's website says, "Transparency regarding the professional background of those being considered for employment by a hiring agency."

Advocates for more transparency regarding the professional background of those being considered for employment by a hiring agency.

- Said, "In this race, I am THE CANDIDATE of POLICE REFORM... Of course, I’m not suggesting that we don’t need police or that they should be defunded."
- Supports ongoing psychiatric evaluations of all police officers.
- Supports bias training and awareness education for police officers, saying that "law-abiding minorities are more likely to suffer at the hands of immature / badly trained cops."
- Prioritizes stopping any agency from hiring "a cop who does not formally renounce the toxic aspects of “Blue Line” culture: retaliation, harassment, stalking, character assassination, intimidation."
- Supports the de-militarization of police agencies. 
- Wants to require a 4-year Criminal Justice degree for new cops. 
- Supports the implementation of civilian and community oversight committees who impartially monitor police procedures and outcomes.
- Wants to "end the weaponization of civil forfeiture against law abiding citizens."
- Prioritizes mandatory liability insurance to protect hiring agencies from the stiff financial penalties resulting from professional police misconduct.
- Advocates for more transparency regarding the professional background of those being considered for employment by a hiring agency.

Public Safety

The candidate's website says, "The urge to improve the world inspired Jeff... to embrace teaching as a new path... Jeff taught 10th grade Language Arts at Parkview High School, where he demonstrated his dedication to empowering students and fostering a love for learning."

Said, "Some students were respectful, hard-working and diligent to learn... It’s these kids... who were a pleasure to teach."

The candidate's website says, "The pervasive lack of respect for teachers, and the education process in general, by these students fostered what seemed to be a sense of apprehension among the teachers... Is it any wonder that teachers are shunning this profession?"

The candidate's website says, "Cheating was so widespread that, to combat it, many teachers had to create several versions of a test. Is it any wonder that state of Georgia colleges no longer require SAT scores for admission?"

Said, "I think public schools can be saved... Hard choices have to be made, or nothing will change. The current status quo in Gwinnett County - and in many of our urban schools - is unacceptable."

The candidate's website says, "YES TO SCHOOL CHOICE"

Said, "I will work to legislate common-sense policies that increase parental choice, improve teacher quality, and expand educational opportunities for all students... reduce the federal government's role in education, returning control to the local level where it belongs."

Said, "Without having “student-taught”, and with only a couple of Education classes under my belt, I taught 10th grade Language Arts at Parkview High School, in Gwinnett County. It was a year of equal parts adventure, ordeal, and wake-up call."

Said, "As a caveat, I understand that, as a first-year teacher, there were some bumps in the road, and first-year miscues that, if I was going back into the classroom, would not happen again."

Said, "Familiar with all the problems of public schools, was reluctant to take the leap... This career transition enabled my connection to a wildly diverse group of young adults, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges they face... I grew to understand the values of this incredibly diverse community."

Said, "Teaching in a public school was difficult... Like most first-year teachers, I experienced thrills of victory, when I knew students were learning, but also unhappy defeats... My year of teaching, no doubt, serves as a huge point of reference for my Education agenda."

Said, "There were several fights between both boys and, remarkably, girls.. One **** kid, who I had just disciplined in class, even challenged me to a fight in the hallway. Remarkably, this ***** was not expelled from school."

Said, "Although CRT was not taught here, some students arbitrarily brought up one-sided race discussions, creating an awkward air of hostility and tension. Note to self: racism works both ways."

Said, "I work tirelessly to ensure that our education system is providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed... Together, we can create a brighter future for our children..."

Said, "We must refocus classroom learning on Math, Science, and Reading and away from gender fluidity."

The candidate's website says, "For kids who are not college bound... why not provide vocational education and training programs that prepare them for careers in high-demand fields? Kids who do not engage in college-bound curriculum deserve the chance to shine in fields they are better suited for."

Aims to provide vocational education and training programs that prepare them for careers in high-demand fields.

Supports education policies that foster academic excellence, prioritize core subjects, and offer a comprehensive curriculum with arts and physical education to prepare students for college, careers, and life in a global economy.

Supports education policies that prioritize core subjects and offer a comprehensive curriculum with arts and physical education.

Said, "As a conservative, I firmly support efforts that reduce the federal government's role in education and promote policies that empower local communities."

The candidate's website says, "This means rolling back federal mandates and regulations that stifle innovation and creativity in our schools. We need to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize funding for programs that work."

Supports "rolling back federal mandates and regulations that stifle innovation and creativity in our schools. We need to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize funding for programs that work."

The candidate's website says, "In this dire situation, it’s crucial to empower parents, teachers, and local communities to make decisions about how best to educate our children. ... By returning control to the local level, we can create more responsive and effective education policies..."

Wants to empower parents, teachers, and local communities to make decisions about how best to educate children.

Believes disruptive students in public schools hinder peers' education, advocating for alternative learning environments for such individuals to protect dedicated students' learning experiences.

- Said, "We must refocus classroom learning on Math, Science, and Reading and away from gender fluidity."
- Aims to provide vocational education and training programs that prepare them for careers in high-demand fields.
- Supports education policies that prioritize core subjects and offer a comprehensive curriculum with arts and physical education.
- Said, "As a conservative, I firmly support efforts that reduce the federal government's role in education and promote policies that empower local communities."
- Supports "rolling back federal mandates and regulations that stifle innovation and creativity in our schools. We need to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize funding for programs that work."
- Wants to empower parents, teachers, and local communities to make decisions about how best to educate children.
- Believes disruptive students in public schools hinder peers' education, advocating for alternative learning environments for such individuals to protect dedicated students' learning experiences.

Education

The candidate's website says, "They’re everywhere - destroying our schools, robbing Americans of good-paying jobs, and bankrupting our health facilities - all the while not even bothering to learn English."

Referring to illegal immigrants, the candidate says, "They’re everywhere - destroying our schools, robbing Americans of good-paying jobs, and bankrupting our health facilities - all the while not even bothering to learn English."

Said, "And it’s not just Hispanic folks, either. Thousands of Chinese and folks from Muslim countries have entered the US on Joe Biden’s watch. Why, exactly, are they here?"

Said, "President Trump has already said he intends to deport these folks en masse - the largest deportation ever in American history. I endorse President Trump and this policy wholeheartedly."

The candidate's website says, "In addition to mass deportations, we need to SEAL THE BORDER for the next 10 YEARS."

Wants to "seal the border for the next 10 years" alongside mass deportations as a way of eliminating migrants.

The candidate's website says, "America MUST repay our debt to U.S. military personnel and their families."

Belives that "America MUST repay our debt to U.S. military personnel and their families."

Said, "One of my key policies for supporting veterans is improving access to quality healthcare... I support policies that increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), expand access to mental health care, and reduce wait times for appointments."

Supports improving access to quality healthcare for veterans, including through policies that increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), expand access to mental health care, and reduce wait times for appointments.

Said, "I am also committed to promoting job opportunities for veterans... I support policies that promote job training and education programs for veterans, as well as tax incentives for businesses that hire veterans."

Is committed to promoting job opportunities for veterans, supporting policies that promote job training and education programs for veterans, as well as tax incentives for businesses that hire veterans.

Said, "I support policies that promote housing assistance for veterans... I believe that every veteran should have access to safe, affordable housing, and I support initiatives that provide housing assistance to veterans who are either at risk of becoming, or already, homeless."

Supports policies that promote housing assistance for veterans, believing that every veteran should have access to safe, affordable housing, supports initiatives that provide housing assistance to veterans who are either at risk of becoming, or already, homeless.

Supports enhancing veterans' mental health care, advocating for increased funding, broader service access, and stigma reduction for those affected by service-related trauma.

- Referring to illegal immigrants, the candidate says, "They’re everywhere - destroying our schools, robbing Americans of good-paying jobs, and bankrupting our health facilities - all the while not even bothering to learn English."
- Said, "And it’s not just Hispanic folks, either. Thousands of Chinese and folks from Muslim countries have entered the US on Joe Biden’s watch. Why, exactly, are they here?"
- Said, "President Trump has already said he intends to deport these folks en masse - the largest deportation ever in American history. I endorse President Trump and this policy wholeheartedly."
- Wants to "seal the border for the next 10 years" alongside mass deportations as a way of eliminating migrants.
- Belives that "America MUST repay our debt to U.S. military personnel and their families."
- Supports improving access to quality healthcare for veterans, including through policies that increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), expand access to mental health care, and reduce wait times for appointments.
- Is committed to promoting job opportunities for veterans, supporting policies that promote job training and education programs for veterans, as well as tax incentives for businesses that hire veterans.
- Supports policies that promote housing assistance for veterans, believing that every veteran should have access to safe, affordable housing, supports initiatives that provide housing assistance to veterans who are either at risk of becoming, or already, homeless.
- Supports enhancing veterans' mental health care, advocating for increased funding, broader service access, and stigma reduction for those affected by service-related trauma.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

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Jeff Criswell

- Your US Representative represents the interests of your district in the US House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress. Georgia currently has 14 US Representatives.
- US Representatives can author, sponsor, debate, and vote on bills that become national law.
- Representatives may serve on congressional committees. Committees focus on certain policy areas, such as transportation, education, or labor. They may also run for higher positions within their party, such as the Speaker of the House or Majority/Minority Leader.
- Representatives are elected to two-year terms. To hold this office, a candidate must be a legal resident of Georgia and a US citizen for at least seven years before their election. US Representatives are paid a salary of $174,000/year.