Jo Rae Perkins
Republican | Oregon
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jo Rae Perkins
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
U.S. Senator
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Oregon State University, Corvallis, BS, 2015-2017
University of Portland, Portland, Ex Cert, 2005
Linn Benton Comm Clg, Albany, AS, 1979
Golden West Jr. Clg, Orange, CA, none, 1975-1975
WORK & MILITARY
Self Emp: Health Ins Licensee, Medicare Advantage Sales, 2025-2026
Self Employed:, Essential Needs Distribution, 2023-2026
Bob Symons Insurance Garage, P & C Insurance Agent, 2018-2019
Oregon State University - Animal & Rangeland Sci, Office Specialist 2, 2014-2016
Oregon State University, Student Employee, 2011-2012
Eagle Financial Planning & Investments, Sr. Financial AdvisorFin Consultant & Advisor (CFP), 2008-2010
Key Investment Services, Sr. Financial Advisor, 2004-2008
U.S. Bancorp Investments; WM Financial Svc, Sr. Financial Advisor, 1994-2005
US Bank, Personal Banker, 1998-2001
Tripp & Tripp Realty, Town & County R.E., ReMax2000, Real Estate Agent, 1994-1998
AFFILIATIONS
River Church, Salem Oregon, Member, 2022-2026
Oregon Republican Party, State Secretary; Platform Section Chair, VC; Member Resolutions Cmte, 2009-2025
Linn County Republican Party, PCP, 2008 - present
Linn County Republican Party, Chair, Vice Chair, Delegate
Linn County Republican Women, Member, 1986-2026
Linn County Republican Women, President, 1st & 2nd Vice Pres, Secretary, 1986-
N.W. Art & Air Festival, Volunteer Crew Coordinator 29 yrs, 1984-2012
Albany Visitors Association, Pres; VP; Sec; Bd member, 1996-2010
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Precinct Committee Person, Republican Party - Elected, 2008-2026
Chairwoman Linn County Republican Party, 2009-2012
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
US Senator Candidate for Nomination - Oregon, 2026-
U.S. Senator , Oregon- Nominee against Ron Wyden, 2021-2022
U.S. Senator, Oregon - Nominee against Jeff Merkley, Nominee, 2019-2020
Oregon Congressional District 4 - US Representative, 2014-2016
U.S. Senate, Oregon, 2014-
City of Albany, Oregon -Mayor, 2010-
City of Albany, Oregon -City Council, 1994-
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Ben Fisher
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (3)
State Republican Party Organizations (2024)
WinRed (2022)
Make America Great Again Again (2020)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (2)
WinRed (2022)
Huck PAC (2020)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Agree
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I am 100% prolife. I do not support elective abortion. Unfortunately Oregon allows abortion up until the baby is born.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Strongly Agree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that says Separation of Church and State. The Framers said there is to be NO National religion, like the UK has the Church of England. Separation of church and state is a misstatement of what Thomas Jefferson was saying in a letter to the Danbury Baptists.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
The closest is B. Selectively help countries Wanting a republican form of government and fight tyranny. The citizens of those foreign countries must clearly show they need and want the help from the U.S.. Iran is an example. The Iranian people were dancing in the streets in many cities around the world. Venezuelan people did the same.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes that relationship is very important. We are their closest ally concerning the Middle East and we are their closest ally. From a Biblical standpoint, God said He will bless those who bless Jerusalem.
Islamic terrorism is a threat to the United States' national security.
Strongly Agree
How many years do we need to listen to "Death to America" before they are taken seriously.... President Trump has taken them seriously.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
None of those options closely match my view on healthcare. Health insurance is not health care. Insurance spreads the cost of medical care among persons. I have written two proposed bills, one dealing with Health Insurance and the other addressing Medicare. They are on my website: JoRaePerkins.com
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Strongly Disagree
That is intrusion into a persons life. As for assessing the economic burden, we need doctors / health care professionals that use holistic measures and stop prescribing synthetic petroleum based drugs. Continue the MAHA initiative, improve the U.S. food supply by reducing the amount of refined products consumed in the U.S. Reduce the sugar intake. Many other countries are much healthier than Americans; their food is less processed.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
People who can afford to pay more taxes should do so in order to provide relief for working families.
Disagree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
1. Safeguard Medicare. Improve IT with real time Ai-driven analytics & prepayment verification. 2. Grants to Foreign Nations: Federal Funds are tax payor funds. They do not belong to the Fed. Gov. The majority of money going to foreign countries needs to end. 3. "Federal" Grants to business start ups: Not the role of the Fed. Gov. to provide all the grants agencies approve, very little oversight. 4.Tackle Duplication, Overlap, & Fragmentation Across Agencies 5. Modernize Tech. i.e. IRS tech
IMMIGRATION
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
First, people must enter the U.S. legally. Highly skilled workers we need (H-1B, but only if no American qualifies), spouses and minor children of citizens, and refugees fleeing war or genocide, not poverty. All who desire to immigrate to the U.S. must be strictly vetted. Little to no chain migration. Student visas stay is to be temporary, no birthright anchor babies to game the system.
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Strongly Disagree
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Disagree
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Strongly Agree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. Law-abiding citizens have the legal right to keep and bear arms without infringement. Guns are not the problem. Restricting our rights is nonsensical because criminals do not obey laws, that is why they are criminals! ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS FIRST, which often includes drug addiction. Enforce existing laws, prosecute violent offenders. Public safety comes from justice and common sense, not gun bans.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Our government should not pick winners or losers by deciding what business receives gov. grants and which do not. Cut duplication, stop wasteful spending. We must Crush the >$39 trillion debt. Protect life and support family unit. Strong borders and strong defense. Limited foreign meddling. Faith first, government stays out. Constitution guarantees religious liberty, not forced belief. America works when the government's power is LIMITED. Reduce or eliminate both income and property tax.
VALUES
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Strongly Agree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Based upon my personal faith, I believe marriage is God-ordained—one man, one woman—sacred and legal. No government has the right to alter this. It is a tenet held by evangelical churches and Orthodox Judaism. As a Christian, I'm called to share this truth and hope others follow Christ. Yet in America, you have the right to choose your own belief on marriage. However, if a bill came before me, redefining marriage between one man and one woman, I would vote in favor of that bill.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, saved by grace, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Declaration of Independence states, "We are endowed by our Creator with certain Unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness." Unalienable means no one can take those away from you. However, God has given each person the right to choose their own path. He is not a task master, or a dictator. God is Love, pure and simple. His heart is that all would choose to turn their hearts, their lives towards Him. Follow Jesus, listen to Holy Spirit. And experience the incredible Freedom that is only found in a life totally surrendered to Him. The one who choses to lose his life to follow Jesus, is blessed far above anyone's imagination.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Nuclear energy is the most reliable: 24/7, zero-carbon. NuScale, developed small modular reactors at Oregon State U. Each module is 77 Mega Watts, powers 60,000 homes. Two can power medium-sized data centers with low need for water. Meets Ai boom.
