Jenai Hales
Republican | Texas
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jenai Hales
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 49
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, BS Biology, 2006
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Mujeres Unidas, Women Together, Advocate Volunteer, Make-A-Wish Foundation
Wish Granter, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Volunteer
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Greg Abbott (2014)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
No Answer
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
As a former medical student, my belief is that life begins at viability. I support working together? to create a culture that is more proactive than reactive; we need to review current systems in place and work to create a society that values life and good choices for both mothers and babies.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Fortunately, I am running for the Texas legislature which is constitutionally required to retain a balanced budget. I believe these conservative, economic values should be instilled at the federal level to ensure efficient government spending. By consistently reviewing current systems, we can work to allocate dollars to agencies that are lacking in resources and cut unnecessary expenditures to avoid frivolous spending.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
No Answer
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
I strongly believe that the government should play a limited role in our lives and should not intrude on our religious beliefs - this includes playing a part in the business of marriage. I will push for legislation that encourages the government to focus on providing for the common welfare and assist in basic services to the citizens who are in need.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I support instilling competition into our healthcare system to drive down costs and provide better options for all citizens – I believe this adjustment would solve many care-related issues we see today.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Disagree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe we are a nation of immigrants and that we all deserve the pursuit of happiness. Any person who follows the law, enters this country legally, and is willing to embrace the American culture should have the right to enter the United States.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Promotion of the LGBT agenda in public schools, including teaching of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity”, is completely inappropriate and should be opposed at the state and local level.
Strongly Disagree
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was raised Catholic and believe in the foundational values set forth by the Catholic church. Additionally, I believe in respecting all other belief systems and/or religious views to honor the freedoms provided in the 1st Amendment.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
My principles and beliefs are on my website: www.JenaiForAustin.com
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I know what it means to struggle as a single mother, to battle cancer, survive sexual assault, and dive into the world of entrepreneurship.. I also know what it means to rise above your circumstances - to provide your children the life they deserve, to brave death when you’re not ready, to face fear when it knocks on your door, and to honor hard-working people that are on your payroll. I can say my life has been a testament to never giving up and finding ways to persevere. I believe the current political climate is at a tipping point in our nation’s history and we must move past the rigid division between our political parties and work to ensure that government serves the people. I’m running because I have the resilience and unique perspective to be a voice for my constituents; my goal is to ensure that democracy is at the forefront of every decision we? make and advocate for policies that represent the values of the diligent citizens of District 49 and the people Texas.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
My experience and unique perspective have fueled my passion to serve my district and the state of Texas. I will work diligently to push for legislation that ensures the government serves its people, and that we are not tethered in serving the government.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I strongly advocate for our right to the 2nd Amendment; however, we need to ensure that proper safeguards are in place for the protection of all citizens. I stand behind the idea that changing gun laws to adjust the accessibility to purchase firearms does not focus on the issue at hand and will not decrease gun violence over time. What we can do to help curb gun violence is incorporate red flag laws that would remove firearms from citizens who are at risk for harming themselves or others.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Austin Homelessness - I would incorporate integrated care teams to respond to homeless calls and a state version of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Women's Healthcare - I support further education on women's healthcare and increased coverage on women's wellness exams. 2nd Amendment rights - I firmly believe in our right to defend ourselves from dangerous situations; however, I believe we need safeguards like red flag laws and we should encourage incentives for gun training.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I strongly denounce racism and the unfair treatment of any citizen. While the United States is one of the greatest nations in the world, racism has been a terrible blight in our history. I believe our country should work together to create an environment that honors the fact that God created all people equal.
