Jennifer Janay Barton
Republican | Tennessee
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jennifer Janay Barton
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary and Judicial General
Race
State House, Dist. 44
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, B.S., 2003-2007
Strayer University, Washington, DC, MBA, 2008-2009
Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN., M. Ed., 2011-2014
Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN., Ed. D., 2024-
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Member, 2009-
Notary Association of America (NAA), Member
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Member
Mentor Mentee Association, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
TN. State Representative District-44, 2026-
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Julie Riggs-Crook
OTHER INFORMATION
Jennifer J. Barton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
There is no exception for abortion. Under any circumstances should an abortion take place.
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
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Strongly Agree
ECONOMY
What is your position on the minimum wage?
my position on the minimum wage is rooted in strengthening the economy, supporting workers, and protecting small businesses at the same time. I believe every hardworking Tennessean deserves the opportunity to earn a good living, without sacrificing.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
My top priorities to eliminate government waste would focus on accountability, efficiency, and protecting taxpayer dollars. Government should operate responsibly just like families and businesses do every day. Nevertheless, my top 3-5 priorities would be: 1. Conducting Full Financial Audits of State Agencies 2. Eliminating Bureaucratic Overspending 3. Increased Oversight on Government Contracts
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
To me, separation of church and state means government cannot establish a national religion or force faith on anyone — but it does not mean faith has no place in public life. People of faith should be free to live their values openly, and government should protect religious liberty for everyone while respecting the constitutional rights of all citizens.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
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.
My views would most closely align with C). In my belief Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. I believe government has a responsibility to protect seniors, individuals with disabilities, and truly vulnerable populations through programs like Medicare and Medicaid. However, I also believe healthcare works best when driven by competition, innovation, patient choice, and private-sector solutions rather than complete government control.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Strongly Disagree
NATIONAL SECURITY
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 the relationship between the United States and Israel is seen as important for several key reasons: 1. Strategic security alliance 2. Shared democratic and political values 3. Counterterrorism cooperation 4. Military and defense innovation 5. Economic and technological ties
IMMIGRATION
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 Agree
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child's health and educational well-being.
Strongly Agree
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
I support the expansion of gambling in my state.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My spiritual beliefs and, Christian values would be grounded in faith, personal responsibility, compassion for others, and a commitment to living according to biblical principles. I would describe my beliefs and values as Faith in Jesus Christ as God and Scripture. My decisions and worldview are guided by the teachings of the Bible and a belief in God’s authority. Love and compassion.I believe in treating others with dignity, kindness, and respect, including serving those in need no matter of the economic or geographical conditions of the person. I also believe that each person is accountable for their actions, choices, and contributions to society. From that perspective, faith is not just a private belief but shapes good character.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
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
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Agree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
In my belief the most reliable sources to meet growing electricity demand would be Natural gas, Nuclear power, Coal, and Renewables (wind and solar). In a nutshell natural gas and nuclear power are most often viewed as the most reliable pillars.
ABOUT YOU
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
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
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
What should be the goal of the criminal justice system?
To protect public safety, enforce the rule of law, ensure justice for victims, and promote accountability and rehabilitation where appropriate. I also believe the goal to a fair justice system should be “tough on crime, but smart on prevention and reentry”, meaning it should not only punish wrongdoing, but also reduce the conditions that lead to repeat offenses while keeping communities safe. Nonetheless, the ones in charge of upholding the law should be held accountable for “Soft on Crime”
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
Sharia law should not be accepted or incorporated in any form within the legal framework of the United States.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
We should focus on enforcing existing laws, keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals, and strengthening mental health and public safety systems-while protecting the constitutional rights of responsible gun owners.
