Jolian "Jo" Kangas
No Party Preference | California
Candidate Profile
Liberal (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jolian "Jo" Kangas
Party
No Party Preference
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 2
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, MBA, 2021
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, BA, 2010
George Washington University, Washington, DC, N/A, 2004
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
OTHER INFORMATION
Jolian Kangas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Neutral
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Neutral
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Up until the point of viability, as determined by a qualified physician.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Up until the point of viability, as determined by a qualified physician.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
I do not support any further restrictions on abortion.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
I do not support any further restrictions on abortion.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
That the government should impose no restrictions on the free exercise of religion, nor should the government establish an official religion on behalf of the state.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
That the government should impose no restrictions on the free exercise of religion, nor should the government establish an official religion on behalf of the state.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
Under specific circumstances, particularly medical in nature. Pharmacists should dispense medications prescribed by a doctor without interfering with the patient's pursuit of medical treatment, for instance.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
Under specific circumstances, particularly medical in nature. Pharmacists should dispense medications prescribed by a doctor without interfering with the patient's pursuit of medical treatment, for instance.
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.
Option D. The US spends far too much money on military aid and interventions that do nothing to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.
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.
Option D. The US spends far too much money on military aid and interventions that do nothing to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
China has emerged as our leading adversary on the global stage. However, this is a matter of economic competition more than it is militaristic. We should approach the situation as such by diversifying our own economic sectors, as well as limiting the ability of foreign nationals to control property and businesses in the US. I do not believe China will engage in a military standoff with the US. We have a well-equipped Nuclear Triad that continues to deter such aggression.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
China has emerged as our leading adversary on the global stage. However, this is a matter of economic competition more than it is militaristic. We should approach the situation as such by diversifying our own economic sectors, as well as limiting the ability of foreign nationals to control property and businesses in the US. I do not believe China will engage in a military standoff with the US. We have a well-equipped Nuclear Triad that continues to deter such aggression.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
I believe our relationship with Israel should focus on strategic goals, such as stability in the Middle East. We should not be subsidizing their internal conflicts.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
I believe our relationship with Israel should focus on strategic goals, such as stability in the Middle East. We should not be subsidizing their internal conflicts.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
A lack of a clear mission for our troops, and an awareness among the American public that there are no conflicts in we should be seeking to engage.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
A lack of a clear mission for our troops, and an awareness among the American public that there are no conflicts in we should be seeking to engage.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I support the fundamental science behind vaccination, but I oppose government vaccination mandates. Private enterprises should be allowed to set reasonable conditions of employment as such (nursing homes, hospitals and clinics).
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I support the fundamental science behind vaccination, but I oppose government vaccination mandates. Private enterprises should be allowed to set reasonable conditions of employment as such (nursing homes, hospitals and clinics).
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.
Option B. There should be a baseline level of medical care accessible to all Americans, but there should also be a market option for those who seek higher levels or elective forms of care. Healthcare costs must be brought down to ensure clinics and hospitals remain solvent, and so patients are not forced into bankruptcy.
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.
Option B. There should be a baseline level of medical care accessible to all Americans, but there should also be a market option for those who seek higher levels or elective forms of care. Healthcare costs must be brought down to ensure clinics and hospitals remain solvent, and so patients are not forced into bankruptcy.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Removing regulatory barriers to qualifying for home loans, in order to improve rates of homeownership.
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Removing regulatory barriers to qualifying for home loans, in order to improve rates of homeownership.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Disagree
The economy benefits from reducing debt burdens held by individuals, particularly from student loans that resulted from fraud. However, any widespread efforts at student debt forgiveness should be paid for in part by those institutions that realized revenues from said loans.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Disagree
The economy benefits from reducing debt burdens held by individuals, particularly from student loans that resulted from fraud. However, any widespread efforts at student debt forgiveness should be paid for in part by those institutions that realized revenues from said loans.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
However, the standards being proposed by ESG ratings should be transparent, and the authorities issuing those criteria should be accountable to the public and have their decision-making process scrutinized.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
However, the standards being proposed by ESG ratings should be transparent, and the authorities issuing those criteria should be accountable to the public and have their decision-making process scrutinized.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Neutral
We need to get a hold on the unprecedented levels of undocumented immigrants crossing the border by focusing on those areas most heavily trafficked. But we must do so in a humane manner that upholds our principles as a Nation.
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Neutral
We need to get a hold on the unprecedented levels of undocumented immigrants crossing the border by focusing on those areas most heavily trafficked. But we must do so in a humane manner that upholds our principles as a Nation.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
We should have a pay-to-enter system in place. Rather than prospective workers paying human smugglers to sneak across the border, they should be able to use those funds to prove their ability to support themselves and contribute to the US economy by paying the price of admission to the government and securing a living arrangement prior to arrival. The "asylum" regime is a scam and mocks those who are legitimately fleeing war zones.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
We should have a pay-to-enter system in place. Rather than prospective workers paying human smugglers to sneak across the border, they should be able to use those funds to prove their ability to support themselves and contribute to the US economy by paying the price of admission to the government and securing a living arrangement prior to arrival. The "asylum" regime is a scam and mocks those who are legitimately fleeing war zones.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
I do not support vouchers for private education, but I do support charter schools as an alternative to traditional public education. I do not support standardized testing.
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
I do not support vouchers for private education, but I do support charter schools as an alternative to traditional public education. I do not support standardized testing.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Neutral
The Department of Education should be focused on providing support and resources to local school districts, but leave the majority of decision-making to communities.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Neutral
The Department of Education should be focused on providing support and resources to local school districts, but leave the majority of decision-making to communities.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Disagree
An effective, well-trained and well-funded police force is essential to public safety. Having been the victim of multiple crimes myself, and living in area in dire need of additional law enforcement professionals, I support federal grants to communities in need of crime prevention for this purpose.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Disagree
An effective, well-trained and well-funded police force is essential to public safety. Having been the victim of multiple crimes myself, and living in area in dire need of additional law enforcement professionals, I support federal grants to communities in need of crime prevention for this purpose.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I support the second amendment, and I am a gun owner. The restrictions currently in place should be enforced (particularly when it comes to denying firearm purchases by the mentally ill and domestic abusers), but law-abiding gun owners should not have the bear the burden of society's failures. If anything, our epidemic of violence is a cultural problem that needs to be addressed through a better commitment to citizenship.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I support the second amendment, and I am a gun owner. The restrictions currently in place should be enforced (particularly when it comes to denying firearm purchases by the mentally ill and domestic abusers), but law-abiding gun owners should not have the bear the burden of society's failures. If anything, our epidemic of violence is a cultural problem that needs to be addressed through a better commitment to citizenship.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Neutral
I do not see the need to adjust the number of seats on SCOTUS at this time. I do support a higher level of accountability by the justices when it comes to disclosing gifts and other considerations made while in office.
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Neutral
I do not see the need to adjust the number of seats on SCOTUS at this time. I do support a higher level of accountability by the justices when it comes to disclosing gifts and other considerations made while in office.
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?
Moderate
I support individual liberties as established by the Bill of Rights. I also support a balance between free-market enterprise and a common tax base to support mutually beneficial projects, such as transportation, communications, energy, education and healthcare.
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?
Moderate
I support individual liberties as established by the Bill of Rights. I also support a balance between free-market enterprise and a common tax base to support mutually beneficial projects, such as transportation, communications, energy, education and healthcare.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Resource distribution and conflict resolution.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Resource distribution and conflict resolution.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
Never.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
Never.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
Never.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
Never.
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
Civil marriage is a distinct institution from religious marriage. So long as participants in civil marriage are consenting adults, the government should not impose any discriminatory conditions. However, I support the right of churches to make their own determinations regarding religious marriage.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
Civil marriage is a distinct institution from religious marriage. So long as participants in civil marriage are consenting adults, the government should not impose any discriminatory conditions. However, I support the right of churches to make their own determinations regarding religious marriage.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Neutral
We need to prevent child abuse by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting perpetrators. This should not be a political issue. Treating it as such jeopardizes the ability of victims to be heard and seek protection from responsible adults.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Neutral
We need to prevent child abuse by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting perpetrators. This should not be a political issue. Treating it as such jeopardizes the ability of victims to be heard and seek protection from responsible adults.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Neutral
Not beyond medically indicated transitions already covered by existing healthcare plans.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Neutral
Not beyond medically indicated transitions already covered by existing healthcare plans.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am non-denominational. I believe there to be higher forces at work beyond life as we know it on this Earth, but to be an effective representative of the People, that I should focus on matters of mutual concern and benefit.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am non-denominational. I believe there to be higher forces at work beyond life as we know it on this Earth, but to be an effective representative of the People, that I should focus on matters of mutual concern and benefit.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
Photo identification should be provided to citizens free of charge if it is going to be a requirement for voting, which would remove the controversy from this issue.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
Photo identification should be provided to citizens free of charge if it is going to be a requirement for voting, which would remove the controversy from this issue.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Agree
The electoral college is a relic from a time when the franchise was restricted on the basis of class, gender and race. We should embrace the core principles of western government, primary among which is majority rule.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Agree
The electoral college is a relic from a time when the franchise was restricted on the basis of class, gender and race. We should embrace the core principles of western government, primary among which is majority rule.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Neutral
I believe this was true at one time, but that is no longer the case in most instances today.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Neutral
I believe this was true at one time, but that is no longer the case in most instances today.
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.
Neutral
I believe sex offenders of any gender or orientation should face restrictions when it comes to being permitted entry to public spaces and participation in group activities.
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.
Neutral
I believe sex offenders of any gender or orientation should face restrictions when it comes to being permitted entry to public spaces and participation in group activities.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Agree
Climate change is real, and rather than arguing over who or what is to blame, we should begin preparing for its impacts and setting policy as such. For instance, I live at sea level and the rising oceans are a major concern in my planning for future housing and transportation.
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Agree
Climate change is real, and rather than arguing over who or what is to blame, we should begin preparing for its impacts and setting policy as such. For instance, I live at sea level and the rising oceans are a major concern in my planning for future housing and transportation.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
A combination of energy sources applied on a local scale, close to the center of demand, is the best approach to meeting our energy needs. Massive energy projects located hundreds of miles from the consumption site are expensive and inefficient.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
A combination of energy sources applied on a local scale, close to the center of demand, is the best approach to meeting our energy needs. Massive energy projects located hundreds of miles from the consumption site are expensive and inefficient.
