Jennifer Herington
Democrat | Kansas
Candidate Profile
Liberal (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jennifer Herington
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 27
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Wichita State University, Wichita, BA, 2006
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Maize Park & Tree Board, Past President, Kansas Assocation of Medical Staff Services
President-Elect, Maize Planning Commission, Past Commissioner
Maize Cemetary Board, Board Member, Maize Community Foundation
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Maize City Council - President, 6+
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (2)
Kansas State AFL-CIO
Cannabis Justice Coalition
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (2)
AFL CIO
United Teachers of Wichita
SELECTED FINANCIAL SOURCE DOCUMENTS
Contributions and expenditures from 2024.
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe that we must protect reproductive healthcare. This is a deeply personal issue, and every individual deserves to make their own decisions about their body and their future. I will fight to ensure that reproductive rights remain protected and accessible, upholding the principle that healthcare decisions should be made between a patient and their healthcare provider, without unnecessary interference.
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.
Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
These places offer many services and should not be excluded from federal, state and local government funds because of one service they may offer.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Neutral
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
What is your position on the minimum wage?
Must be reviewed to make sure that the minimum is truly a livable wage.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
This is a way to align public investments with values related to sustainability, ethics, and long-term societal benefits, while also potentially mitigating risks associated with poor environmental and social practices.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
If they are breaking the law
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
I believe that individuals and businesses should be allowed to decline to provide services if they violate their beliefs.
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 response would most closely match option B. There should be government funding for underserved populations and also private healthcare options available for individuals if they so choose.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I believe that vaccinations are a key tool in safeguarding the public health and may be mandated in certain instances for groups like school children and health care workers.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
A cautious outlook emphasizes the need to address these challenges through strategic, diplomatic, and economic measures while balancing engagement with China on global issues like climate change and public health.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
US relationship with Israel is important for some key reasons like strategic and military alliance, shared democratic values, economic and technological cooperation, political and diplomatic influence along with cultural and social ties.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Neutral
I think we need to focus more on supporting more comprehensive immigration reform, with focus on humanitarian concerns and modernizing border security.
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Disagree
I think states funding for education should go to public schools.
VALUES
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Neutral
I uphold the principle that healthcare decisions should be made between a patient and their healthcare provider, without unnecessary interference.
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
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My beliefs and values include a humanistic approach including inclusivity and diversity, social justice and compassion, human dignity and rights, environmental stewardship and moral responsibility and ethical governance.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Agree
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Neutral
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Neutral
I would support the idea of reforming the US electoral system to ensure that the presidential election reflects the popular vote more directly.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, I think we need to address and combat racism due to its significant impact on social cohesion, public safety and national security.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Neutral
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
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
B - I believe that we need to emphasize a transition to more clean, sustainable and renewable energy that is reliable and secure.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I do not believe that any one energy source is the best possible answer, I believe that perhaps a combination of energy sources will be the key to meet the growing demands.
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
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
I believe the government serves several purposes including promoting welfare, protecting individual rights and freedom, fostering economic opportunity and equity, ensure public safety, addressing environmental and public health issues, and promoting justice and equality. I believe that government should use resources to enhance the well-being of individuals, protects rights, foster economic fairness and address societal challenges.
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?
Liberal
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe that individuals have the right to own guns and that implementing measures to enhance public safety are key including common sense gun regulations, background checks and licensing, supporting mental health resources and focus on research and data.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Choose not to answer
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Agree
Legalizing cannabis can provide several benefits, including generating significant tax revenue, reducing the burden on the criminal justice system, and diminishing the illegal drug trade. There are also potential health benefits, such as improved access to medical marijuana for patients and harm reduction through regulated, safer products. I believe that legalization can contribute to social justice by addressing disparities in drug-related arrests and convictions. Although regulations are key.
