James Fennell II
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Contact
James Fennell II (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Nevada State Assembly to represent District 7. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 11, 2024.
Fennell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
James Fennell II was born in Los Angeles, California. He earned a high school diploma from Somerset High School and a bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University in 2009. He also studied at Morehouse College. Fennell’s career experience includes working as a homeowners association community manager and in transportation. He served as a delegate for the Nevada Democratic Party in 2020.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Nevada State Assembly elections, 2024
General election
Democratic primary election
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Fennell in this election.
2022
See also: Nevada State Assembly elections, 2022
General election
Democratic primary election
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Shawn Stamper advanced from the Republican primary for Nevada State Assembly District 14.
2020
See also: Nevada State Assembly elections, 2020
General election
Democratic primary election
Endorsements
To view Fennell's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
James Fennell II completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Fennell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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As a 38-year-old individual who was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, I understand the importance of hard work and perseverance. Growing up with my mom as a single parent, I witnessed her dedication to providing for our family, which inspired me to start working at a young age while also pursuing my education. Graduating high school at 17 and being accepted into Texas Southern University to study political science has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and advocate for positive change. I believe in the power of community and I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in our state.
- "Fight for fair wages and economic justice - support raising the minimum wage to ensure all workers can earn a living wage and build a better future for themselves and their families."
- "Ensure housing stability for all - advocate for rent control to protect tenants from skyrocketing rents and prevent displacement, creating more equitable and affordable communities."
- "Healthcare is a human right - join us in demanding universal healthcare for all, ensuring access to quality medical services without financial barriers and promoting the well-being of every individual and family."
"As an advocate for education reform, I'm committed to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status."
"As an advocate for economic justice, I'm passionate about advocating for a minimum wage increase to ensure fair compensation for all workers and address income inequality in our society."
As a passionate advocate for affordable housing, I believe that implementing effective rent control policies is crucial to ensuring housing stability and preventing displacement in our communities. As an African American male with a keen interest in politics, I have long looked up to Barack Obama as a source of inspiration and a role model. Seeing someone who shared my background and experiences rise to the highest office in the land was profoundly impactful, as it shattered stereotypes and demonstrated that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Obama's eloquence, intelligence, and commitment to progressive values resonated deeply with me, instilling a sense of pride and possibility in my own aspirations. His historic presidency not only paved the way for future generations of African Americans in politics but also reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of leadership to effect positive change in society.
Integrity and accountability are paramount for elected officials, as they must uphold ethical standards and be transparent in their actions to earn the trust of their constituents. Additionally, a commitment to serving the public interest and representing the diverse needs of their constituents with fairness and empathy is essential for effective governance.
Growing up on food stamps has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and understanding for the struggles faced by marginalized communities. This firsthand experience of economic hardship has fueled my passion for social justice and driven my commitment to advocating for policies that uplift the most vulnerable among us. Moreover, attending Texas Southern University, where I studied political science, further honed my analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and understanding of the political landscape. The diverse and vibrant community at TSU provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and develop leadership qualities that are essential for effective governance.
Combining my lived experiences with my education at Texas Southern University, I believe I possess the qualities necessary to be a successful officeholder. My background has equipped me with a deep understanding of the systemic inequalities that plague our society and the determination to address them through meaningful legislative action. Furthermore, my academic training has provided me with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of policymaking, analyze issues from multiple perspectives, and craft solutions that are both pragmatic and compassionate. As an officeholder, I am committed to representing the interests of all constituents, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and working tirelessly to create a more equitable and just society for everyone.
The core responsibility for someone elected to the Nevada State Assembly is to legislate and represent the interests of their constituents at the state level, crafting laws and policies that address the needs and concerns of the people they serve. Additionally, they are tasked with working collaboratively with other elected officials to enact legislation that promotes the well-being and prosperity of Nevada residents.
As a progressive Democrat African American state legislator, my ultimate legacy would be one of transformative change and social justice. I aspire to be remembered as a champion for marginalized communities, tirelessly advocating for policies that uplift the most vulnerable and address systemic inequalities. I envision leaving behind a legacy of legislation that expands access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic opportunity for all, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Additionally, I hope to inspire future generations of leaders to continue the fight for equity and justice, building upon the foundation of progress we have laid together. Ultimately, my legacy would be defined by my unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their potential.
Working for the Barack Obama presidential campaign was a historic event that shaped my perspective on politics, activism, and leadership. At the age of 21, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of a movement that inspired millions and made history by electing the first African American president of the United States. Meeting President Obama was a moment I will never forget, as his charisma, intelligence, and vision for a more inclusive and hopeful future left a lasting impression on me. This experience ignited my passion for public service and reinforced my belief in the power of grassroots organizing to drive positive change in our communities and beyond.
I began my journey in the workforce at the age of 16, landing my first job at Dollar Tree, where I honed valuable skills in customer service, teamwork, and time management over the course of two years. This experience taught me the importance of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance, laying the foundation for my future endeavors.
The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature is one of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals for the betterment of the state. Effective communication and compromise between the executive and legislative branches are essential to advancing legislative agendas and addressing the needs of the people. By working together harmoniously, the governor and state legislature can achieve meaningful progress and enact policies that benefit all residents.
I perceive Nevada's greatest challenge over the next decade to be our water issues, as the state faces increasing demand and diminishing water resources due to population growth and climate change. To address this challenge, we must prioritize water conservation efforts, such as implementing efficient irrigation systems and promoting xeriscaping to reduce water usage in landscaping. Additionally, investing in water infrastructure projects, such as desalination plants or water recycling facilities, can help diversify our water supply and ensure long-term sustainability.
Having experience as a legislator can provide valuable insights and knowledge of the legislative process, allowing for effective navigation of the complexities of policymaking. However, someone new to the legislative arena may bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, injecting new energy and creativity into the decision-making process, ultimately leading to more diverse and dynamic policy outcomes.
Building relationships with other legislators is crucial for effective governance and achieving legislative goals. By fostering positive relationships and open lines of communication, legislators can collaborate more effectively, negotiate compromises, and build consensus on key issues. These relationships also facilitate the exchange of ideas and information, allowing legislators to stay informed about the concerns and priorities of their colleagues and constituents. Additionally, strong relationships with other legislators can help overcome partisan divides and promote bipartisanship, leading to more productive legislative outcomes and better serving the needs of the public. Overall, building relationships with other legislators fosters a more cohesive and collaborative legislative environment, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and impact of policymaking efforts.
I aspire to model my politics after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as she embodies the qualities of a trailblazer and a progressive Democrat. One example of her trailblazing leadership is her fearless advocacy for bold and transformative policies, such as the Green New Deal, which aims to combat climate change while creating millions of jobs and addressing economic inequality. Additionally, Ocasio-Cortez has demonstrated a commitment to grassroots organizing and community engagement, actively listening to and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, such as her advocacy for affordable housing and healthcare access for all. By following her example, I seek to champion progressive ideals, challenge the status quo, and work tirelessly to advance social, economic, and environmental justice for all.
While on the campaign trail, I was deeply moved by the countless stories I heard from people struggling with the crippling effects of skyrocketing rent and the inability to afford basic necessities like food. These heartbreaking accounts shed light on the urgent need for action to address the housing and economic crises facing our communities. As a candidate, I am committed to fighting for policies that prioritize affordable housing, living wages, and access to nutritious food for all. No one should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and prosper in our society.
I believe that while the governor should have emergency powers to respond swiftly and effectively to crises, there should be some form of oversight from the legislature to ensure accountability and prevent potential abuse of power. For example, the legislature could establish a mechanism where the governor's emergency declarations are subject to review and approval by a bipartisan committee or require periodic updates and consultations with legislative leaders. This would help strike a balance between granting necessary authority to the governor during emergencies while ensuring democratic checks and balances are in place to safeguard against potential overreach or misuse of authority.
If elected, my top priority would be to introduce legislation aimed at addressing the crisis of skyrocketing rent prices that is leaving countless families struggling to make ends meet. One example of a measure I would propose is the implementation of rent stabilization policies to cap annual rent increases, providing tenants with much-needed stability and protection from exorbitant hikes. Additionally, I would advocate for the expansion of affordable housing initiatives, such as increasing funding for low-income housing development and providing tax incentives for landlords to offer below-market-rate rents. By taking decisive action to tackle the root causes of rising rent prices, I am committed to ensuring that all Nevadans have access to safe, affordable housing and the opportunity to thrive in our communities.
Ways and Means, Education and Commerce and Labor
Financial transparency and government accountability are essential for maintaining trust and legitimacy in democratic governance, as they ensure that public funds are used responsibly and efficiently. By promoting transparency in budgeting and decision-making processes, governments can foster greater public participation and oversight, ultimately leading to more effective and accountable governance.
While I generally support most of the ballot initiatives, if elected, one change I would propose is reforming the consecutive vote requirement in general elections, which can also save the state money.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
James Fennell II did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
James Fennell II completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Fennell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I was born in Los Angeles, CA on February 12, 1986- I am the oldest of three (3). My first job was as a Sale Clark at Dollar Tree in Lancaster, CA at the age of sixteen (16) through my school ROP (Regional OccupationalProgram) program. The program was a district-wide program that paid students to find a job and work. The program would provide a work permit and also help with interviewing tips before an interview.
In June 2003 at the age of seventeen (17), I graduated from High School and in August 2003 I was in Houston, TX attending college at Texas Southern University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. While attending college I joined the Debate Team and also Student Government. As a member of the Debate Team, I was honored to pledge Sigma Pi Alpha which was also a form of service to the community and on Student Government, I was elected the Freshman Class Vice-President representing the whole Freshman body
Currently I am a HOA manager licensed out of the state of Nevada - Progressive Democrat
- Healthcare for All
- Criminal Justice Reform
I'm most passionate about our Education System
I look up too Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She is a wonderful congresswoman from New York, who fights everyday for the Average American
I feel that honesty, compassion and also integrity are the most important characteristics an elected officials should carry
I previously served as a student board representative to the Bellflower unified school district representing 2500 students and also the freshman class Vice President, at Texas Southern University representing over 5000 students.
To listen to their constituents
I would like to leave a legacy showing that I was a Great legislator! I would like to be known as a the great legislator, constantly pushing this day and it's aggressive way. Constantly introducing legislation in the state to advance the average Nevadan Forward in our state
My first job was at the age of 16
I feel that both chambers are equal, you're able to introduce legislation in either chamber
I think our water shortage will be the greatest challenge over the next decade for our state. We as a state definitely need to invest in our water system, to ensure that it is safe and assessable for every Nevadan.
I feel that the governor in the state legislators shit have a working relationship
Yes, I believe that it is beneficial for a legislator to have a relationship with other legislators especially on the other side of the aisle. This would Allow favorable legislation to pass without many problems
I would like to be on the ways and means committee and also education
Barack Obama and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 9, 2020
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Steve Yeager
Majority Leader:Sandra Jauregui
Minority Leader:Gregory Hafen
Representatives
Democratic Party (27)
Republican Party (15)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
