Jennifer Lee (Texas)

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Jennifer Lee

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Baylor University, 2007

Graduate

Lamar University, 2017

Personal

Birthplace

Kilgore, TX

Religion

Christian

Profession

Teacher

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Jennifer Lee (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Texas House of Representatives to represent District 55. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Lee completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jennifer Lee lives in Kilgore, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree from Baylor University in 2007 and a graduate degree from Lamar University in 2017. Lee's professional experience includes working as an elementary school teacher. She was the resident advocate at a domestic violence shelter.

Elections

2024

See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Texas House of Representatives District 55

Hillary Hickland defeated Jennifer Lee in the general election for Texas House of Representatives District 55 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Hillary Hickland (R)	57.4	39,455
		Jennifer Lee (D)	42.6	29,269

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 68,724
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas House of Representatives District 55

Jennifer Lee advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas House of Representatives District 55 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jennifer Lee	100.0	4,029

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,029
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas House of Representatives District 55

Hillary Hickland defeated incumbent Hugh Shine, Davis Ford, and Jorge Estrada in the Republican primary for Texas House of Representatives District 55 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Hillary Hickland	53.1	9,115
		Hugh Shine	39.5	6,781
	Submit photo	Davis Ford	4.5	775
		Jorge Estrada	2.9	493

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 17,164
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Lee received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Lee's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here.

• Texas AFL-CIO
• Her Bold Move
• The First Ask

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jennifer Lee completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lee's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Jennifer Alicia Lee

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Education: We must ensure that public funds go to public schools and stop the school voucher scam pushed by Governor Abbott. Currently, Texas schools rank 46th out of 50 and Texas teachers are paid 13% below the national average, while our per student funding ranks 44th out of 50. Texas Teachers deserve an up-to-date COLA adjustment and Texas students deserve reductions in high stakes testing and priority on literacy for grades K through 3.
• Healthcare: Texans deserve medical freedom without government intervention in their personal healthcare decisions and restoring equitable healthcare and dignity in treatment for all Texas patients. This includes supporting access to access to family planning services and contraception. And in addition, it's high time that Texas taxpayers get their return-on-investment by accepting federal funding to expand Medicaid.
• Infrastructure: Texas desperately needs to keep up with its expanding population by keeping up our state investments in infrastructure. Our state government should work to improve our state’s water infrastructure to reduce water shortages and better cope with increased demand and continue to grow Texas’ renewable energy sector. Furthermore, we should invest in rural broadband access for all Texans and develop high-speed rail networks to offer new transportation alternatives for Texans.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a single mother and a 13-year career public educator, I am deeply passionate about protecting our public schools and ensuring that our children have the resources they need to succeed in the real world. Furthermore, I was a Planned Parenthood patient, but never for an abortion: I understand what it's like to be a woman in a healthcare desert and I strongly support developing women's health services and ensuring that Texans have access to life-saving care in any circumstance.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The best ideas should always win, regardless of who had them. Partisan politics hurt the general public. We must work together on both sides of the aisle to ensure our fellow Texans are well represented and are having their needs met.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I've had a variety of experiences in my life and seen a lot of different struggles as a teacher, a parent, and a working-class Texan. I've learned to empathize, be an active listener, see issues from multiple angles, plan for potential misconceptions, and meet people where they are at. I'm ready to take these skills to the capitol and fight for equitable solutions that work for all Texans.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A State Representative must prioritize the safety and well-being of their constituency, not give into partisan politics. The government's job is to ensure the freedom and pursuit of happiness of its citizens by making sure they are safe, healthy, and have equitable opportunities for economic success. I believe that a successful State Representative must uphold these principles.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11. I was in high school, and when I walked into my Government class, my teacher (a veteran) was in tears staring at the TV. We watched in horror as the second tower was hit. For the rest of that school year, the boys in my grade couldn't wait to graduate so they could join the military. That day was the most impactful for me in understanding how the consequences of decision-making have real impacts on the lives of innocent people.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a waitress in high school at a local diner. I was there for one school year.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Public Education funding has been set up as the biggest fight of the decade in Texas. We need to urgently put teachers back in the driver's seat on education and stop attempts to defund public school districts so that Texas kids are not at the mercy of budget shortfalls. In addition, ensuring access to quality healthcare (including mental health) for all Texans. Medicaid expansion is long overdue and nothing short of partisan showmanship is holding up this common-sense solution.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Her Bold Move, Texas AFL-CIO, Texas AFT, Texas State Teachers Association, The First Ask, Texas Progressive Caucus, Run Sister Run PAC, Ground Game Texas PAC, Blue Horizon Texas PAC, Texas Alliance for Retired Americans, AFSCME Retirees Texas Ch. 12, Beto O’Rourke, Congressman Colin Allred, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, State Board of Education Member Aicha Davis, State Sen. Roland Gutierrez; State Reps.: Ron Reynolds, Erin Zweiner, Sheryl Cole, Vikki Goodwin, Donna Howard, Gina Hinojosa, James Talarico, Lulu Flores, John Bryant, Toni Rose, John Bucy III, Gene Wu, Senfronia Thompson, and Jolanda Jones; Bell County Commissioner Louie Minor, Fmr. Temple NAACP President Bennie Walsh, and Fmr. TX-25 Congressional Candidate Julie Oliver.

What committees interest you?

There are a number that interest me, but my top picks would be: Public Education, Ways and Means, Juvenile Justice & Family Issues, Human Services, Environmental Regulation; Culture, Recreation and Tourism; and Business and Industry.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government is meant to work for the people; that's why I believe that transparency and accountability go hand in hand. Constituents have a right to know where money is going and why certain projects are being funded over others.

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.

Note: Lee submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on October 2, 2024.

Show past responsesHide past responses

February 2 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Texas, Jennifer graduated from Baylor University in 2007 with a Bachelors of

Science in Child Development. Upon graduation, Jennifer worked as an overnight Resident Advocate at the Family Abuse Center in Waco for three years, while also working a long term substitute teacher for Waco ISD for two years. It was during this time, Jennifer discovered her love for teaching. Jennifer taught Family and Consumer Science classes for 11 years, sponsoring numerous clubs and student organizations such as Texas Association of Future Educators, FCCLA and Jr. Exchange Club. In 2022, Jennifer became an Intervention teacher for At Risk students where she works to help academically struggling students find success in math at a Title 1, dual lingual campus. Jennifer has worked tirelessly as an advocate for education, organizing multiple rallies, speaking at school board meetings and testifying in Austin. Last, but not least, Jennifer is a single mom to a seven year old, and can usually be found on the sidelines of his teams coaching and cheering him on.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Education: Our children are worth the investment.

  -Ensure public funds go to public schools, not voucher/ESA scams. -Fully fund public education and pay livable wages for all who touch the lives of students. -Reduce high stakes testing -Prioritize literacy in K-3 grades.

  -Ensure accurate and thorough history is taught in public schools
• Healthcare: No one should have to choose between paying rent or seeking lifesaving medical care in the state of Texas. -Fight for access to equitable healthcare for all. -Improve Black maternal and infant mortality rates. -Empower women to make autonomous decisions about their healthcare needs. -Fight to restore equitable healthcare and dignity to the LGBTQIA+ community, including lifesaving gender affirming care.
• Gun Violence Prevention: Gun violence is a public health crisis. -Prohibit military grade/assault weapons. -Require expanded background checks for ALL gun sales with no exceptions. -Raise the purchasing age to 21 and require a license. -Enact "Red Flag laws".

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public school curriculum, women's reproductive rights, DEI initiatives, responsible economic growth and development, infrastructure.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The best ideas should always win, regardless of who had them. Partisan politics hurt the general public. We must work together on both sides of the aisle to ensure our fellow Texans are well represented and are having their needs met.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I've had a variety of experiences in my life and seen a lot of different struggles as a teacher. I've learned to empathize, be an active listener, see issues from multiple angles, plan for potential misconceptions and meet people where they are at.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A State Representative must prioritize the safety and well being of their constituency. The government does not belong in doctor's offices, classrooms or bedrooms, The government's job is to ensure it's citizenship is safe, healthy, and has equitable opportunities for economic success.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11. I was in high school, and when I walked into my Government class, my teacher (a veteran) was in tears staring at the TV. We watched in horror as the second tower was hit. For the rest of that school year, the boys in my grade couldn't wait to graduate so they could join the military.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a waitress in high school at a local diner. I was there for one school year.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Access to quality healthcare (including mental health), public education reform to put educators back in the driver's seat.

What committees interest you?

Public education, Ways and Means, Juvenile Justice & Family Issues, Human Services, Environmental Regulation; Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Business and Industry.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government is meant to work for the people. Transparency and accountability go hand in hand. Constituents have a right to know where money is going and why certain projects are being funded.

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.

Note: Lee submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on February 2, 2024.

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.

---

Jennifer Lee campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024	Texas House of Representatives District 55	Lost general	$184,036	$151,943
Grand total			$184,036	$151,943
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

See also

2024 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

Texas House of Representatives District 55

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the Texas House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Dustin Burrows

Representatives

District 1

Gary VanDeaver (R)

District 2

Brent Money (R)

District 3

Cecil Bell (R)

District 4

Keith Bell (R)

District 5

Cole Hefner (R)

District 6

Daniel Alders (R)

District 7

Jay Dean (R)

District 8

Cody Harris (R)

District 9

Trent Ashby (R)

District 10

Brian Harrison (R)

District 11

Joanne Shofner (R)

District 12

Trey Wharton (R)

District 13

Angelia Orr (R)

District 14

Paul Dyson (R)

District 15

Steve Toth (R)

District 16

Will Metcalf (R)

District 17

Stan Gerdes (R)

District 18

Janis Holt (R)

District 19

Ellen Troxclair (R)

District 20

Terry Wilson (R)

District 21

Dade Phelan (R)

District 22

Christian Manuel (D)

District 23

Terri Leo-Wilson (R)

District 24

Greg Bonnen (R)

District 25

Cody Vasut (R)

District 26

Matt Morgan (R)

District 27

Ron Reynolds (D)

District 28

Gary Gates (R)

District 29

Jeffrey Barry (R)

District 30

A.J. Louderback (R)

District 31

Ryan Guillen (R)

District 32

Todd Hunter (R)

District 33

Katrina Pierson (R)

District 34

Denise Villalobos (R)

District 35

Oscar Longoria (D)

District 36

Sergio Munoz (D)

District 37

Janie Lopez (R)

District 38

Erin Gamez (D)

District 39

Armando Martinez (D)

District 40

Terry Canales (D)

District 41

Robert Guerra (D)

District 42

Richard Raymond (D)

District 43

J.M. Lozano (R)

District 44

Alan Schoolcraft (R)

District 45

Erin Zwiener (D)

District 46

Sheryl Cole (D)

District 47

Vikki Goodwin (D)

District 48

Donna Howard (D)

District 49

Gina Hinojosa (D)

District 50

James Talarico (D)

District 51

Maria Luisa Flores (D)

District 52

Caroline Harris (R)

District 53

Wesley Virdell (R)

District 54

Brad Buckley (R)

District 55

Hillary Hickland (R)

District 56

Pat Curry (R)

District 57

Richard Hayes (R)

District 58

Helen Kerwin (R)

District 59

Shelby Slawson (R)

District 60

Mike Olcott (R)

District 61

Keresa Richardson (R)

District 62

Shelley Luther (R)

District 63

Ben Bumgarner (R)

District 64

Andy Hopper (R)

District 65

Mitch Little (R)

District 66

Matt Shaheen (R)

District 67

Jeff Leach (R)

District 68

David Spiller (R)

District 69

James Frank (R)

District 70

Mihaela Plesa (D)

District 71

Stan Lambert (R)

District 72

Drew Darby (R)

District 73

Carrie Isaac (R)

District 74

Eddie Morales (D)

District 75

Mary Gonzalez (D)

District 76

Suleman Lalani (D)

District 77

Vincent Perez (D)

District 78

Joseph Moody (D)

District 79

Claudia Ordaz (D)

District 80

Don McLaughlin (R)

District 81

Brooks Landgraf (R)

District 82

Tom Craddick (R)

District 83

Dustin Burrows (R)

District 84

Carl Tepper (R)

District 85

Stan Kitzman (R)

District 86

John Smithee (R)

District 87

Caroline Fairly (R)

District 88

Ken King (R)

District 89

Candy Noble (R)

District 90

Ramon Romero (D)

District 91

David Lowe (R)

District 92

Salman Bhojani (D)

District 93

Nate Schatzline (R)

District 94

Tony Tinderholt (R)

District 95

Nicole Collier (D)

District 96

David Cook (R)

District 97

John McQueeney (R)

District 98

Giovanni Capriglione (R)

District 99

Charlie Geren (R)

District 100

Venton Jones (D)

District 101

Chris Turner (D)

District 102

Ana-Maria Ramos (D)

District 103

Rafael Anchia (D)

District 104

Jessica Gonzalez (D)

District 105

Terry Meza (D)

District 106

Jared Patterson (R)

District 107

Linda Garcia (D)

District 108

Morgan Meyer (R)

District 109

Aicha Davis (D)

District 110

Toni Rose (D)

District 111

Yvonne Davis (D)

District 112

Angie Button (R)

District 113

Rhetta Bowers (D)

District 114

John Bryant (D)

District 115

Cassandra Garcia Hernandez (D)

District 116

Trey Fischer (D)

District 117

Philip Cortez (D)

District 118

John Lujan (R)

District 119

Elizabeth Campos (D)

District 120

Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D)

District 121

Marc LaHood (R)

District 122

Mark Dorazio (R)

District 123

Diego Bernal (D)

District 124

Josey Garcia (D)

District 125

Ray Lopez (D)

District 126

Sam Harless (R)

District 127

Charles Cunningham (R)

District 128

Briscoe Cain (R)

District 129

Dennis Paul (R)

District 130

Tom Oliverson (R)

District 131

Alma Allen (D)

District 132

Mike Schofield (R)

District 133

Mano Deayala (R)

District 134

Ann Johnson (D)

District 135

Jon Rosenthal (D)

District 136

John Bucy (D)

District 137

Gene Wu (D)

District 138

Lacey Hull (R)

District 139

Charlene Ward Johnson (D)

District 140

Armando Walle (D)

District 141

Senfronia Thompson (D)

District 142

Harold Dutton (D)

District 143

Ana Hernandez (D)

District 144

Mary Perez (D)

District 145

Christina Morales (D)

District 146

Lauren Simmons (D)

District 147

Jolanda Jones (D)

District 148

Penny Shaw (D)

District 149

Hubert Vo (D)

District 150

Valoree Swanson (R)

Republican Party (88)

Democratic Party (62)