Jenny Schmitt
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Jenny Schmitt (Republican Party) ran for election to the Oklahoma State Senate to represent District 47. She lost in the Republican primary runoff on August 27, 2024.
Schmitt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Jenny Schmitt was born in Reno, Nevada. She earned a high school diploma from McAlester High School, a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater in 2006, a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2011, and a graduate degree from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in 2014. Her career experience includes working as a nurse. Schmitt has been affiliated with the NRA Member, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, and the Oklahoma Association of Nurse Anesthetists.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2024
General election
Republican primary runoff election
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Erin Brewer advanced from the Democratic primary for Oklahoma State Senate District 47.
Republican primary election
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Schmitt in this election.
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jenny Schmitt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Schmitt's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Jenny is running to be a conservative voice at the Oklahoma State Capitol as the next State Senator for District 47. First and foremost, she is a mother of young school-age children. Their future, & the future of all Oklahoma families, is her top priority. As a nurse, she is deeply committed to caring for others, & that passion extends to my dedication to serving our community. she stands firm in her beliefs: she is pro-life, a proud lifetime member of the NRA, & an advocate for tax cuts that benefit all Oklahomans. Jenny believes in strengthening our schools and empowering parents to play an active role in their children's education. She has devoted her entire career to enhancing the well-being of Oklahomans & is determined to apply these values in the Oklahoma State Senate. Jenny attended McAlester High School, where her father managed the Defense Ammunition Center for over two decades. After high school she continued her education at Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Driven by a desire to care for others, Jenny pursued & obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Oklahoma, which enabled her to dedicate herself to the health and welfare of others as a Registered Nurse. She completed her graduate school at Mayo Clinic Health Sciences Center where she received a Masters degree in Nurse Anesthesia. Jenny lives in Oklahoma City with her family and works full time as a CRNA.
- SAFE FANTASTIC SCHOOLS & EFFECTIVE, ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE
As a mother of two school age children, I am committed to ensuring that every Oklahoma student has access to fantastic teachers, excellent schools, and safe learning environments. I will work to empower parents so they always have the final say over what their children learn and experience in school.
As a nurse & healthcare professional, I have a deep understanding of the challenges families face when trying to find the right care, at the right price, for their loved ones. I will work to increase healthcare workforce; improve competition, choice, and transparency in healthcare while empowering patients and providers, so every Oklahoman can have access to quality medical care. - VIBRANT, GROWING ECONOMY & LOCAL, RELIABLE ENERGY
I understand that small businesses serve as the backbone of our community and economy. I am committed to minimizing expenses, cutting through unnecessary bureaucracy, and facilitating access to new markets for Oklahoma businesses. I aim to ensure the continued creation of family-supporting jobs that are vital to our community’s well-being. I'll work to lower taxes and stop out-of-control government spending.
America should never rely on foreign countries for energy. We have all the resources we need to produce clean, reliable energy right here in Oklahoma. I will work to promote Oklahoma’s energy industries to help create jobs, reduce energy costs, and keep America energy-independent.
- CONSERVATIVE, FAMILY VALUES
I am a proud conservative who will always defend the time-tested family values that have made our state and nation strong. I stand firm in my beliefs: I'm pro-life, a proud lifetime member of the NRA and 2nd amendment supporter, & an advocate for tax cuts that benefit all Oklahomans. Our family attends Life Church in NW Oklahoma City.
I am proudly pro-life and will ALWAYS defend the sanctity of life.
All areas of healthcare, healthcare workforce, K-12 education, School choice, mental health, childhood obesity, opioid epidemic, domestic violence against women and children, and human trafficking.
My father. He worked incredibly hard his entire life working for the department of defense for over 40 years here in the United States and abroad in Germany. As an older child I watched him pursue his masters and his doctorate, setting the example to me that with an education I could do anything. He taught me my motto- "sacrifice, dedication, commitment" which set the tone for my work ethic and the way I live my life. He has always been there for me when I have needed him and I am grateful he is my dad.
Elected officials should embody honesty, ensuring their words and actions are consistent and truthful, as this fosters trust and reliability in their leadership. Transparency is crucial, as it allows constituents to be informed and engaged in the democratic process, fostering an environment of accountability and openness. Possessing a good, ethical character guides officials to make decisions that are morally sound and in the best interest of the public, rather than personal gain. Dedication is key, as it reflects a commitment to serve and address the needs of the community, even in the face of challenges. Moreover, empathy and understanding are important, enabling officials to connect with and effectively represent the diverse perspectives and needs within their constituency.
My life is guided by a simple yet powerful motto: Sacrifice, dedication, and commitment. These aren't just words to me; they're the principles that define my roles as a nurse, a mother, and a wife. I believe that my strong work ethic, coupled with my innate empathy, sets me apart. In my profession, I've learned the importance of caring deeply for others, a quality that I carry into all aspects of my life.
Being a mother and a wife has taught me the value of emotional intelligence and the art of managing complex relationships with grace. These experiences have honed my ability to navigate challenging situations with sensitivity and understanding, traits that are invaluable in a leader.
I pride myself on my work ethic. It's not just about being diligent; it's about being committed to excellence in everything I do. This relentless drive pushes me to set high standards for myself and those around me, fostering an environment of mutual respect and high achievement.
Empathy is at the core of who I am. It allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, to truly understand their needs and concerns. This connection is critical in leadership, as it helps to build trust and a sense of community among team members.
Finally, my ability to communicate effectively is one of my strongest assets. I've learned that the key to effective communication isn't just about speaking; it's about listening, understanding, and responding in a way that resonates with others. This skill has been indispensable in ensuring clarity and alignment within my team, making me a more effective leader.
In essence, my experiences as a nurse, mother, and wife, combined with my work ethic, empathy, and communication skills, equip me with the qualities necessary to lead with compassion, integrity, and effectiveness. State Senators have key responsibilities, including crafting and voting on state laws, considering their constituents' needs. They play a significant role in the state budget process, determining funding for various public services and infrastructure projects. Oversight is another critical duty, where they monitor the enforcement of laws and the performance of state agencies to ensure accountability and efficiency. Providing constituent services is essential; Senators address the concerns of their constituents, assist with state services, and keep the public informed. They also represent their constituents' interests in the legislative process, advocating for their district's needs and ensuring diverse perspectives are considered. These roles demand a deep understanding of legislative processes, strong communication, and a commitment to public service, enabling Senators to effectively contribute to the state's governance and welfare.
I want to leave Oklahoma better than how I found it. The mission in my nursing career has always been to save lives. I aim to leave a legacy in Oklahoma that is marked by an unwavering commitment to life—to ensuring that everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, receive access to opportunities every person deserves. My mission is simple yet profound: to save lives and, in doing so, to transform our community for the better. The legacy I hope to be known for isn't just about the lives saved; it's about the hope and possibilities that ripple out from every act that leads to making someone's life better and our state better. I want my legacy to be the difference made in someone's life, offering them a future they might not have had. It's about leaving a mark of kindness, care, and a relentless pursuit of betterment for all.
The first significant historical event I vividly recall from my childhood was the fall of the Berlin Wall when I was growing up and living in what at the time was West Germany. I was almost 9 years old going to school on an American army base when the wall came down. I distinctly remember the historical magnitude as my family and I joined others at the wall, taking turns with pickaxes to chip away pieces of this monumental barrier. It was a tangible experience of participating in history, feeling the gritty concrete under my hands, climbing up into the guard towers, seeing the other side look like it was stuck in a different time with no progress. Another profound memory from that time was seeing the tattooed numbers on the arm of an elderly Jewish woman who lived down the street from me and she told me and my brother stories of her survival through a concentration camp and how she lost her entire family when they were there. She was the only one to survive. These experiences, etched in my memory from a young age, gave me a deep appreciation for freedom and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming division and adversity. Freedom is worth fighting for and I realized at a very young age it was never to be taken for granted.
My senior year of high school through my first two years of college I worked at a bank during the day when not in classes and then I waited tables at a local restaurant at night and on the weekends.
When the relationship between the state legislature and the governor is healthy and effectively serving the public, it is characterized by constructive collaboration, mutual respect, and open communication. In this ideal scenario, both entities work together to craft and implement policies that address the needs and challenges of their constituents, while also being willing to compromise and find common ground on contentious issues. The legislature, while maintaining its role as a separate branch of government with its own responsibilities and powers, engages in regular dialogue with the governor to ensure that proposed laws and budgets align with the state's overall strategic goals and public interest. The governor, on their part, respects the legislative process and works closely with legislative leaders to provide input, support, and execution for legislative initiatives. This partnership fosters an environment where policy-making is transparent, inclusive, and focused on long-term benefits for the state's residents, ensuring that governance is efficient, effective, and truly representative of the people's will.
As a state legislator, my unwavering support for the governor's vision and proactive collaboration in advancing our shared goals would make me an invaluable partner in driving meaningful change. My dedication to open communication and consensus-building ensures that together, we can effectively navigate legislative challenges and champion policies that serve the best interests of our constituents.
Over the next decade, Oklahoma faces multifaceted challenges that require forward-thinking strategies, particularly in areas such as workforce development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The evolution of the global economy demands a skilled and adaptable workforce, making it imperative for Oklahoma to invest in comprehensive workforce development programs that not only equip individuals with current job skills but also foster lifelong learning to meet future demands. In education, the challenge will be to innovate and integrate technology and personalized learning pathways to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, ensuring they are not just job-ready but also resilient and creative thinkers. Healthcare in Oklahoma will need to address accessibility and quality, with a focus on preventive care and the integration of technology to improve health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Solving the shortages in healthcare workforce will become critical for the state as well. Infrastructure will require not only the maintenance and modernization of physical assets but also the incorporation of sustainable practices and smart technology to create resilient systems capable of supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Addressing these challenges holistically, with an eye on the interconnectedness of these sectors, will position Oklahoma as a leader in building a sustainable, prosperous future for all its residents.
I firmly believe that previous experience in government or politics is not a prerequisite for becoming an effective state leader. Drawing from my nearly two decades in healthcare and nursing, I've honed leadership skills that are invaluable in public service, such as empathy, decisive decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex, high-stakes environments. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective and a diverse skill set that can bring fresh insights and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by our state. My background underscores the importance of diverse professional experiences in enriching the legislative process and fostering a government that truly understands and meets the needs of all its constituents.
Absolutely, building strong relationships with fellow legislators is essential, and my background in healthcare and nursing has taught me the immense value of collaboration and teamwork. In healthcare, positive outcomes often depend on the ability to work seamlessly with a diverse group of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. This experience has ingrained in me the importance of listening, empathy, and mutual respect—qualities that are fundamental in forging productive relationships in any setting, including the legislature. By applying these principles, I am confident in my ability to work effectively with other legislators, fostering a cooperative environment that transcends political divides and focuses on achieving the best outcomes for our constituents.
My current focus is wholeheartedly on serving effectively in the state Senate, dedicating myself to addressing the needs and challenges our constituents face. This commitment stems from a genuine desire to make a tangible difference in our community, leveraging my background and skills to contribute positively. While I remain open to how my journey of public service may evolve in the future, my priority and passion lie in ensuring that my tenure in the state Senate yields meaningful progress and impactful results for our state. As a nurse the mission has alway been to save lives, the ability to do this will be so much more impactful stepping out of the hospital and into the state capitol. It's this dedication that guides my approach to leadership, always with an eye towards serving the best interests of our community.
My favorite joke is one my 6 year old son tells "what do you call an interrupting cow?" And as soon as you start to give him an answer he quickly interrupts you by yelling "MOOOO!" and he giggles so hard. I love it.
Health and Human Services Committee, Public Safety Committee, Appropriations Committee, and Human Services Appropriations sub committee, Education Committee
Financial transparency in government is crucial for building trust, as it allows citizens to see where and how public funds are being allocated and spent. This openness in financial matters promotes accountability, ensuring that government officials are held responsible for their fiscal decisions and management. It also plays a key role in preventing corruption, as transparent financial records and processes are less susceptible to misuse. By enabling public access to detailed financial information, governments empower citizens to actively participate in oversight and fiscal governance. Therefore, financial transparency is not just about clear budgets and expenditures; it's about fostering a culture of responsibility, integrity, and public trust in the financial stewardship of government entities.
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 11, 2024
Leadership
Majority Leader:Julie Daniels
Senators
Republican Party (40)
Democratic Party (8)
