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Jessica Wicks

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Jessica Wicks
Image of Jessica Wicks
Prior offices
Montana State Senate District 39
Successor: Terry Vermeire
Predecessor: Mark Sweeney

Elections and appointments
Last election

June 4, 2024

Education

High school

Woodland High School

Associate

Aims Community College, 2011

Bachelor's

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 2005

Personal
Birthplace
Streator, Ill.
Religion
Christian
Profession
Politician
Contact

Jessica Wicks (Democratic Party) was a member of the Montana State Senate, representing District 39. She assumed office on June 21, 2022. She left office on November 9, 2022.

Wicks (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Montana State Senate to represent District 36. She lost in the Democratic primary on June 4, 2024.

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

Granite, Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Powell, and Butte-Silver Bow County Commissioners appointed Wicks to the state Senate on June 21, 2022, to replace Mark Sweeney (D).[1]

Biography

Jessica Wicks was born in Streator, Illinois. Wicks earned an associate degree from Aims Community College in 2011 and a bachelor's degree from the Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 2005. She has been affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Anaconda Pintler Search and Rescue.[2]

Elections

2024

See also: Montana State Senate elections, 2024

General election

General election for Montana State Senate District 36

Sara Novak defeated Darlean Newman in the general election for Montana State Senate District 36 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Sara Novak
Sara Novak (D)
 
62.4
 
6,549
Image of Darlean Newman
Darlean Newman (R) Candidate Connection
 
37.6
 
3,948

Total votes: 10,497
Candidate Connection = 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.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Montana State Senate District 36

Sara Novak defeated Jessica Wicks in the Democratic primary for Montana State Senate District 36 on June 4, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Sara Novak
Sara Novak
 
63.5
 
2,412
Image of Jessica Wicks
Jessica Wicks Candidate Connection
 
36.5
 
1,385

Total votes: 3,797
Candidate Connection = 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 Montana State Senate District 36

Darlean Newman advanced from the Republican primary for Montana State Senate District 36 on June 4, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Darlean Newman
Darlean Newman Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
1,947

Total votes: 1,947
Candidate Connection = 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Wicks in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Jessica Wicks completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wicks' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I work as a business agent for Teamsters Union Local 2, where I represent more than 400 union members across Southwest Montana, overseeing negotiations and ensuring their rights and benefits are upheld across over 20 contracts. Outside of work, I'm deeply passionate about community service, which led me to serve as the Commander of the Anaconda Pintler Search and Rescue team. It's a role that allows me to contribute directly to the safety and well-being of my community, something I find incredibly rewarding."
Several traits are essential for individuals in office, as they directly impact their effectiveness and ability to serve their constituents well. Here are some crucial characteristics:

1. **Integrity**: Above all, integrity is paramount. Voters need to trust that their elected officials act honestly and ethically, representing the best interests of the people rather than personal gain.

2. **Leadership**: Elected officials should possess strong leadership skills to guide their constituents and colleagues effectively. This involves making tough decisions, inspiring others, and fostering collaboration.

3. **Communication skills**: Effective communication is key for conveying ideas, policies, and information clearly to constituents, colleagues, and the media. This includes active listening, public speaking, and written communication.

4. **Empathy**: Understanding and empathy for the diverse needs and perspectives of constituents is crucial for crafting policies and making decisions that benefit everyone in the community.

5. **Adaptability**: The political landscape is constantly evolving, and elected officials must be able to adapt to change, whether it's in response to shifting public opinion, new legislation, or unexpected events.

6. **Problem-solving skills**: Elected officials often face complex challenges and must be able to analyze issues, consider various solutions, and implement effective strategies to address them.

7. **Resilience**: Politics can be demanding and often involves facing criticism, setbacks, and even personal attacks. Resilience allows elected officials to persevere in the face of adversity and continue working towards their goals.

8. **Collaboration**: Building coalitions and working across party lines is essential for achieving legislative goals and serving the interests of constituents effectively.

9. **Transparency**: Openness and transparency in decision-making processes help build trust with constituents and promote accountability.
A fundamental responsibility for individuals in office is the capacity to achieve outcomes that most accurately reflect the interests and needs of the constituents within their district.
It wasn't the first but when 9/11 occurred, I was just 18 years old and had started my first semester of college. I vividly recall waking up early that morning and heading over to the student union building. As I entered the TV room, I found a group gathered around the screen, watching in shock as the first plane crashed into the trade tower. Despite the unfolding tragedy, I had to leave for my English 101 class. Surprisingly, our instructor hadn't seen any of the coverage, so we carried on with our lesson as usual. However, as the day progressed, it became increasingly clear that what we were witnessing was a deliberate attack. Little did we know at the time, but that moment would mark the beginning of a significant shift in our lives, altering the course of history in ways we couldn't yet comprehend.
1. Environmental Conservation: Sustainable development balances economic growth with preserving Montana's beauty. By implementing eco-friendly practices in industries like agriculture and tourism, we protect our resources while fostering growth. This approach safeguards our environment, ensuring Montana remains desirable for residents and visitors.

2. Economic Diversification: Diversifying our economy is crucial for stability and growth. Exploring new industries like renewable energy creates jobs and reduces reliance on volatile sectors. Supporting traditional industries maintains our heritage and promotes community resilience.
3. Rural Healthcare Access: Rural Montanans face challenges accessing quality healthcare. Investing in telemedicine, mobile clinics, and community health centers can improve access. Incentivizing healthcare providers to practice in rural areas ensures all residents receive necessary care, regardless of location.
4. Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading roads, bridges, and utilities creates jobs and enhances public safety. Modernizing transportation networks improves connectivity and facilitates economic growth. Investing in water systems ensures access to clean water for all residents.
5. Education Reform: A quality education is essential for Montana's children. Increasing funding for public schools, reducing class sizes, and providing support for teachers improves outcomes. Expanding access to early childhood education and vocational training prepares students for success in the workforce.
6. Water Management: Sustainable water practices are vital for Montana's future. Conservation, protection, and management ensure access to clean water for agriculture, industry, and recreation. Collaborating with stakeholders safeguards our water sources for generations to come.

7. Public Lands Management: Responsible land management preserves access for recreationists while protecting sensitive ecosystems.
Finance and claims, Energy and Telecommunications, and Highways and Transportation

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.


Jessica Wicks campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* Montana State Senate District 36Lost primary$12,601 $0
Grand total$12,601 $0
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Montana

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Montana scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.




2022

In 2022, the Montana State Legislature was not in session.











See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Montana Right Now, "Wicks tapped to fill vacant Sweeney Senate seat; Mullen to be Democrat nominee in fall," June 21, 2022]
  2. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 5, 2024

Political offices
Preceded by
Mark Sweeney (D)
Montana State Senate District 39
2022-2022
Succeeded by
Terry Vermeire (R)


Current members of the Montana State Senate
Leadership
Senate President:Matt Regier
Majority Leader:Tom McGillvray
Senators
District 1
District 2
Dave Fern (D)
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
District 26
District 27
District 28
District 29
John Esp (R)
District 30
District 31
District 32
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
District 41
District 42
District 43
District 44
District 45
District 46
District 47
District 48
District 49
District 50
Republican Party (32)
Democratic Party (18)