Jillian Anderson

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

Jillian Anderson

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2019

Contact

Campaign website

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Jillian Anderson (Republican Party) ran for election to the Hawaii House of Representatives to represent District 24. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Biography

Jillian Anderson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2019.

Elections

2024

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24

Incumbent Adrian Tam defeated Jillian Anderson in the general election for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adrian Tam (D)	67.6	5,973
		Jillian Anderson (R)	32.4	2,862

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,835
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24

Incumbent Adrian Tam advanced from the Democratic primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24 on August 10, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adrian Tam	100.0	2,713

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,713
= 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kevin Beatty (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24

Jillian Anderson advanced from the Republican primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24 on August 10, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jillian Anderson	100.0	681

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 681
= 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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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Anderson in this election.

2022

See also: Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2022

General election

General election for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24

Incumbent Adrian Tam defeated Jillian Anderson in the general election for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adrian Tam (D)	67.8	4,681
		Jillian Anderson (R)	32.2	2,224

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,905
= 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 Hawaii House of Representatives District 24

Incumbent Adrian Tam defeated Ikaika Olds in the Democratic primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24 on August 13, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adrian Tam	74.2	2,834
		Ikaika Olds	25.8	986

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,820
= 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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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24

Jillian Anderson advanced from the Republican primary for Hawaii House of Representatives District 24 on August 13, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jillian Anderson	100.0	812

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 812
= 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.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jillian Anderson did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Jillian Anderson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Anderson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running because I want to stay in my home state and not need to sacrifice my financial security, personal safety, or quality of life to do so. Having lived in Waikiki since I was just 3 years old, I have witnessed its transformation and share in the growing concerns of my neighbors, including rising crime, worsening homelessness, vacant storefronts, an unbearable cost of living, and deteriorating infrastructure. My experience working as a Legislative Analyst for our Hawaii State House of Representatives has shown me the immense capabilities our State Government has to effect change, yet our issues continue to compound. As your Representative, I would fight tirelessly for a safe and affordable Waikiki.

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?

• I am running because I want to stay in my home state and not need to sacrifice my financial security, personal safety, or quality of life to do so.
• With the most lopsided State Legislature in the country (4 Republican VS 47 Democrat House Representatives & 1 Republican VS 24 Democrat Senators as of 2022), our leaders lack the chance to engage in well-rounded discussion, resulting in outcomes which often do not represent the varied opinions of the general public. No matter your party or past voting record, help make this the year we can achieve greater balance in our Legislature and ensure more substantive conversations among our representatives.
• "We do not have a government by the majority. We have a government by the majority who participate." With less than 1/3 of State House District 24 having voted in the August Primary, this November is your chance to make your voice heard. Unhappy with the direction our State is headed? Then be sure to vote for the candidate you feel shares your concerns and is ready to fight for real solutions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My top priority is crime and public safety. From our young professionals to our precious kupuna, rising violence in our community has resulted in lifestyle changes and diminished quality of life. The Legislature must work with our law enforcement to pass enforceable policy which protects law-abiding residents and makes it clear that committing crime has consequences.

Homeless too is of growing concern, and as a Legislator, I would advocate for investment in services that can provide a permanent path off the streets. I would approach homelessness from its main contributing factors-- behavioral health issues (mental illness & substance abuse) as well as our increasingly unbearable cost of living.

Our state's infrastructure conditions are of great concern. As of 2019, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, Hawaii scores a D+ as it relates to infrastructure condition, meaning many elements are approaching their end of life and are at a strong risk of failure. It is imperative that remedying such hazards is top-of-mind, as failure to prepare is simply preparing to fail. We must bring our core infrastructure up to satisfactory levels, and also plan for consistent maintenance and upgrades.

Our energy grid is well on its way to a zero carbon future, yet as a Representative, I would emphasize feasibility as we increasingly transition to renewables, prioritize the reliability of our grid, and always consider the energy costs to be endured by our people.

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

At its core, government should be a body by the people, for the people. An entity which brings together those with passion, vision, and a general need to do good in the world with the little time they have in it. Where the belief that dedication and hard work can bring about results that change the lives of others for the better. I often find myself recalling a notable quote of Theodore Roosevelt when summarizing such a perspective -- "Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." In government, we need well-rounded leaders who strike the right balance between bold aspirations and the inevitable bounds of reality. This outlook to me comes naturally. I value my innate sense of good judgment, open-mindedness, high level of morality, and ability to stay grounded when most would feel overwhelmed. I too embrace an instinctive optimism, seeing the silver lining in even the darkest clouds, and maintaining a sincere belief that most of our wildest dreams for what our State can become lie in the realm of possibility as long as those with influence maintain the proper focus and are willing to put in the work necessary to achieve it.

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

One of the most eye-opening aspects of having witnessed the role of a legislator as it pertains to governmental responsibility is that one does not need to, nor should they, be an expert at everything. Firstly, one must understand they serve their people, not the other way around. The power bestowed is not provided to the individual themselves, instead they act as a vessel for the interests and needs of their communities. My priorities I hope express the same thoughts as your own. If not, I am eager to accrue any and all ideas of those I seek to represent. This leads to the second quality a representative must possess -- open-mindedness. It is incredibly easy to think we know it all, and when given the power of a vote on the House floor, this vice creeps in even more so. Though if I have learned anything from my experience working in the 2022 Legislative session, it is truly that testimony provided by everyone from state agencies to concerned residents is what shapes outcomes, and by extension, the future of Hawaii. If elected, I will acknowledge all angles presented, and utilize the third most integral quality I have identified -- judgment -- in order to unify a firm foundation of principles with an open minded perspective. With a concrete understanding of the role of a state legislator, and an appreciation for the need to approach its duties with open-mindedness and solid judgment, I believe I have it in my ability to be the representative I would want for myself, and as I hope this message has conveyed, be the representative you would like working for you, too.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Ideally, the executive and legislative branches should work in concert with one another, combining the capacities of their divided, yet balanced powers, to achieve the same end -- bettering the lives of our people. Though too often, the political turns personal, which reduces the effectiveness of either entity. As a Legislator, I would work to understand what our Governor wishes to achieve and how the Legislature can be of aid -- and I would expect this to go the other way around as well. Should the branches reach an impasse, communication and compromise will be key.

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

Hawaii faces an aging population, while younger generations are being forced to leave our islands due to a high cost of living, struggles to achieve homeownership, a limited job market, and more. Over the next 10 years, this imbalance will only continue to grow, which is why it is necessary for our State Government to enact policies now that reduce issues inevitably to be caused by these trends. We must create an environment that our youth can thrive in, such as by expanding workforce readiness programs and job placement for our high school and college graduates, encouraging homeownership though first-time homebuyers programs as well as making our housing more affordable, and diversifying our economy from growing the number of small business owners to providing incentives for new industries to expand to our state. Concurrently, we must bolster our healthcare system to accommodate the needs of our kupuna, with greater recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals as well as expanded specialities. Those on a fixed income must also feel secure that they can live out the rest of their days in the state they love without fear of running out of funds or becoming a financial burden to their families. Our kupuna too should be able to age-in-place and have access to services that meet their changing needs.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Inherently, incumbents running to hold their seat possess advantages when it comes to the role, yet this does not necessarily mean that a newcomer is not capable of assuming the responsibility. In this contest, my deep understanding of the legislative process minimizes the disparity among myself and my opponent. Having worked for our Hawaii State Legislature, I have a strong foundation as it comes to the duties of a representative and know this knowledge will be of great value if elected.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

To be an effective leader, it is crucial to know when to fight to achieve an objective, no matter what it takes. To know when to walk away, when the amount to be lost substantially outweighs the amount to be gained. And most forgotten, to know when to compromise. Understanding that in my first term I will likely be in the minority party, compromise will undoubtedly occur, though this will often be for the good of our people. Meeting in the middle frequently produces outcomes that are most sound, are accepted by the majority of the general public, and with more widespread support, are more likely to be successful. In most instances, compromise will be a desirable means to achieve an end, especially as our Legislature presently lacks balance along party lines.

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

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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.

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Jillian Anderson campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Hawaii House of Representatives District 24	Lost general	$2,658	$783
2022	Hawaii House of Representatives District 24	Lost general	$11,548	$12,719
Grand total			$14,207	$13,502
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal 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

See also

2024 Elections

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Candidate

Hawaii House of Representatives District 24

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Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the Hawaii House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Nadine Nakamura

Majority Leader:Sean Quinlan

Minority Leader:Lauren Matsumoto

Representatives

District 1

Matthias Kusch (D)

District 2

Susan Lee Loy (D)

District 3

Chris Todd (D)

District 4

Greggor Ilagan (D)

District 5

Jeanne Kapela (D)

District 6

Kirstin Kahaloa (D)

District 7

Nicole Lowen (D)

District 8

David Tarnas (D)

District 9

Justin Woodson (D)

District 10

Tyson Miyake (D)

District 11

Terez Amato (D)

District 12

Kyle Yamashita (D)

District 13

Mahina Poepoe (D)

District 14

Elle Cochran (D)

District 15

Nadine Nakamura (D)

District 16

Luke Evslin (D)

District 17

Dee Morikawa (D)

District 18

Joe Gedeon (R)

District 19

Mark Hashem (D)

District 20

Tina Nakada Grandinetti (D)

District 21

Jackson Sayama (D)

District 22

Andrew Takuya Garrett (D)

District 23

Ikaika Olds (D)

District 24

Adrian Tam (D)

District 25

Kim Iwamoto (D)

District 26

Della Belatti (D)

District 27

Jenna Takenouchi (D)

District 28

Daniel Holt (D)

District 29

Ikaika Hussey (D)

District 30

Shirley Templo (D)

District 31

Linda Ichiyama (D)

District 32

Garner Shimizu (R)

District 33

Sam Kong (D)

District 34

Gregg Takayama (D)

District 35

Cory Chun (D)

District 36

Rachele Lamosao (D)

District 37

Trish La Chica (D)

District 38

Lauren Matsumoto (R)

District 39

Elijah Pierick (R)

District 40

Julie Reyes Oda (R)

District 41

David Alcos (R)

District 42

Diamond Garcia (R)

District 43

Kanani Souza (R)

District 44

Darius Kila (D)

District 45

Chris Muraoka (R)

District 46

Amy Perruso (D)

District 47

Sean Quinlan (D)

District 48

Lisa Kitagawa (D)

District 49

Scot Matayoshi (D)

District 50

Michael Lee (D)

District 51

Lisa Marten (D)

Democratic Party (42)

Republican Party (9)