Kansas House of Representatives District 39 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Kansas, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Kansas House of Representatives District 39 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Kansas House of Representatives District 39

Incumbent Owen Donohoe defeated Vanessa Vaughn West in the general election for Kansas House of Representatives District 39 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Owen Donohoe (R)	51.0	5,052
		Vanessa Vaughn West (D)	49.0	4,847

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,899
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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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.

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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?

Vanessa Vaughn West (D)

I will protect reproductive freedom for women and girls.

I will advocate for our public schools and special education funding.

I will focus on responsible taxation, including lowering/eliminating unnecessary taxes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Vanessa Vaughn West (D)

I am passionate about a representative and responsive democracy. That's why I listen to your ideas and will respond to your concerns. I will champion your key issues, and I will work with representatives from business, the community and legislature to advocate for world-class public schools, strong and healthy communities, and vibrant economic development throughout Kansas. Our current representative has missed 25% of the votes in the Kansas House, earning the 7th worst voting record in Kansas. He has also sided with extremists and voted against the will of the majority of Kansans regarding reproductive freedom.

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

Vanessa Vaughn West (D)

An elected official needs to represent their constituents by being present and accessible. They need to understand the perspectives and will of the people and legislate accordingly, in the best interest of the people. They should not allow personal beliefs to guide their governance, but instead be data driven and informed by those most impacted my legislative policy.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Vanessa Vaughn West (D)

I would like to a legacy of inclusion, opportunity and collaboration.

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

Vanessa Vaughn West (D)

I remember the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Although I wasn't yet 5 years old I remember being afraid for the safety of our President and our nation. It was the first time I had seen harm done to a famous person and worried about my own safety as a result.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Vanessa Vaughn West (D)

Dear Theodosia

See also

More about these elections:

• Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2022

Select a district below to read responses from candidates in those races:

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