Kansas House of Representatives District 82 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 82 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 82

Leah Howell defeated Misti Hobbs in the general election for Kansas House of Representatives District 82 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Leah Howell (R)	65.5	5,453
	Submit photo	Misti Hobbs (D)	34.5	2,875

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,328
= 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?

Misti Hobbs (D)

I am not your standard politician.

Expansion of KanCare and Doing more for our Disabled Veterans is a must

Defending All Civil Liberties while not supporting the NRA

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Misti Hobbs (D)

Red flag laws have made tremendous progress in states that adopt them. Support for the 2nd Amendment goes hand in hand with keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people.

For some time now, our mental health care system has been overpriced and understaffed. Our goal must be to get you and everyone else the mental health care you need, when you need it. Our mental health workers are overworked and underpaid. We have to take care of the people who take care of the people.

Volunteering to give your life for your country is a decision our military personnel willingly make. We can easily say "Thank you for your service" However I feel we can definitely do more as a state. Reducing/Eliminating property taxes for disabled veterans is a must. Reducing vehicle registration fees to the same discount as active duty should also correspond with more state educational benefits.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Misti Hobbs (D)

This office is the pinnacle of the beginning of change for our state. This is where communities get to have a voice. There are 125 Kansas house districts. That's one individual the community has chosen to represent them and their concerns in local government. Maintaining transparency and keeping the trust of the voters who put us in these position will always be at the forefront of my mind. This is where the ideas of a community can effect real change for the entire state.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Misti Hobbs (D)

I look to my family a lot. My father because he didn't let his medical conditions (contracted in the South Pacific) that crippled him stop him from doing anything! He was constantly doing and learning new things until he passed away. He also never lost his love for life nor let fear of the unknown stop him. I look to my mother as well and how she always got back up. Never backed down from a fight for what was right and protects those who don't always have a voice.

My grandparents because they were just good people. They believed in the American dream and never stopped pursuing it. I look to my son who has been through so much in his life. Who has had to fight through everything but isn't afraid to still be honest and doesn't care who likes it. I look to my husband who fought willingly for our country for 22 years through adversity and hate but never lost his love for his country or people. He doesn't let his experiences make him jaded or cynical and blames no one. Not even the military. He has the most kind heart and a childlike wonder but is a fierce protector.

I hope that I am a percentage of the humans I have been created by, i have created, who walk with me everyday

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Misti Hobbs (D)

I do a podcast entitled "Listen up Kansas" where I dive into current issues affecting Kansans. I update the you tube channel consistently and look forward to hearing from my people. Link is below.

https://youtu.be/3CpfPNZaldo

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

Misti Hobbs (D)

To have gone through something, is to truly know it. Having the experience of what people are going through rather than just the knowledge of it connects you on a greater level to your voters. Anyone can be taught about a struggle. However, unless you have had some experience in this struggle, you can only imagine what people have gone through.

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

Misti Hobbs (D)

Well, I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two. LOL

I have experienced first hand what it feels like to have fallen through the gaps of failed policies. I know what it's like to be a single mom because I've been one. I know what it's like to have a legitimate need, but not qualify for desperately needed assistance.

I am qualified for this position because I'm coming from the experiences of being a woman/caregiver in the state of Kansas.

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

Misti Hobbs (D)

Listening to your voters has to be at the top of your responsibility list. Removing "Self" out of the equation when making the decisions is the best approach to take. Too many politicians make decisions based off of what some companies feel is important rather than the people they are sent to represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Misti Hobbs (D)

I hope to leave a legacy of hope and determination. I want my legacy to be proof that regardless of what the media puts out, democracy will still prevail. Freedom has never been free. It is those that fight for what is right on every stage that keep it that way.

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

Misti Hobbs (D)

I have to many I remember but I think the Space Shuttle Challenger really hurt. I was 11 and wanted nothing more than to be an astronaut and go to space camp.

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

Misti Hobbs (D)

My first job was memorabilia store called "The Franklin Mint". The store boasted numerous dolls, and other collectables such as coins, plates, etc... I worked there for about six months. As a teenager at that time, I thought it qualified as longevity in a work place. LOL

What is your favorite book? Why?

Misti Hobbs (D)

Well I'm sort of a bibliophile. I love to read. I have too many favorites but my three all time favorites are all of the "Harry Potter" series for fiction. "Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy" series for science fiction. and "A Book" by Desi Arnaz for entertainment.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Misti Hobbs (D)

I would have to say Maleficent. Sometimes you have to be ok with being considered a "Villain" in order to protect the ones you love. Also, even with your wings clipped, you are still capable of flying!

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

Misti Hobbs (D)

"It's about damn time" by Lizzo

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Misti Hobbs (D)

The pursuit of happiness and truly being free in America is a struggle everyone has right now. A constant barrage of fear mongering has made being free to be who you are seem unattainable. As a happy person who loves to encourage and cheer people on, it has gotten difficult. I will continue to pursue happiness and freedom for myself and my community.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Misti Hobbs (D)

Listening to the voice of the people who put me in office is the most important responsibility of this office. District 82 is primarily made up of Derby and Mulvane. My responsibility when elected is to ensure their voice is heard. Staying transparent while in office will be my focus.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Misti Hobbs (D)

I consistently mention transparency because of the little "Gotcha's" that can happen in office. Sometimes Bills can be snuck inside another Bill. This can make it difficult to decide on a bill that although is meant to help the public, can eventually make life harder for them. Being at the forefront of the legislative process gives a lot of power to individuals. This is why I will be keeping all of my voters informed on issues affecting them.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Misti Hobbs (D)

Although I do believe it is beneficial to have previous experience in politics to hold this office, it should not be mandatory. I would argue that life experiences would prepare you for a life in politics more than anything else. How can you lead people if you have never walked in their shoes? If you have never struggled to put food on the table, clothes on your back, or shelter for your family, how are you equipped to make decisions that affect these very people?

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Misti Hobbs (D)

Any holder of the Kansas state house needs to know how to talk to everyone. Interpersonal skills have to dominate your skill set. All people will have is your word to go on. You are asking your local community to trust your words in hopes that your actions will reflect them. More than anything they need to be in touch with their community. They need to be not just aware of the struggles and celebrations but part of the answer and celebration.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Misti Hobbs (D)

Did you hear about Tesla's new app for doing yard work? It's called E-lawn. LOL! I'm laughing as I typed it out!

See also

More about these elections:

• Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2022

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