Patricia Geronima Hernandez
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Patricia Geronima Hernandez (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Missouri House of Representatives to represent District 19. She lost in the Democratic primary on August 6, 2024.
Geronima Hernandez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Patricia Geronima Hernandez was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Hernandez's career experience includes working in social services.[1]
Hernandez has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus
- Indian Mound NA
- Community's that Care
- Northeast Housing Solutions
- Sierra Club
- Rotary Club - Homelessness
- and League of Women voters
Elections
2024
See also: Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 19
Wick Thomas defeated Karen Spalding in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 19 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Wick Thomas (D)  | 74.5 | 6,373 |
| Karen Spalding (R) | 25.5 | 2,186 | ||
| Total votes: 8,559 | |||
| = 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 Missouri House of Representatives District 19
Wick Thomas defeated Patricia Geronima Hernandez in the Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 19 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Wick Thomas | 50.6 | 951 |
 | Patricia Geronima Hernandez | 49.4 | 930 | |
| Total votes: 1,881 | |||
| = 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 Missouri House of Representatives District 19
Karen Spalding advanced from the Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 19 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Karen Spalding | 100.0 | 312 | |
| Total votes: 312 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Geronima Hernandez in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Patricia Geronima Hernandez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Geronima Hernandez's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm Patricia Ann Geronima Hernandez, proud to call Kansas City, Missouri my hometown. In the heart of Missouri's 19th House District. Raised in a household where political events were a part of life since she was six, and her parents instilled the importance of civic engagement by taking her to Truman Days and to vote. Patricia's journey to public service was not born out of ambition but from tragedy and transformation. At just 17 years old, her cousin Dominic Antonio Hernandez's life was tragically cut short by senseless gun violence. Witnessing her family's grief and grappling with the harsh realities of gun violence, Patricia vowed to honor her cousin's memory by fighting for change. Driven by a desire to confront the social failures that had led to her cousin's untimely death, and to advocate for a future where every dream could flourish without fear of violence or discrimination. With deep roots in the first Hispanic-majority district of the state, she comes from a family that fought hard and considers themselves lucky to be proud homeowners for over 70 years. Her commitment is to represent the community where her roots run deep, and she currently serves on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus and the Samuel U. Rodgers Board. Additionally, she proudly holds the position of committeewoman for the 12th ward on the Jackson County Democratic Committee and Affirmative Action Committee for the MO State Party.
- Vulnerable Communities - Patricia is dedicated to uplifting and empowering vulnerable communities in Missouri's 19th Congressional District. With a focus on equity and inclusion, she will champion policies that address systemic barriers, promote access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, and amplify the voices of marginalized populations. Patricia is committed to fostering a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or circumstances.
- Attainable Housing and Homelessness Solutions - Patricia understands the urgent need for accessible housing. She will advocate for policies that address homelessness, invest in housing options, and work towards ensuring everyone in our community has a safe and stable home. Patricia is committed to addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in MO's 19th District. As your representative, she will advocate for comprehensive solutions that provide access to stable housing, support services, and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. She believes in a compassionate approach that focuses on prevention, affordable housing initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations to ensure that everyone in our community has a home.
- Access to affordable quality healthcare - Patricia's commitment to Pro-Choice and her advocacy for women's healthcare rights emphasize her dedication to ensuring that women in the MO 19th District have access to the care they need and the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies. Her focus on healthcare accessibility highlights the urgency and importance of addressing these critical issues.
Homelessness - Patricia's work with individuals experiencing homelessness and her observations of increasing housing instability among families highlight a significant issue in Missouri. With limited access to emergency shelters and assistance, she emphasizes the need for more robust support systems and resources to address this growing crisis.
Patricia looks up to Gloria Steinem. Patricia had the privilege to hear Gloria speak, which changed her outlook on gender identity and the potential for women to empower all voices. Patricia admires Gloria's confidence and humility and strives to embody these qualities in her own life and work.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents - Isabel Wilkerson
Our Revolution - Sen. Bernie Sanders (Quote I live by: "We become more human when my family cares about your family and your family cares about my family." - Sen Sanders)
Patricia values the importance of fostering strong, positive connections with individuals and groups in her community. She believes that building and maintaining trustful relationships is essential for effective collaboration and achieving common goals. By understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents, she aims to create a supportive and united community. Recognizing that collective efforts often yield the best outcomes, Patricia emphasizes the importance of teamwork. She actively collaborates with colleagues, community leaders, and organizations to develop and implement solutions that benefit the community. Her ability to work well with others and contribute to a cohesive team dynamic is crucial for driving positive change. Patricia understands the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. She approaches challenges and conflicts with a calm and composed demeanor, ensuring that her decisions are rational and well-considered. Her emotional maturity enables her to handle stress, empathize with others, and navigate complex situations effectively. Being approachable is a cornerstone of Patricia's leadership style. She is open and accessible to her constituents, encouraging open dialogue and feedback. This approachability fosters a sense of trust and transparency, making it easier for community members to voice their concerns and feel heard. Patricia is dedicated to thoroughly understanding the issues and challenges facing her community. She invests time in researching, planning, and strategizing to ensure she is well-prepared to tackle the work ahead. Her commitment to preparedness demonstrates her dedication to achieving meaningful and lasting results. Patricia has spent the past few years working with current Representatives to understand the work ahead.
Patricia has the ability to sit and speak with anyone. She is known for getting people to open up, even those who are typically reserved. Patricia is very empathetic toward all humans and recognizes that one's mistakes do not define who they are. She has the talent to work with individuals, uplifts their strengths, and help them accomplish their goals. Patricia is a macro-level thinker who aims to find the root cause of an issue in order to remedy it effectively.
Patricia believes in maintaining open lines of communication with constituents to ensure they can easily reach out with concerns, suggestions, or requests for assistance. Patricia actively engages with community members to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. This involves attending community meetings, holding town halls, and conducting surveys or informal discussions.
Patricia also believes that being a representative means serving as a voice for the community in legislative processes and advocating for policies and initiatives that reflect the community's interests and values. This involves balancing diverse viewpoints and making informed decisions that benefit the majority. Lastly, Patricia will implement and support policies that improve the quality of life for constituents. This includes addressing key issues such as healthcare, housing, education, and economic opportunities to create a more supportive and thriving community.
Patricia also believes that being a representative means serving as a voice for the community in legislative processes and advocating for policies and initiatives that reflect the community's interests and values. This involves balancing diverse viewpoints and making informed decisions that benefit the majority. Lastly, Patricia will implement and support policies that improve the quality of life for constituents. This includes addressing key issues such as healthcare, housing, education, and economic opportunities to create a more supportive and thriving community.
Patricia's legacy would include, Empowering marginalized and underserved communities by ensuring they have access to resources, opportunities, and a voice in decision-making processes. She wants to be remembered as someone who uplifted others and helped them reach their full potential. Championing policies and initiatives that promote social justice and equality. Her work aims to break down barriers and create an equitable society where everyone has the chance to succeed. Fostering strong, inclusive communities where people come together to support one another. She believes in the power of community collaboration to address challenges and create positive change. Leading with empathy and compassion, always considering the needs and perspectives of others. She strives to be a leader who listens, understands, and acts in the best interest of her constituents. Implementing lasting changes that benefit future generations. She aims to leave behind a legacy of sustainable development, where economic growth, social well-being, and environmental stewardship are balanced and prioritized. Through her work and dedication, Patricia hopes to inspire others to continue the pursuit of a just, inclusive, and respectful society long after her time in office.
The first significant historical event Patricia remembers is 9/11. She was in her science class during her freshman year, only 14 years old, and didn't fully understand what had happened. However, she knew that one of her schoolmates had an uncle in the second tower. When the second plane hit the tower, Patricia's classmates began reaching out to their parents and loved ones. The sense of something changing was a real awakening point for Patricia.
Right out of high school, Patricia got a job working at a coffee shop on the Sprint campus through Aramark. She worked there for three years before starting a career with Sprint. It was there that Patricia learned the power of networking.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is based on the true story of the Osage tribe, who owned land in Oklahoma that was found to have a lot of oil on it. The story highlights how many people, including the main character’s husband, were primarily interested in getting her money. This narrative reflects a societal focus on money as the main axis of life. For Patricia, it serves as a reminder that not everyone who appears to be in your corner truly has your best interests at heart.
If Patricia could be any fictional character, she would choose to be Merida from the movie "Brave." Merida is a strong and independent princess who defies tradition to forge her own path. She is skilled with a bow and arrow, courageous in the face of danger, and fiercely determined to shape her own destiny. Merida's adventurous spirit and unwavering loyalty to her family are qualities that resonate deeply with Patricia. Patricia admires her willingness to challenge societal expectations and her determination to follow her heart. Being Merida would allow Patricia to embrace courage, resilience, and the freedom to explore new horizons.
Pink Pony - Chappell Roan (your favorite artist's favorite artist)
Patricia Hernandez has struggled with anxiety and depression. She has been seeing a therapist and taking medication to help manage her anxiety symptoms. Diagnosed later in life, Patricia recognized the critical importance of accessible mental health services. This personal experience fuels her commitment to championing access to mental health care for all.
Patricia advocates for an open-door policy between the Governor and the legislature. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and collaboration to effectively address the needs and concerns of the community. This approach ensures transparency, fosters trust, and promotes cooperative problem-solving among government officials.
Poverty
Economic Opportunity: Creating pathways to economic stability through job creation, workforce development programs, and support for small businesses. This includes promoting industries that offer sustainable wages and benefits.
Education: Improving access to quality education from early childhood through higher education. This includes investing in schools in underserved communities, ensuring equitable resources, and supporting vocational and technical training programs.
Healthcare: Enhancing access to affordable healthcare services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment. Addressing healthcare disparities can improve overall well-being and productivity among residents.
Housing: Ensuring access to safe and affordable housing options. This involves addressing homelessness, supporting affordable housing initiatives, and providing rental assistance programs.
Social Safety Net: Strengthening social safety net programs such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and unemployment benefits to provide a buffer against economic hardship and ensure basic needs are met during challenging times.
Rural and Urban Disparities: Recognizing and addressing disparities between rural and urban areas in terms of economic opportunities, healthcare access, and infrastructure development.
Yes, Patricia believes that previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial for state legislators. This experience can provide lawmakers with a deeper understanding of legislative processes, policy development, and the intricacies of governance. It may also equip them with valuable skills in negotiation, coalition-building, and navigating bureaucratic systems, which are essential for effective leadership and policymaking.
Yes! Building relationships with other legislators fosters collaboration and facilitates bipartisan cooperation, which is crucial for passing legislation and addressing complex issues effectively. By cultivating positive relationships, legislators can bridge political divides, find common ground on key issues, and work together towards shared goals. This approach also enhances communication and understanding among lawmakers, enabling them to advocate more effectively for their constituents and negotiate compromises that benefit the broader community. Overall, building relationships with other legislators strengthens the legislative process and promotes a more productive and inclusive governance environment.
Yes, Patricia admires Alvin Brooks, a local Kansas City civil rights activist and politician known for his ongoing community involvement. Even at 92 Mr. Brooks is still an advocate for his community! She also finds inspiration in Representative Ingrid Burnett, her mentor and the incumbent for the seat she wishes to represent. Rep. Burnett's background as an educator and community leader has empowered Patricia and shaped her commitment to public service.
Not currently. Patricia's main focus is the current representation of MO House District 19!
Patricia has worked in a drop-in center for those experiencing homelessness just outside her district. She has encountered many individuals sleeping on the streets or in their vehicles, including one person in particular, Mal (not their real name). Mal identified as a "working person" who used drugs to stay awake and avoid victimization or theft of their belongings. Mal had struggled with substance abuse for over 17 years and endured human trafficking by individuals they trusted, resulting in beatings and theft. This experience left Mal deeply distrustful and defeated.
Every day, Patricia engaged with Mal to build rapport and mutual respect. After six months of dedicated effort, Mal agreed to enter a sober living program where they found safety and support. Mal later volunteered alongside Patricia at the drop-in center, becoming a beacon of hope for others. Currently, Mal has maintained sobriety for a year and is preparing to start a job at the IRS.
Every day, Patricia engaged with Mal to build rapport and mutual respect. After six months of dedicated effort, Mal agreed to enter a sober living program where they found safety and support. Mal later volunteered alongside Patricia at the drop-in center, becoming a beacon of hope for others. Currently, Mal has maintained sobriety for a year and is preparing to start a job at the IRS.
Don’t you hate it when someone answers their own questions? I sure do.
Patricia believes that it is important for the legislature, not just the governor, to oversee or grant the use of emergency powers. This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to provide assistance where it is most needed, while also maintaining accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
If elected, the first bill Patricia would like to introduce would focus on expanding access to attainable housing and providing comprehensive support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This bill would aim to increase funding for emergency shelters, create more affordable housing units, and enhance support services such as mental health and substance abuse treatment programs to help individuals transition out of homelessness and into stable living conditions.
IAFF Local 42, Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus, La Raza, Freedom Inc, Better Schools, and BizKC.
Budget - Patricia Hernandez has had the privilege to sit in on multiple committee hearings. She recognizes that a lot of work is done during the budget reconciliation period. If you aren't able to get support through the legislative process, a lot of times you can find funds from underfunded projects. The budget committee also has subcommittees, and Patricia is interested in the Subcommittee on Appropriations - Health, Mental Health, and Social Services.
Health and Mental Health Policy - Patricia has worked with those experiencing homelessness and has seen the consequences of not investing in mental health policies.
Patricia believes elected officials are employees of the people, and as such, they must be fully accountable to their constituents. This includes being transparent about their actions, decisions, and use of public funds. The community has the right to witness all actions taken by their representatives, both behind the scenes and in public forums. This openness is necessary for building trust and ensuring that officials are acting in the best interests of the people. Transparency and accountability are vital in showing the community that their leaders are truly dedicated to serving them. By being open about their activities and decisions, politicians can reinforce their commitment to public service and maintain the confidence of their constituents. She plans to be transparent and hold herself accountable.
Patricia does support it! When there is a super majority, the will of the people can sometimes be overlooked. Making changes to ensure that ballot initiatives reflect and respect the desires of the broader community could help address this issue effectively. Collectively we can make our voices heard if the ballot box isn't reflecting that.
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
Current members of the Missouri House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Jon Patterson
Minority Leader:Ashley Aune
Representatives
District 1
Jeff Farnan (R)
District 2
District 3
Danny Busick (R)
District 4
Greg Sharpe (R)
District 5
Louis Riggs (R)
District 6
Ed Lewis (R)
District 7
Peggy McGaugh (R)
District 8
Josh Hurlbert (R)
District 9
Dean VanSchoiack (R)
District 10
Bill Falkner (R)
District 11
Brenda Shields (R)
District 12
Mike Jones (R)
District 13
Sean Pouche (R)
District 14
Ashley Aune (D)
District 15
Kenneth Jamison (D)
District 16
Chris Brown (R)
District 17
Bill Allen (R)
District 18
Eric Woods (D)
District 19
Wick Thomas (D)
District 20
Mike Steinmeyer (R)
District 21
Will Jobe (D)
District 22
Yolanda Young (D)
District 23
Michael Johnson (D)
District 24
Emily Weber (D)
District 25
Patricia Mansur (D)
District 26
Tiffany Price (D)
District 27
Melissa Douglas (D)
District 28
Donna Barnes (D)
District 29
Aaron Crossley (D)
District 30
Jon Patterson (R)
District 31
Ron Fowler (R)
District 32
Jeff Coleman (R)
District 33
Carolyn Caton (R)
District 34
Kemp Strickler (D)
District 35
Keri Ingle (D)
District 36
Anthony Ealy (D)
District 37
Mark Sharp (D)
District 38
Martin Jacobs (D)
District 39
Mark Meirath (R)
District 40
Chad Perkins (R)
District 41
Doyle Justus (R)
District 42
Jeff Myers (R)
District 43
Kent Haden (R)
District 44
John Martin (R)
District 45
Mary Steinhoff (D)
District 46
David Smith (D)
District 47
Adrian Plank (D)
District 48
Tim Taylor (R)
District 49
Jim Schulte (R)
District 50
Gregg Bush (D)
District 51
Mark Nolte (R)
District 52
Bradley Pollitt (R)
District 53
Terry Thompson (R)
District 54
Brandon Phelps (R)
District 55
William Irwin (R)
District 56
Michael Davis (R)
District 57
Rodger Reedy (R)
District 58
Willard Haley (R)
District 59
Rudy Veit (R)
District 60
Dave Griffith (R)
District 61
Bruce Sassmann (R)
District 62
Sherri Gallick (R)
District 63
Tricia Byrnes (R)
District 64
Deanna Self (R)
District 65
Wendy Hausman (R)
District 66
Marlene Terry (D)
District 67
Tonya Rush (D)
District 68
Kem Smith (D)
District 69
Scott Miller (R)
District 70
Stephanie Boykin (D)
District 71
District 72
Doug Clemens (D)
District 73
Raychel Proudie (D)
District 74
Marla Smith (D)
District 75
Chanel Mosley (D)
District 76
Marlon Anderson (D)
District 77
District 78
Marty Murray (D)
District 79
LaKeySha Bosley (D)
District 80
Elizabeth Fuchs (D)
District 81
Steve Butz (D)
District 82
Nick Kimble (D)
District 83
Raymond Reed (D)
District 84
Del Taylor (D)
District 85
District 86
Jeff Hales (D)
District 87
Connie Steinmetz (D)
District 88
Holly Jones (R)
District 89
George Hruza (R)
District 90
Mark Boyko (D)
District 91
Jo Doll (D)
District 92
Michael Burton (D)
District 93
Bridget Moore (D)
District 94
Jim Murphy (R)
District 95
Vacant
District 96
Brad Christ (R)
District 97
David Casteel (R)
District 98
District 99
Ian Mackey (D)
District 100
District 101
Ben Keathley (R)
District 102
Richard West (R)
District 103
Dave Hinman (R)
District 104
Terri Violet (R)
District 105
Colin Wellenkamp (R)
District 106
Travis Wilson (R)
District 107
Mark Matthiesen (R)
District 108
Mike Costlow (R)
District 109
John Simmons (R)
District 110
Justin Sparks (R)
District 111
Cecelie Williams (R)
District 112
Renee Reuter (R)
District 113
Phil Amato (R)
District 114
Vacant
District 115
Bill Lucas (R)
District 116
Dale Wright (R)
District 117
Becky Laubinger (R)
District 118
Mike McGirl (R)
District 119
Brad Banderman (R)
District 120
John Hewkin (R)
District 121
Bill Hardwick (R)
District 122
Tara Peters (R)
District 123
Jeff Vernetti (R)
District 124
Don Mayhew (R)
District 125
Dane Diehl (R)
District 126
Jim Kalberloh (R)
District 127
Ann Kelley (R)
District 128
District 129
John Black (R)
District 130
Bishop Davidson (R)
District 131
Bill Owen (R)
District 132
Jeremy Dean (D)
District 133
Melanie Stinnett (R)
District 134
Alex Riley (R)
District 135
Betsy Fogle (D)
District 136
Stephanie Hein (D)
District 137
Darin Chappell (R)
District 138
Burt Whaley (R)
District 139
Bob Titus (R)
District 140
Jamie Gragg (R)
District 141
Melissa Schmidt (R)
District 142
Jeff Knight (R)
District 143
Bennie Cook (R)
District 144
Tony Harbison (R)
District 145
Bryant Wolfin (R)
District 146
Barry Hovis (R)
District 147
John Voss (R)
District 148
David Dolan (R)
District 149
Donnie Brown (R)
District 150
District 151
Steven Jordan (R)
District 152
Hardy Billington (R)
District 153
Keith Elliott (R)
District 154
Lisa Durnell (R)
District 155
Matthew Overcast (R)
District 156
Brian Seitz (R)
District 157
Mitch Boggs (R)
District 158
Scott Cupps (R)
District 159
Dirk Deaton (R)
District 160
Vacant
District 161
Lane Roberts (R)
District 162
Robert Bromley (R)
District 163
Cathy Loy (R)
Republican Party (108)
Democratic Party (52)
Vacancies (3)
