Candidate Name: Jennifer Douglas

What office are you running for?
Rhode Island State Senate District 34
With which party are you running for office?
Democratic Party
Election Date
11/3/2020
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because the needs of average Rhode Islanders have been ignored by the establishment Democrats currently in power for far too long. I will fight for a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and a $15 minimum wage to improve the quality of life for everyone in our state. We deserve elected officials who care about the health and welfare of their constituents, and when I am in office I will dedicate myself to improving the lives of my fellow Rhode Islanders.
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how do you propose helping?
We may be the smallest state but we have over 400 miles of coastline. Climate change and rising sea levels is an imminent threat to us, and we need to take action. I propose to end our support of the fossil fuel infrastructure and have 100% green energy by 2030.
How do we fix the partisan divide in our country and start working together again?
That’s difficult to answer. There’s a division even within my own party. We do need to be open to listening to other points of view, but I also refuse to honor people whose opinions and platforms oppress and harm others.
Who is your hero?
My mother – she’s the most honest, intelligent, and radical person I know and I’d be lucky to be even half the woman she is.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, swimming, discovering new music, and I’m an amateur archivist, collecting oral histories from women, particularly during times of political unrest.
What is the most recent book you read?
The Royal Art of Poison by Eleanor Herman. It’s a hilarious and grotesque book about the health habits of past generations.
Do you have any kids/pets/talking houseplants?
I have two teenagers, one sassy cat, and a hamster. Luckily I’m much better at keeping them alive and well than I am the houseplants.
How can our readers get involved in your campaign?
Join the Rhode Island Political Cooperative! We’re building a statewide grassroots movement to elect a government that works for the people, not for corporations or the well connected.
What question do you wish we’d asked, and what is your answer?
What is the biggest obstacle you’ve encountered as a candidate?
A: Being a woman and a single mother who works full time, it’s incredibly difficult to strike a balance between family, career, and politics. It’s so important to find a strong group of people who support you and to have great volunteers who are willing to give you their time and lend a hand when you need help.
Candidate Social Media:
Website | Twitter | Facebook
Post created from answers submitted by candidate to our Meet the Candidate survey.