Renee Erickson (politician) explained

Renee Erickson
State Senate:Kansas
District:30th
Term Start:January 11, 2021
Predecessor:Susan Wagle
State House1:Kansas
District1:87th
Term Start1:January 15, 2019
Term End1:January 11, 2021
Predecessor1:Roger Elliott
Successor1:Susan Estes
Party:Republican
Birth Date:23 May 1964
Birth Place:Newton, Kansas, U.S.
Children:2
Education:Oklahoma Christian University (BS)
Wichita State University (BA)
Kansas State University (MS)
Residence:Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Website:

Renee Kendra Erickson (born May 23, 1964) is an American school principal and politician from the state of Kansas. A Republican, Erickson represented the 87th district of the Kansas House of Representatives, based in eastern Wichita, from 2019 to 2020.[1] [2] In 2020, she successfully ran for the Kansas Senate, where she represents the 30th Senate district for a term ending in 2024.[3] [4]

Career

In 2016, Erickson – then a middle school principal and a former financial planner – announced her campaign for the 31st district of the Kansas Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Carolyn McGinn from the right. Erickson narrowly lost in the primary election, 49-51%.[5]

Erickson ran for the state legislature again in 2018, after 87th district incumbent Roger Elliott retired. She positioned herself as the conservative in the race and defeated Jeff Kennedy in the Republican primary and was uncontested in the general election.[6]

President of the Kansas Senate Susan Wagle announced her retirement from the 30th district in 2020, and endorsed Erickson as her successor; Erickson faced Democrat Melissa Gregory in November and defeated her 52% to 48%.[4] [3]

Political positions

Healthcare

Erickson opposes expanding Medicaid.[7]

COVID-19

Erickson has posted on social media that she has refused to wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also criticized that businesses are requiring face masks for entrance.[8]

In May 2020, Erickson voted to strip Governor Laura Kelly of her power to enact policies in response to COVID-19.[9]

LGBTQ

Erickson introduced the controversial Fairness in Women's Sports bill (SB 55) to the Kansas Legislature during the 2021 legislative session. The bill would prohibit individuals who are not biologically female from competing in girls' and women's sports. Erickson claims the bill is important to protect female athletes.[10]

Personal life

Erickson lives in Wichita with her husband, who is also a retired school principal. They have two children and one grandchild.[11]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Representative Renee Erickson . Kansas Legislature. October 16, 2020.
  2. Web site: Renee Erickson. Ballotpedia. October 16, 2020.
  3. Web site: 2020 General Election Official Vote Totals . sos.ks.gov . Kansas Secretary of State . January 9, 2023.
  4. Web site: Democrats Making Play for Kansas Senate President's Seat . U.S. News. Associated Press. February 9, 2020. October 16, 2020.
  5. Web site: McGinn leads Erickson in primary . The Kansan. Chad Frey. August 3, 2016. October 16, 2020.
  6. Web site: Republican Renee Erickson Defeats Moderate Opponent To Win 87th District Seat. KMUW. Steven Bisaha. August 7, 2018. October 16, 2020.
  7. Web site: HB 2066. 2020-10-31. Kansas Legislature.
  8. https://www.facebook.com/renee.erickson.509/posts/3512189035461382 Renee Erickson
  9. Web site: HB 2054. 2020-10-31. Kansas Legislature.
  10. Web site: HANNA. JOHN. 2021-04-09. Kansas lawmakers likely to pass bill on transgender athletes. 2021-05-05. Alton Telegraph. en-US.
  11. Web site: Get to Know Renee. Renee Erickson for State Senate. October 16, 2020.