Frank Hernandez

Frank Hernandez was born in Montrose, Colorado. He served in the U.S. Army from 1998 to 2020. He earned a military citation from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 2017 and a graduate degree from the University of Kansas in 2017. His career experience includes working as a teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Western Colorado. After graduating from Delta High School, I served a full 22 year career as a military officer, with over half my career serving in the Special Operations community. Upon my retirement from the military, I returned to Colorado to teach, lead and inspire through action!

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?

I am seeking office to provide, protect and preserve what matters most to Coloradans! Your voice IS what matters most. I believe elected officials are to be the voice of the people. Every policy decision must be indicative of that voice!I am a moderate, willing to work with anyone to arrive at outcomes that will benefit Colorado House District 3. As a former service member, and now educator, I have seen and felt the impacts of good and bad policy decisions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about education, how current immigration policies impact Colorado, the growing overreach of government, and efforts to supplant the unalienable rights to life and liberty.

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

The book Starship Troopers is not only fantastic, but explores the leadership development through challenges and hardships. I am the leader I am today because of challenges and hardships endured.

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

TEAM H - Trust. Empowerment. Accountability. Mentorship. Honor.

Trust that I am working to ensure Colorado has the representation it deserves! Everyday. Always.

Empowerment enables us to serve leaders in the classroom, home, community and government. We are empowered through knowledge and should constantly seek opportunities to research and learn the potential impacts of all policy decisions.

Accountability is a mindset, and it starts with me. I am accountable as a teacher and public servant. I owe you nothing less.

Mentorship is key to success. I have received great mentorship throughout my life. In this position, I seek daily mentorship from my constituents. That mentorship sets us up for success today and in the future.

Honor is a key tenet of our lives. Living honorably, especially as an elected official, allows us to live and serve as such. Honor yourself, your families, your institution, and nation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To be remembered not only as a decorated veteran, but accomplished educator and dedicated family man.

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

9/11 was the most impactful event of my lifetime. I was 21 at the time and still a young soldier in the Army. The event defined the purpose of my military career and gave my life the trajectory it never had. It also showed me how great our country can be when united in goals and purpose.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it most directly connects to the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I vehemently against the idea of a "career politician." Get in. Do your job. Get out. Experience in politics is not necessary, goes against founding principles and leads to politicians being disconnected from the people they serve.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Extremism in all forms is our nation's greatest threat. The erosion of confidence in government, public institutions and each other significantly degrades our ability to respond to extremism and extremists threats, at home and abroad.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

We are elected to serve the will of the people and return to our state and communities to work and serve. Term limits should be mandatory.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

President Eisenhower, Secretary of State Powell and Senator McCain are leaders I admired.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

The Founders not only felt compromise was necessary, they exemplified it through discuss and debate, ultimately leading to the creation of our Constitution and nation.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Only to ensure understanding of policy decisions, not to create partisan gridlock.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government should be completely transparent. Secrecy leads to loss of trust and accountability, and once lost, is near impossible to regain.