Gina Johnsen

Gina Johnsen was born in Lansing, Michigan. She earned a high school diploma from Lansing Eastern High School. Johnsen earned a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College in 1989 and a master's degree in economics from Wellesley College. Her career experience includes owning an insurance business and working as a life and health insurance agent. Johnsen has served as the director of the Michigan Capitol House of Prayer and on the advisory board of directors of Protect Life Michigan.[1][2][3][4]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Republican woman - see website GinaForStateRep.com

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?

Parents are in charge of their children.Economics matters so families can thrive and take car of their own. Lower taxes and better business environment for creative, productive work to prosper.Safe communities and sustainable infrastructure are essential to any society and should be foundational priorities for government.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, health, judiciary.

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

Ronald Reagan

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

George Gilder’s writings - economics.

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

Experience, integrity, and a service attitude.

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

Serve the public, understand what burdens families and citizens and what frees them to do their best and thrive. Must understand economics.

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

Summer job - bank teller. Many summers I worked for banks.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Equal authority and best when they collaborate.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Overcoming (changing) poor business environment structure. Taxes, right to work, etc.

Letting parents choose education and healthcare for their children.

Healthcare: more choice and access to choice.

Farmland and local food supply under threat from many directions including our state and federal government.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes it is helpful but not necessary.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely! We just work together, learn from each other’s areas of expertise, and collaborate.

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

Tom Casperson, Paul Opsommer, many others

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Maybe

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I have introduced many bills already. See record.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

All of the conservative ones and Farm Bureau and Fraternal Order of Police. See website.

What committees interest you?

Health, education, judiciary.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I am for it.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I would not encourage ballot initiatives. Most states don’t have them.

Gina Johnsen did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Gina Johnsen is a community leader and business professional who was born and raised in the Lansing area and for many years has called Eaton County home.

A graduate of Lansing Eastern High School and Wellesley College near Boston, Gina is a Lansing-area business woman who has dedicated her life to helping serve local churches, charities, and civic organizations while raising her daughter as a single Mother. Gina is also the Director of the Michigan Capitol House of Prayer, where she has devoted her leadership to serving both sides of the political aisle.

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?

Michigan Families FirstCommon Sense Constitutional ConservativeEaton County Matters

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education that improves math and reading skills, and promotes both skilled trades curriculum as well as college preparation .

Lower taxes and fewer regulations to encourage more job creation and business growth.

Safety within our schools and neighborhoods. This empowers citizens to live together peacefully, with respect for law enforcement, and in partnership with each other toward a productive, thriving community.

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

I look up to the hard working families who plow through challenges, do what needs to be done, and are the foundation of the civilized world. These are the unsung heroes.

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

Transparency, productivity, and accountability to the principles and values of the constituents one represents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of reducing burdens on families, while increasing their independence to raise their children. By reducing taxation, maintaining public safety, and promoting a strong partnership between parents and schools, families can become more empowered to thrive and prosper.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Michigan has many challenges ahead. Some of the most important challenges will be continued economic growth to foster increased job creation, educational support that improves math and reading skills while providing skilled trades as well as college preparation , and maintaining safe and stable communities.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Ideally, the Governor and Legislature should have mutual respect, common public interest, and the well-being of the state at the forefront of their offices. This type of synergy will create a relationship of common goals and cooperation.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is not only important to build relationships with other legislators, it is essential. Mutual respect and cooperation is what delivers results that benefit our communities.