Jenna Arsenault

Jenna Arsenault earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine in 2002, a graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire in 2004, and an associate degree from Trident Technical College in 2011.

Her career experience includes working in healthcare.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am not a career politician and that is exactly what South Carolina needs in its State House. I am a social worker, registered nurse, and postpartum doula. The perspective I've gained through the years working in healthcare, social services, and maternal health is desperately lacking in Columbia. I've spent my career serving others with compassion, authenticity, and transparency. The people of South Carolina deserve a leader who puts them first.

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?

Lifting Up the Economy

We have an affordability crisis.

Housing costs are out of control. Everyone deserves the chance to live in the community where they work, but skyrocketing prices are pushing working families out. Teachers, nurses, and first responders shouldn’t have to drive an hour just to serve the community they love.

Living paycheck to paycheck is stressful. Nobody should have to face choosing between paying rent or buying groceries, especially when people at the top keep getting richer at their expense.

We need to prioritize people over profit and keep our community livable now and for the next generation through affordable housing solutions, local employment opportunities, and balanced taxes with shared responsibility.Standing with Women

Women deserve equality in every part of life — at work, at home, and in healthcare.

Many women are forced out of the workforce because of unavailable or too costly childcare, unfair pay, and lack of good employment opportunities.

Our state is letting its women down by blocking reproductive freedom and personal agency. Women deserve to make their own healthcare decisions without interference from politicians and religious doctrine.

SC is also letting its mothers down. Our state has an atrocious maternal mortality rate - 8th highest in the nation.

Women deserve better. They deserve reproductive freedom, affordable quality childcare, equal pay for equal work, and better access to medical and mental healthcare.Investing in Our Children

We protect what we value — and nothing is more valuable than our children.

Every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their child is safe at school. But under today’s loose gun laws, kids are sitting ducks.

Children also face stressors like bullying, low self-esteem, mental health concerns, and suicidal thoughts - in and outside of school.

South Carolina’s public school students, teachers, and schools have been underfunded for too long. It’s time to invest in our children, not defund their future. Let's help them thrive.

Our children deserve fully funded quality public education, common sense gun reform, strengthened literacy programs, and better access to mental health care.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public policy that improves things for everyday people, such as economic affordability and access to healthcare. I believe in putting the people of South Carolina first and helping them live healthier, safer, more productive and satisfying lives.

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

Transparency, Authenticity, Compassion

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

To listen to and advocate for the constituents of the district in an honest, straightforward manner free of self-interest.

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

My first job was working the counter at my best friend's parents' seafood restaurant when I was 14 years old. I worked there for three summers in a row.

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

Over the next decade, South Carolina will face its young adult graduates leaving this state unless we change policies for the better in terms of economic opportunities, affordability of housing, civil rights, women's rights, quality education and childcare for their kids, and healthcare. We need to earn their trust and retain them here, not send them leaving for safer, attainable, more equitable places.

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

I believe that compromise is both necessary and desirable for policymaking.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

I remember watching the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster live on TV in 1986 when I was almost six years old. It was devastating, especially knowing that there had been a teacher onboard (Christa McAuliffe) that my kindergarten class had learned all about.