Jennifer Hardin

Jennifer Hardin was born in Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from South Oldham High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Morehead State University in 2005. Her career experience includes working as a small business owner. She has been affiliated with The Political Women's Council.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised in Jeffersontown until my family moved to Oldham County, where I graduated from South Oldham High School. I earned my BA in Government with an emphasis in Regional Analysis and Public Policy from Morehead State University and later pursued a master’s in public administration while raising a special needs child.

In 2016, I founded my first business, a Kentucky‑based gift company that designs and handcrafts items made from bourbon barrel staves and products featuring local photography. In 2019, I launched my sock company, which began with Kentucky‑themed designs and has since expanded to offer products in 22 states, reaching customers across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

As a mother, I enjoy spending time with my son on creative projects that encourage learning and growth. I’m also an animal lover with three Boston terriers, including a rescue named Hamilton who joined our family in 2021.

As a business owner, I prioritize fair workplaces and employee well‑being. I support labor rights and foster an environment where my team can contribute ideas and grow professionally. My background in public policy, entrepreneurship, and community engagement shapes my commitment to helping build a future where individuals and families can thrive.

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?

People deserve leaders who show up, listen. I’ll bring a commitment to representing the voices of the community and not the interests that already have a seat at the table.Politics should be personal, not performative.

I’m a mom, a business owner, and someone who’s tired of the disconnect between everyday Kentuckians and the people who claim to represent them. I bring empathy, strategy, and a deep commitment to making government work for real people and not just insiders.From public schools to clean water to safe neighborhoods, our communities thrive when we invest in the basics that support working people. I’ll fight to protect and strengthen the services families rely on.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policy that strengthens communities, protects people’s rights, and ensures government works transparently and responsibly. I care deeply about environmental protection, public health, and safeguarding Kentuckians from pollution and corporate neglect. I’m committed to policies that expand access to healthcare, improve public safety, and create fair economic opportunities. My approach is rooted in local values and real‑world experience. I believe policy should reflect the needs, challenges, and voices of the people it serves.

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

I look up to those who’ve built change from the ground up. I look to our senior and veterans who have given us so much. I look up to the women who have been trailblazers. And I look up to the small business owners who created a company with integrity.

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

Integrity, accountability, and empathy are essential. Elected officials must listen to their constituents and they must tell the truth. My approach will be to treat people with the respect that everyone deserves regardless of their political party. I believe we must put people ahead of politics.

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

The core responsibility of a State Representative is to listen and carry the people's concerns to the Capitol. Frankfort already has plenty of lobbyists and voices for the powerful, what is lacking is a voice who will stand up for the values of our district. I’m running to represent the people and the small businesses who keep our communities going.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy where I have represented the people with honesty and integrity. That I made a difference in people's lives by building coalitions that get results.

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

One of the first historical events I remember was the September 11th attacks. I was a freshman in college at the time, and I’ll never forget how quickly everything changed. Friends were signing up for military service within days. The campus felt heavy with grief, uncertainty, and a deep sense of responsibility. That moment shaped how I see public service. It is rooted in courage, sacrifice, and the belief that we owe each other more than silence.

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

My very first job was at Michaels in the frame shop. I started as soon as I could drive and stayed through college. Learning the value of craftsmanship, customer service, and showing up consistently. After that, I worked in a frame shop and art gallery while pursuing my master’s degree. Those early jobs taught me how to balance creativity with precision, and how to connect with people from all walks of life.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Too many to name one.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life was raising a special needs child as a single mother while working full time and pursuing my master’s degree. It was an exhausting, emotional, and often isolating chapter. Juggling caregiving, coursework, and a full‑time job just to keep us afloat became my everyday reality. I had to fight for services, navigate systems that weren’t built for families like mine, and keep showing up even when I felt like I had nothing left to give. That experience shaped me. It taught me how to advocate, how to endure, and how to lead with empathy. It’s why I will fight so hard for people, because I’ve lived what so many are still going through it.

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

The best relationship between the Governor and the state legislature is built on accountability, collaboration, and respect for each other and the people of the Commonwealth. I am committed to working with anyone who is working on behalf of our district regardless of position or party.

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

The Commonwealth of Kentucky’s greatest challenges over the next decade are the sky rocking prices and the dismantling of healthcare. It is affecting every small business and working family in my district. Other investments must include public education and policies that make Kentucky friendly to creating good paying jobs, workers' rights and safe workplaces. Affordability continues to be a huge issue for our district. I am not for data centers that drive up the cost of electricity and use our precious resources like clean air and water. These are tough issues that affect our Commonwealth and our district.

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

No, democracy is based on the inclusion of many. Life experience should never be discounted. Frankfort has enough folks with political experience. It's far more important to have a small business owner who knows how to balance a budget and think outside of the box. We don't need any more politicians. We need people who understand and know how to solve problems.

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

Yes, building relationships is a cornerstone in life itself. Relationships with other legislators is essential to build coalitions to get things done. Collaboration leads to better policy, stronger coalitions, and real results for the people we serve. Even when we disagree, mutual respect can open doors to progress.

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

Governor Martha Layne Collins is my name sake. As Kentucky’s first and only female governor, was a trailblazer who proved that principled leadership and bold vision can reshape what’s possible. Her legacy inspires me to lead with courage, elevate women’s voices, and fight for policies that protect families and empower communities. Like her, I believe Kentucky deserves leaders who listen, act, and never back down from doing what’s right.

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

My sole focus is on serving the people of District 33 and delivering real results for Louisville families. I believe in building change from the ground up and if the people I serve call me to lead in a broader role someday, I’ll be ready to listen.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I’ve met so many Kentuckians whose stories stay with me, but two stand out. One woman, born in Harlan County, moved to the West End and now lives in Anchorage with her family including her granddaughter. She worked hard her whole life to build stability but now worries about her granddaughter being able to afford basic needs as she's graduating school and entering the workforce. Another was a young man who moved here from Florida just to access Kentucky’s expanded Medicaid because he couldn’t get the care, he needed anywhere else. These stories remind me that policy isn’t abstract, it’s personal. It’s about dignity, access, and making sure no one is left behind.

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

Kentucky already has an emergency‑powers framework in place, and it has been used effectively by governors from both parties. I believe in full transparency and equal branches of government with checks and balances.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

If elected, the first bill I would introduce would address the unchecked expansion of data centers. I will push for transparency around data center development, especially when it affects air quality, water access, utility use or community health.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

A state ballot initiative process could be good for Kentucky, if it’s designed with transparency, accessibility, and safeguards against corporate influence. It would give every day Kentuckians a direct voice in shaping policy, especially when the legislature fails to act. But it must be protected from dark money, misinformation, and efforts to bypass public debate. Done right, it’s a tool for empowerment, not exploitation.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

I’m moved every day by the people I meet. Going door to door, there isn’t a single day when our neighbors don’t leave an impression on me.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is being a small business owner. I built the company from with ground up by listening and showing respect to my customers and employees.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

I would support legislation that protects and strengthens mail‑in voting in Kentucky. Mail‑in ballots are a secure, reliable option that increases access for seniors, people with disabilities, working families, and anyone who may face barriers getting to the polls. With recent USPS changes affecting how and when mail is postmarked, it’s even more important that Kentucky’s laws ensure ballots are counted as long as they are mailed on time. I believe election administration should focus on making voting straightforward, transparent, and accessible, and maintaining strong mail‑in voting options is an important part of that.