Jimmy Ausbrooks

Jimmy Ausbrooks was born in Franklin, Kentucky. He earned a B.A. in government from Western Kentucky University in 2000 and an M.Ed. in human development and counseling from Lindsey Wilson College in 2018. Ausbrooks' experience includes working as a mental health counselor with Crimson Dove Counseling Services, a therapist with LifeSkills, Inc., and a store manager with Mattress Firm. He has been affiliated with the Kentucky Counseling Association, the Kentucky Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling, and the South-Central Kentucky Mental Health Counseling Association.[1][2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud native of Kentucky, born and raised in the rural community of Simpson County. I am a licensed professional counselor. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Western Kentucky University and a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College. I am a member of the Kentucky Counseling Association. In 2022, I was my party’s candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for the 1st Congressional District. I currently reside and work in Lexington, Kentucky. I am a dedicated proponent of diversity and equality. I chose to run for office to serve as both a voice and a witness; I believe that for too long, many voices have been suppressed, and a lack of true transparency exists among our federal officials. I aim to restore the integrity and trust that has been lost in Washington. I believe I am the most qualified candidate for this moment. My experience, empathy, faith, and professionalism as a mental health counselor are essential qualities needed in the U.S. Congress.

I was primarily raised by my grandparents, whose limited education—only second and third grade—nevertheless equipped me with some of the most enduring and valuable principles I adhere to today. These include the commitment to execute any task to the best of one's ability, and to ensure that one's words are as trustworthy as one's intentions. These are commitments I would challenge many politicians to claim they genuinely uphold.

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?

Mental health represents a significant national crisis, evidenced by the pervasive issues of substance abuse and the unsettling prevalence of anxiety, depression, and emotional instability observed across the country. If this crisis is not proactively addressed, its severity will undoubtedly persist. The mental health crisis exerts a devastating toll on both individuals and families, sparing no segment of the population. Currently, factors such as age, gender, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status offer no immunity. Given the lack of widespread leadership championing mental health, I intend to engage with stakeholders across the political spectrum to advance access to and education concerning mental health services.I support a universal healthcare system, regardless of the name we give it. I believe that Kentuckians and in fact all Americans have the right to the best healthcare at the most affordable prices if not free of cost. I believe that as a nation we should have equal access to healthcare, essential services, and prescription care.

A unified national system would not only improve individual health outcomes and longevity but would also eliminate the massive administrative waste and complexity inherent in the current patchwork of private insurance plans, ultimately saving money for families, businesses, and the government alike. It is time for the United States to join other major industrialized nation in guaranteeing healthcare for all.Immigration: I advocate for inclusion and support adapting our nation's founding principles to allow all who aspire to come here to pursue the American Dream. Our current dysfunctional immigration system requires immediate solutions. Extending pathways for opportunity is key to securing national prosperity. I would immediately advocate for defunding ICE and restructuring DHS. This aims not to open borders indiscriminately, but to establish orderly entry processes and pathways for current residents to gain citizenship. Addressing this requires bipartisan dialogue among stakeholders, including those seeking refuge, focusing on the comprehensive situation free from political conjecture that has historically fueled systemic failures.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The study focuses on five core policy, governance, and global dynamics areas: Business and Government Policy: The complex relationship between corporations and the regulatory state, including regulation, antitrust, CSR, fiscal/monetary policy, and lobbying.

Democracy, Politics, and Institutions: Analysis of self-governance via electoral systems, political parties, institutional function, political behavior, democratic stability, populism, civil liberties, and technology's role.

International and Global Affairs: Interactions between states and non-state actors, covering security, diplomacy, foreign policy, trade (e.g., WTO), humanitarian intervention, transnational issues (climate change, pandemics), and international organizations.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud native of Kentucky that lives and works in my hometown where I was born and raised. I grew up in rural Simpson County. My family is made up of hardworking farmers and factory workers. I was taught the value of hard work, honesty, and the importance of being respectful from my grandparents. They also taught me to “say what mean and mean what I say”. So, I take what I say and do very seriously.

"I am a pro-woman's choice, healthcare for all, climate change believing, minimum wage raising, immigration reforming, teacher supporting, pay gap eliminating, infrastructure building, labor union engaging, 2nd Amendment defending gun owner, student loan forgiving, fiscally responsible and I am running for the U.S. Congress."

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?

Kentucky Pride and Strength (Dignity, Integrity, and Respect)“We need to stand and celebrate inclusion and diversity, not hate and violence.”"Common sense is key to structured solution for problems, and common sense is missing in Washington. The time for restoring the utilization of common sense in Congress Vs. politics as usual and noting being achieved."

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Inflation- Rising costs of living in housing, healthcare, food, and energy are the biggest problems for our communities and families. Controlling these spiraling costs are an essential commitment I am making to Kentucky. Together we can help build an economy that meets our families' needs. This requires financial responsibility and federal investment in our state.

Healthcare-A universal healthcare system should be providing quality care to all Americans regardless of social-economic status. Healthcare is a human right and should never be assumed it is a privilege. Lifesaving treatment and preventive care should be a $0 cost, and prescription medications should have a $0 cost.

Abortion- A woman’s right to govern her own body and make her own right to reproductive privacy and choice. Women should have the independent choice to govern themselves and their bodies, and not restricted or denied, “The day our rights are taken away, the rights of others are on the horizon, and the day will come when

we all have no rights”.

Human Rights-No person should be denied jobs, housing, and human dignity based on their religion, color, creed, gender or sex orientation. The plight of individuals of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are placed at higher risk of social injustice, denied and restricted rights, and treated less than.

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

Integrity, Trust, and Transparency.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a professional, I have experience working on many levels of diversity, social-economic status, and have earned a degree from Western Kentucky University prior to earning a master's degree in Education: Counseling and Human Development. I am a proud native of the district I am serving. I have a reputation of being honest, transparent, fair, and mindful. I seek guidance and a mindset of collaboration so that all individuals feel they are being represented and they are being represented.

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

To Listen

To Hear

To Serve

To Represent

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to restore integrity and trust; no greater legacy could be imaged for me. I would like to see the focus of any US Representative to be one of stewardship and recognition of the purpose other position and address the issues by having their hand on the pulse of our nation.

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

The lack of a voice, as many individuals know the majority lavish their power and we surrender ours and that leaves us voiceless and defenseless. Inequality has no place in political system, our focus as members of Congress should be and I will strive to give a voice to the voiceless, engage and entrust equality for all persons.

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

What stands out to me first is the unique way our government has been established and maintained, individuals are represented and "We the people..." elect men and women from all walks of life to collaborate and establish policy that governs our nation and represents "We the people...",.

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

As with a lot of other things, previous experience in politics and government could be both beneficial and detrimental to an elected representative. You've obviously had time to form relationships with others and had a chance to actually serve the public. On the other hand, I believe it's important to send fresh faces to Washington to get stuff done, someone who is not afraid to speak truth to power.

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

The two significant challenges within the United States over the next decade are human rights and environmental.

Human rights are being restricted and denied, and historically the process of limiting an individual's rights perpetuates control and not equality. Allowing others to lead us blindly, is a precursor for danger, exploitation, and slavery. The environment is fundamentally essential, and erosion of our environment is destructive, costly, and irreplaceable. We need to take action, and I know that I am limited in my knowledge and abilities regarding weather, environmental impacts of weather change, etc. Our leading scientists around the world are not individuals without educations, these individuals have spent years developing their knowledge and understanding, and they collectively share the impact of global warming, deforestation, etc.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

The Agriculture Committee because of the unique way that it's decisions affect Kentucky. The Appropriations Committee because of my personal beliefs about fiscal responsibility. The Education and Labor Committee, Oversight and Reform and Foreign Affairs.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

N/A

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes. Frequent elections help to ensure our representatives are held to account by their constituents. I trust and have faith in the 2 years laid out by our founding fathers.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am a term limits candidate, establishing term limits for the US Congress will keep the pulse of the nation relevant vs. stagnation and complacency.

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

I believe we need to be willing to listen to the other side of the aisle. It would be amazing if we could make the effort to find common ground. There are fundamentals that we all can agree on, the majority of what is going on is an effort to avoid policymaking in my opinion. Debate that is lacking substance is a distraction, the responsibility to making a policy that will impact, support, and secure our citizens should be the priority, not anyone's laptop, emails, or dinner plans. Compromise is not a bad thing, but it is not the only solution either. If the men and women in Washington actually spoke to their constituents instead of thinking they know best and have not "lived" in the real world for a time, we would see more things accomplished just for the simple fact it is the right thing to do.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I will fervently fight to restore integrity and trust within the hallow walls of the US Capital and be the representative that Kentucky elected me to do, and I will provide encouragement and strength to those that seek their rewards. Members of congress are elected to serve the people and be good stewards of other people's hard-earned money and have the knowledge and ability to be trusted.

Campaign website

Ausbrooks' campaign website stated the following:

Equality

Making sure that every citizen has the same opportunity as the next. We believe that ensuring the same opportunities is a requirement for each of our citizens.

Mental Health

Everyone has battles to fight and hurtles to overcome. We want to ensure that every citizen in our district knows there is hope for tomorrow and we can help.

Economics

Structuring an economy that secures our family's and our community's needs. This requires financial responsibility and require investment in our state.[4]

—Jimmy Ausbrooks' campaign website (2022)[5]

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Mental Health

Balanced Budget / Tax Reform

Equality / Women's Rights

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Mental Health and Education

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

I look up to the men and women that strive daily to make this country just a little better.

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

My political philosophy is really a combination of things read, viewed, and heard. I am very eclectic, I do not think any one thing can capture my philosophy.

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

Congruence-a genuineness and being authentic. No one is perfect, we all have faults. A strong leader is someone that is willing work with others, not always taking the lead, but understands sharing responsibility builds leadership and prepares the next person to take on the role of leadership.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a truly genuine person, flawed and all. I understand the importance of follow through and set SMART goals. I do not just listen to people, but actually hear them. I seek solutions, not obstacles. I am not always right and I accept and engage in learning opportunities. I seek wisdom and counselor from men and women that are professionals in their field.

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

Listen to the people that elected them to their respected office. Engage in making a difference for all not the select few. Build relationships and strengthen bipartisan approaches that foster improvements and not politics as usual.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Hope for a brighter tomorrow and taking initiative in securing a promising future for our country.

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

The first historic event that I recall is the Iran hostage crisis, in 1979. I was 8 years old.

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

My first job was in fast food, and worked in that job for nearly a year as a senior in high school.

What happened on your most awkward date?

I have not really had an awkward date.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Holidays are very special to me and my family. Christmas has to be my favorite! I enjoy the way our family share a meal together and then transition to sitting around the Christmas tree opening presents and sharing old stories. In my family, or at least with me, it is not about the gifts I receive as much as it is about acknowledging the love we have for one another.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have to many favorite books to just name one. I like adventure, sci-fi, romance and mystery, but poetry and history are at the top of my list for sure.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I would be a hero, not the hero that only uses his might, but also his mind.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My favorite thing at home is my photo albums. I treasure the memories captured in snap-shots. A birthday party, graduation, just memories of family and friends coming together for celebrations of life. It is true that a picture is worth a thousand words.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA. Every time I hear that song, I am reminded of being at FFA camp and the song was played every evening as the American Flag was taken down. I think that the song God Bless the USA strengthens my love for this country, it encourages me to be a better person. The verse, "I will stand next to her, and defend her today" is what I am trying to do in my campaign. Standing up against the bullying, passive aggression, and internal decay of our leadership. I want to stand up and defend America.

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

Equality for all!

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

Our country has to focus on balancing a budget, being good stewards of our nation. We have to live within out means and realize the purpose of a budget is long term sustainability as a nation. Climate change is real, we are in a position today to help reverse the damage. Once we take action we can start moving forward on finding solutions if we all work together. Mental health in our youth, veterans, and senior citizens are extremely pressing. The number of mental health related incidents are increasing, limited resources, and limit personnel. The stigma of mental health is costing more lives today than any other time in our history.

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

Strength, our Senate has stood the test of time. The Senate is an institution is established. We know it can work. We know that if our leadership faced the facts they would know too that currently our government is being attacked within, this attack is more dangerously than any foreign power. We have to clean house and return to the basics. Look at the opportunity to grow, develop, and strengthen the country through cooperative relationships.

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

I do not believe that it is beneficial in the since that an American without experience should be dismissed. When our country was founded our government consisted of farmers, small business leaders, and yes politicians. I think that the diversity is important, I feel that we all govern throughout our life and have experiences that are relevant. If we get back to the basics and really center on the job at hand, past governmental experiences would not matter and we would probably get more done.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I feel strongly we have a right to take up a cause, that being said, the cause has to justify the means.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?

I feel that the whole picture should be presented. I say that meaning, out past cannot define us, are adult actions should be the focal point of discussion. We often do not change to much, we might be better at hiding things, but the truth will come out. I think everyone should be given the benefit of the doubt, and let the evidence of their character define the person.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?

Strong relationships are the fundamental key to growth, understanding and open communication that leads to compromise and action.

If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would like to work on committees that engage change. I feel that I lean more toward education, farming,military, foreign and domestic affairs committees. My first committee choice would be the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee. This committee includes areas that I am passionate about like mental health care in schools. Second committee choice would be Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry our of default of coming from a rural community and state where agriculture is in fabric of many lives in Kentucky. Third committee choice would be Foreign Affairs, I feel that relationships are very important, building strong alliances will only strengthen our position as a world power. Fourth would be the Veterans or Homeland Security and Government Affairs. I feel that security is very important and those that provide us security should be allocated resources.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would take a leadership role in US Senate, I think that most candidate that enter the race to be a lead. Not all can be a leader and not all leaders can lead. I think that leadership is about building and providing opportunities to create leaders.

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

I honor and respect W. Ford from Kentucky. I had the honor and pleasure to meet and speak to him. He inspired me to make change in my own life. I have also admired T. Kennedy for his work in Congress. I also admire and respect B. Frank for being an open and breaking down barriers.

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What is your political philosophy?

I seek to achieve unification and true bi-partisanship in the US Senate. I elected to run for office to bring change, provide a platform that adheres to the need of the people and offer a voice for the voiceless.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I take this candidacy very seriously, I am seeking an opportunity to foster a new spirit. I am strengthened by the support of those that seek change, equality, and better way of life for not only themselves, but for the generations to follow.[4]

—Jimmy Ausbrooks[1]