Paul Jefferson

Paul Jefferson earned a high school diploma from Hirschi High School, a bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University in 1977, a graduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1979, and a graduate degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1984. His career experience includes working as a retired teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Moses Lake Washington in 1955 on Larson Air Force Base, moved to Hawaii shortly thereafter, lived there for 2 years and then moved to Texas.

My formative years were spent in Texas.

I am not a 5th generation Montanan.

I am not a 4th generation Montanan.

I am not a 3rd generation Montanan.

I am not a 2nd generation or a first generation Montanan.

Then what am I?

My mother was a Witten who grew up during the great depression on a 160 acre farm in Missouri . The Witten family were prominent pioneer settlers in Tazewell County, Virginia, establishing the first settlement at "Crab Orchard" near the Clinch River in 1767.

On my fathers’s side was a WWII and Vietnam veteran, my great, great, great, great, great , great Grandfather was Field Jefferson who was the Uncle of President Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

So what does that make me?

It makes me an American Citizen; the title that I am most proud of.

This American Citizen has lived in Montana for only 10 years. In that short time, I’ve fallen in love with this state’s cities, towns, and parks…and the people.

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?

am campaigning on uniting House District 26 regardless of party, wealth, education, race, religious affiliations, and any of the myriad of beliefs that create division.

Because at our core, we’re not just Montanans; we’re Americans.We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness...

Life

Due Process for All

Public Safety

Affordable Health Care

Affordable Housing

Healthy Food

Clean Water and Air

School Safety

Pro 2A

Regulated Data Centers

Liberty

Freedom of Expression

Religious Freedom

Women's Rights

Election Integrity

Freedom from Government Overreach

Right to Privacy

Right to Be Who You Want to Be

Freedom of MovementPursuit of Happiness

The Right to Marry Who You Wish

Economic Opportunity/Fair Wages

Public Lands in Public Hands

Strong Public Education

Equal Housing and Opportunity

Right to Organize

Affordable Higher Ed

The Right to Vote

Career and Technology Training

Protecting the Elderly Against Fraud

he people of District 26 deserve representation marked by seriousness, honesty, and respect for the duties of public office.

This campaign begins with a simple conviction: government should answer to the people, and public decisions should be made with care, humility, and a clear sense of responsibility.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public education, Affordability, Veteran Benefits, Protecting the Elderly, Healthcare

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

Jimmy Carter, honest and simple

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

Honesty, Working for the people that I represent

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

Adherence to the Montana Constitution

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I was able to help.

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

Dishwasher, Denny's, two years.

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

Listening more and talking less

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

Governor should provide vision. Legislature should provide oversite for that vision.

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

Affordability

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

Absolutely

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

Cuban Missile Crisis