Robin Kendall

Robin Kendall was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. She earned a high school diploma from Houston High School. Her career experience includes working as a director of business development.[1]

Kendall has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Missoula Symphony Orchestra

University Congregational Church, United Church of Christ-Missoula

The World Wide Fellowship of Al-anon

Human Rights Campaign

Democratic National Committee

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Robin Kendall and I am running to represent House District 94 in Missoula, bringing over 13 years of proven leadership, community engagement, and dedication to Missoula. As a business leader and advocate, I am committed to strengthening local opportunities, supporting quality education, expanding affordable housing, and protecting our clean air, land, and water for future generations. I believe every voice in Missoula deserves to be heard and will work hard to protect individual freedoms and ensure that our community remains a place where everyone 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?

Strengthening Local Opportunity: I will work to expand good-paying jobs, support small businesses, and help working families thrive — so more Missoulians can build a secure future right here at home.Investing in Community Needs: I am committed to strong public schools, affordable housing options, and smart policies that make Missoula a place where families of all backgrounds can put down roots and succeed..Protecting What Makes Montana Home: I will stand up for our clean air, land, and water, State Constitution to protect the personal freedoms and local values that make Montana special for generations to come.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic Development: I believe Missoula families deserve good jobs and strong local businesses. I’ll support fair wages & local entrepreneurs so they can grow and hire — instead of being pushed aside by big out-of-state interests.

Education & Housing: I’ll fight for solid education funding, support our teachers, & make sure every child can succeed. I’m also committed to smart zoning and realistic housing solutions so Missoula stays affordable & welcoming for everyone.

Environment & Civil Liberties: I’ll protect Montana’s clean air, land, and water while balancing growth with conservation. I’ll also defend individual freedoms and keep government open, honest, and accountable to the people — not special interests.

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

As a progressive and a person of faith, I look up to leaders — past and present — who live out their faith and values through service, compassion, and a commitment to fairness and justice.

I think of people like Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who showed how faith and the fight for equality can move mountains when paired with courage and love. His example reminds me that standing up for what’s right often means challenging systems that hold people back — but doing it with hope and humanity.

I also admire Senator Jon Tester, who represented Montana with honesty, common sense, and a deep respect for everyday people. He showed us that you can stick to your roots, work across the aisle when it makes sense, and always put your community first — no matter how messy politics can get.

Closer to home, I look to people like Diane Sands and Marilyn Marler, who have led with kindness, practicality, and a fierce commitment to their neighbors and our shared values.

At the end of the day, I want to follow the example of leaders — well-known or not — who live by the simple but powerful call to love your neighbor as yourself. For me, that’s what faith and public service are really about.

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

This one is tough. There are several. A Sand County Almanac" by Aldo Leopold This timeless classic explores the idea of a land ethic — the belief that we have a moral responsibility to care for our natural surroundings and pass them on in good condition. "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs. Jacobs’ groundbreaking work on urban communities, local economies, and how neighborhoods thrive. "The Politics of Hope” by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. This essay and book champion the idea that government can and should be a practical tool for solving problems, protecting rights, and expanding opportunity — without losing sight of civil liberties. Last but never least, "The Montana Constitution". Not a book you read cover to cover every weekend, but Montana’s state constitution is one of the most citizen-focused and environmentally conscious in the country — it literally guarantees the right to a clean and healthful environment.

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

Integrity and Accountability

— Doing what’s right for the community, not for special interests.

— Listening to constituents and being transparent about decisions.

— Following through on promises and taking responsibility for results.

Community-Minded and Compassionate

— Genuinely caring about people’s daily challenges — from affordable housing to quality schools.

— Being present and accessible, so people know their voices are heard.

— Standing up for those who often don’t have a seat at the table.

Forward-Thinking and Practical

— Balancing growth and progress with sustainability and stewardship of Montana’s natural beauty.

— Crafting realistic, effective solutions — not just slogans — to strengthen local jobs, education, and housing.

— Protecting freedoms and rights for all, while building a future that works for the next generation.

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

I believe what makes me a strong candidate and will make me a successful officeholder isn’t just experience — it’s how I show up for people.

I’m a good listener who believes everyone deserves to be heard, even when we don’t agree. I’m practical and solutions-focused, willing to roll up my sleeves to tackle tough problems like affordable housing, strong public schools, and protecting our clean air and water.

I’m also accountable and honest — I say what I mean and follow through. Decades of leadership have taught me how to build teams, bring people together, and get results without forgetting who I am and where I came from.

Above all, I care deeply about my neighbors, my community, and leaving Montana better for the next generation. I think that combination of compassion, common sense, and commitment is what people want in their representative — and I’m ready to deliver it.

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

Represent the People — Not Special Interests:

Be a true voice for your neighbors by listening, learning, and standing up for the diverse needs of families, workers, and small businesses in Missoula.

Advance Practical Solutions:

Craft and support policies that directly improve everyday life — strengthening the local economy, investing in public education, expanding affordable housing, and protecting Montana’s natural resources.

Protect Rights and Uphold Trust:

Defend individual freedoms, civil liberties, and local values while maintaining honesty, transparency, and accountability in every decision and vote.

Build Bridges, Not Divides:

Work across party lines when needed to get results, find common ground, and put the best interests of the community ahead of partisan politics.

Safeguard the Future:

Make choices today that sustain Montana’s clean air, land, and water for generations, ensuring Missoula remains a place where everyone can thrive.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be that I helped make my community stronger, fairer, and more welcoming — not just for today, but for the next generation.

If I can look back and know I helped working families stay and thrive here, made our schools stronger, protected our clean air, land, and water, and made government more open and accountable to the people — that’s a legacy I’d be proud of.

More than anything, I hope people will remember me as someone who listened, showed up, and cared enough to do the hard work — and who never forgot that public service is about neighbors, not politics.

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 moments I remember as a child growing up in Mississippi and Louisiana was the United States Bicentennial in 1976 — I was six years old. I remember the parades, fireworks, and how everyone seemed so proud to celebrate the country’s 200th birthday. It made an impression on me about what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Another moment that really stuck with me was the Challenger explosion in 1986. I was 16 then, and like so many kids, I watched it happen live at school. It was heartbreaking but also showed how deeply people care about exploration, science, and coming together in the face of tragedy.

Those moments — one joyful, one tragic — shaped how I see community, country, and resilience.

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

My very first job was in high school. I worked in a furniture factory and glued fabric swatches in books. I did this for about a year and also work at a local YMCA summer camp teaching tennis and horseback riding.

What is your favorite book? Why?

One of my favorite books is The Big Burn by Timothy Egan. It tells the story of the devastating wildfire that swept through the Northwest in 1910 and how that moment shaped our national forests and public lands. I love it because it’s not just about fire — it’s about resilience, the power of community, and the courage to protect something bigger than ourselves. It reminds me why Montana’s lands and natural resources matter so much, and why we have to fight to preserve them for future generations.

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

Scout Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird) — Curious, outspoken, and wise beyond her years — she learns to stand up for what’s right in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.

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

Southern Girl by Amos Lee

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

I was adopted as a baby and spent much of my childhood feeling like I didn’t fully belong. Later, I realized I was gay — and growing up gay in a small, conservative community wasn’t easy. It taught me what it feels like to be unseen, unheard, or made to feel like you don’t have a place.

But it also taught me something just as important: that everyone deserves to belong. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued for who they are. That’s a big part of why I’m running — to stand up for folks who’ve ever felt left out or overlooked, to make sure everyone has a seat at the table, and to help build a Montana where every person, every family, every child knows they matter.

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

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be one of healthy balance, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

The governor’s job is to lead the executive branch, set a vision for the state, and ensure laws are carried out effectively. The legislature’s job is to represent the people’s diverse voices, craft laws, set budgets, and hold the executive branch accountable.

In practice, that means:

Collaboration where possible: The Governor and legislators should work together to find common ground on big challenges like education, housing, jobs, and protecting our environment.

Checks and balances always: Legislators should never be a rubber stamp for the governor’s agenda — nor should the governor ignore the will of the people’s representatives. Healthy debate and honest disagreement help keep government transparent and effective.

Respect for local voices: Both branches should remember they work for all Montanans, not just party insiders or special interests.

In short, I believe the best outcomes happen when the governor and legislature listen to each other, challenge each other when needed, and stay focused on serving the people — not political games.

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

1. Affordable Housing & Growth Management

Montana’s population is growing fast, and housing costs are pushing families, workers, and young people out of communities they’ve called home for generations. Balancing growth with keeping housing affordable — and making sure it fits local character — will be a huge test for leaders statewide.

2. Quality Education & Workforce Readiness

Keeping Montana’s schools strong, well-funded, and able to attract and retain good teachers is vital. We’ll also need more career training and pathways so young people can stay, work, and build their futures here — instead of leaving for better opportunities elsewhere.

3. Protecting Natural Resources

Montana’s land, water, and clean air are part of who we are — but pressures from development, drought, and climate change pose real risks. We’ll need smart, balanced policies to protect what makes Montana special for future generations.

4. Respecting Individual Rights & Good Governance

As politics become more polarized, protecting civil liberties and individual freedoms — and keeping government honest and transparent — will remain a challenge that affects trust in leaders at every level.

5. Infrastructure & Community Services

Rural roads, broadband, and basic public services need investment to keep up with population shifts. Communities big and small will have to modernize aging infrastructure without putting the burden on working families.

6. Economic Diversification

Montana’s economy needs to keep evolving — supporting small businesses, sustainable industries, and good-paying jobs that aren’t at the mercy of boom-and-bust cycles. This means planning ahead and making it easier for local businesses to grow.

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

Yes — but not always, and not at the expense of real-world experience.

Experience alone shouldn’t be the only measure of a good leader. People with deep ties to their communities — business leaders, teachers, parents, advocates — bring fresh ideas and practical knowledge about what’s actually working (or not) on the ground. Sometimes, the best thing you can have is not a résumé full of politics, but real-life experience listening to people, solving problems, and standing up for what’s right.

Having some knowledge of how government works — how laws are made, budgets are crafted, and agencies operate — can absolutely help a legislator be more effective right away. It can save time, build relationships, and help navigate the system to get things done for constituents.

Ideally, a legislature should be a mix of both: experienced leaders who understand the system and everyday people who know firsthand what needs fixing. That balance keeps government from becoming disconnected from the people it serves.

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

Yes, building relationships with other legislators is essential to getting things done for the people you represent.

No matter how good an idea is, it rarely moves forward alone. Strong relationships — even with people you don’t always agree with — help you find common ground, open doors for collaboration, and make it possible to pass practical solutions instead of getting stuck in gridlock.

Good relationships also build trust and respect, which are key to working through tough issues like housing, education funding, or environmental protections. When legislators work together, they can craft better, more balanced laws that reflect the needs of all Montanans — not just one party or special interest.

At the end of the day, people expect their elected leaders to put community ahead of politics. Building strong working relationships is one of the best ways to do that.

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

If I had to name leaders I admire and hope to model my service after, I’d look to Montanans like Pat Williams, Diane Sands, and Marilyn Marler.

Like Pat Williams, I believe in standing up for working families and making sure government works for everyday people — not special interests. His commitment to Montana’s communities, education, and public lands reminds me that you can be practical and principled at the same time.

From Diane Sands, I draw inspiration for thoughtful, people-first leadership. She’s spent her career listening, doing the hard work, and fighting for fairness and equal rights — never forgetting who she represents.

And like Marilyn Marler, I value a hands-on, community-centered approach. She’s shown how local leadership, smart policy, and caring for our environment go hand in hand. Her work on practical solutions for neighborhoods and natural spaces reflects the balance I hope to bring to the legislature.

Each of these leaders reminds me that politics at its best is about serving people with integrity, common sense, and real care for the place we call home. That’s the spirit I’ll bring to House District 94.

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

Right now, my focus is fully on doing the work for House District 94. I believe you earn trust one step at a time by showing up, listening, and delivering real results for your neighbors.

I won’t say never when it comes to the future — because if there’s more good work I can do for Missoula and Montana down the road, I’d consider it. But for now, my priority is serving the people here at home and proving that I can make a real difference where it matters most: right here in our community.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why don’t scientists trust atoms?

Because they make up everything

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

Yes — I believe the legislature absolutely should have a role in overseeing and granting the use of emergency powers.

In times of crisis — like a natural disaster or public health emergency — it’s important for the governor to have the tools to respond quickly and protect people. But broad emergency powers should never go unchecked for long periods of time.

The legislature represents the people’s voice. It should have clear authority to review, limit, or renew emergency powers if needed — to make sure they’re used responsibly and don’t overstep individual rights or local control.

Emergency powers should be practical, temporary, and focused on keeping people safe — not an excuse to bypass accountability. Strong checks and balances keep government responsive, fair, and worthy of the trust Montanans put in it.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

If elected, the first bill I’d introduce would focus on helping working families and strengthening our community’s future — likely around affordable housing or education.

One idea I’m passionate about is a bipartisan measure to expand affordable housing options — for example, by supporting smart local development, cutting red tape for building workforce housing, and giving communities more tools to keep housing affordable for teachers, nurses, and working families.

Another priority could be a bill to boost funding for public schools, making sure our teachers have the resources they need and our kids get the education they deserve — no matter their ZIP code.

Whatever the first bill is, it will be practical, locally focused, and shaped by listening to people in House District 94. My goal is to bring solutions that help Missoula families thrive today and keep Montana a place we’re proud to pass on tomorrow.

What committees interest you?

Business & Labor, Appropriations, Local Government

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial Transparency:

I believe taxpayers deserve to know exactly how their dollars are spent — with clear, accessible budgets and honest explanations for every investment and expense. Public money should be used wisely and openly, prioritizing local needs like education, housing, and infrastructure — not wasted on backroom deals or special favors.

Government Accountability:

I believe elected officials work for the people — not the other way around. That means showing up, listening, and being honest about decisions and results. It means owning up to mistakes, fixing what’s broken, and never forgetting who you represent. You’d push for strong ethics rules, open records, and public input so that government stays transparent, responsive, and rooted in trust.

How I'd Work to Put This Into Action:

- Support clear, balanced budgets people can actually read

- Back laws that shine light on special-interest spending and lobbying

- Keep an open door — town halls, Q&A sessions, regular updates

- Hold myself and others accountable when promises aren’t met

In short, I see financial transparency and accountability not as buzzwords — but as the foundation for trust between neighbors and their government.

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

Keeping Montanans’ right to the ballot initiative process strong, accessible, and fair is a corner stone of the Montana Constitution. Protecting the constitutional right of citizens to propose laws and constitutional amendments directly. Montana's Constitution allows citizens to enact laws by initiative on most matters, and supporting this right involves opposing efforts to weaken or remove it.

Ballot initiatives are an important tool for people to have a direct say when they feel their voices aren’t being heard in Helena. I oppose any changes that would make it harder for everyday Montanans to get measures on the ballot or for voters to decide big issues for themselves.

That said, I do think it’s reasonable to make sure the process is transparent, honest, and not hijacked by out-of-state interests. If there are changes worth considering, they should make petition signatures more secure, ensure clear and accurate ballot language, and protect the integrity of the process — without putting up unnecessary roadblocks for citizens to use it.

I’ll defend the right of Montanans to bring ideas directly to the ballot, while making sure the process stays fair and trustworthy for everyone.