Jessica Salas

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Jessica Salas completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Salas' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading-bio-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy name is Jessica Salas. I am a working-class candidate, former Taproom Manager and Beverage Director, and a mental health advocate. I have spent over 17 years in customer service and now work in accounting support.\r\n<p>My politics are built on solidarity, dignity, and liberation. Through my experiences with sobriety, mental health recovery, and community organizing, I have seen how people come together when systems fail them. Those experiences taught me the power of compassion and the strength found in our shared struggles.\r\n</p>\nMy policy priorities are rooted in justice, affordability, and integrity. I am running for Congress because I believe our government should reflect the people it serves. Every person deserves the chance to live with stability, fairness, and hope, and I am ready to fight for that future.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading-key-message-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease 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?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Justice:\r\nEveryone deserves fairness, safety, and equal opportunity. I will fight to reform systems that criminalize poverty, harm immigrants, and ignore working families. Justice means building a government that protects people, not profits, and ensures every voice is heard and valued.</li><li>Affordability:\r\nNo one should have to choose between rent, food, and healthcare. I will work to lower costs, raise wages, and expand access to childcare and housing so families can live with stability and dignity. Affordability is not a privilege. It is a right.</li><li>Integrity:\r\nPublic service should be rooted in honesty and accountability. I will not answer to corporations or billionaires, only to the people I represent. Integrity means showing up, telling the truth, and fighting for what is right, even when it’s hard.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading1-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am passionate about policies that strengthen working families and create stability for all. My priorities include affordable housing, accessible healthcare, mental health support, and immigration reform. I believe in accountability and in ensuring corporations and billionaires pay their fair share. My goal is to build a government rooted in justice, affordability, and integrity that truly serves the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading2-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity, empathy, and accountability are essential. An elected official must listen to their community, act transparently, and serve without personal or corporate interest. Leadership means standing with the people, not above them, and making decisions rooted in compassion and fairness.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading3-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI want to leave a legacy of compassion and accountability. I hope to show that politics can be people-centered, transparent, and deeply human. My goal is to inspire others, especially those who never saw themselves in politics, to know their voice matters and their story has power.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading4-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tExperience can be helpful, but it should not be a requirement. Our democracy benefits when people from all backgrounds have a seat at the table. Workers, parents, teachers, and community organizers understand the challenges that everyday people face. Lived experience brings empathy, perspective, and accountability that career politicians often overlook.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading5-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe growing gap between the rich and the poor is our greatest challenge. Housing, healthcare, and climate instability are pushing families to the edge while corporations profit. We must rebuild trust in government through transparency, compassion, and economic justice for all.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading6-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support term limits. Public service should be about representing the people, not building lifelong careers in politics. Term limits help prevent corruption, reduce the influence of special interests, and create space for new voices and ideas. Our government works best when it reflects the diversity and lived experiences of the people it serves.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-388383-2025-10-29\" id=\"heading7-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-388383-2025-10-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is an accomplishment that you are proud of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-388383-2025-10-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-388383-2025-10-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am most proud of the community I have helped build and the connections I’ve made across different perspectives and experiences. Bringing people together through compassion and shared purpose has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I am also proud of creating Hasta La Raíz, a space that uplifts stories of resilience, healing, and solidarity. It represents everything I believe in about community, justice, and collective growth.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJessica Salas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Salas' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Jessica Salas. I am a working-class candidate, former Taproom Manager and Beverage Director, and a mental health advocate. I have spent over 17 years in customer service and now work in accounting support. My politics are built on solidarity, dignity, and liberation. Through my experiences with sobriety, mental health recovery, and community organizing, I have seen how people come together when systems fail them. Those experiences taught me the power of compassion and the strength found in our shared struggles. My policy priorities are rooted in justice, affordability, and integrity. I am running for Congress because I believe our government should reflect the people it serves. Every person deserves the chance to live with stability, fairness, and hope, and I am ready to fight for that future. 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? Justice:\r\nEveryone deserves fairness, safety, and equal opportunity. I will fight to reform systems that criminalize poverty, harm immigrants, and ignore working families. Justice means building a government that protects people, not profits, and ensures every voice is heard and valued. Affordability:\r\nNo one should have to choose between rent, food, and healthcare. I will work to lower costs, raise wages, and expand access to childcare and housing so families can live with stability and dignity. Affordability is not a privilege. It is a right. Integrity:\r\nPublic service should be rooted in honesty and accountability. I will not answer to corporations or billionaires, only to the people I represent. Integrity means showing up, telling the truth, and fighting for what is right, even when it’s hard. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about policies that strengthen working families and create stability for all. My priorities include affordable housing, accessible healthcare, mental health support, and immigration reform. I believe in accountability and in ensuring corporations and billionaires pay their fair share. My goal is to build a government rooted in justice, affordability, and integrity that truly serves the people. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, empathy, and accountability are essential. An elected official must listen to their community, act transparently, and serve without personal or corporate interest. Leadership means standing with the people, not above them, and making decisions rooted in compassion and fairness. What legacy would you like to leave? I want to leave a legacy of compassion and accountability. I hope to show that politics can be people-centered, transparent, and deeply human. My goal is to inspire others, especially those who never saw themselves in politics, to know their voice matters and their story has power. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Experience can be helpful, but it should not be a requirement. Our democracy benefits when people from all backgrounds have a seat at the table. Workers, parents, teachers, and community organizers understand the challenges that everyday people face. Lived experience brings empathy, perspective, and accountability that career politicians often overlook. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? The growing gap between the rich and the poor is our greatest challenge. Housing, healthcare, and climate instability are pushing families to the edge while corporations profit. We must rebuild trust in government through transparency, compassion, and economic justice for all. What are your thoughts on term limits? I support term limits. Public service should be about representing the people, not building lifelong careers in politics. Term limits help prevent corruption, reduce the influence of special interests, and create space for new voices and ideas. Our government works best when it reflects the diversity and lived experiences of the people it serves. What is an accomplishment that you are proud of? I am most proud of the community I have helped build and the connections I’ve made across different perspectives and experiences. Bringing people together through compassion and shared purpose has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I am also proud of creating Hasta La Raíz, a space that uplifts stories of resilience, healing, and solidarity. It represents everything I believe in about community, justice, and collective growth.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]