Lynn Jenkins

Lynn Jenkins is a former American politician and lobbyist who served as the U.S. Representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district from 2009 until 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Jenkins held various political positions prior to her tenure in the House, including serving as the Kansas State Treasurer and in both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate. Throughout her political career, Jenkins was known for her involvement in initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of conservative women in government. She concluded her congressional service after announcing in early 2017 that she would not seek re-election in 2018.

Early life and career

Lynn Jenkins was born on June 10, 1963, in Holton, Kansas. She is a sixth-generation resident of the state and was raised on a dairy farm in Holton. Jenkins completed her high school education locally before pursuing higher education. She graduated from Kansas State University and Weber State College, where she earned a degree in accounting with a minor in economics. Jenkins is also a Certified Public Accountant, which provided her with a strong foundation in financial matters that would later influence her political career.

Jenkins began her political journey in the late 1990s, serving in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2000. She then transitioned to the Kansas Senate, where she served from 2000 to 2002. In 2002, she was elected as the Kansas State Treasurer, a position she held until 2009. During her time as state treasurer, Jenkins was actively involved in various organizations, including serving as president of the National Association of State Treasurers. Her experience in these roles helped her build a network and gain recognition within the Republican Party.

In addition to her political roles, Jenkins has a family background that includes a brother, Chris Haag, and a sister. This familial connection to Kansas and her upbringing on a farm contributed to her understanding of the issues facing rural communities, which would later play a role in her legislative priorities.

House tenure

Jenkins announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives on April 4, 2007, taking the initial steps to run for the 2nd congressional district of Kansas. She faced former U.S. Representative Jim Ryun in the Republican primary, who had previously served five terms before being defeated in 2006. The primary election, held on August 5, 2008, was competitive, with Jenkins emerging victorious by a narrow margin of approximately 1,000 votes. In the general election, she defeated the incumbent Democratic representative, Nancy Boyda, with a vote margin of 51% to 46%, marking the beginning of her five terms in the House.

Jenkins successfully secured re-election in subsequent elections, including a significant victory in 2010 against Democratic candidate Cheryl Hudspeth, where she garnered 63% of the vote. In 2012, she again won re-election, this time defeating Democratic candidate Tobias Schlingensiepen with 57% of the vote. Throughout her tenure, Jenkins was recognized for her moderate approach, particularly in her early years, although she later aligned more closely with conservative positions.

During her time in Congress, Jenkins was involved in various legislative discussions and initiatives. In June 2013, she expressed disappointment over the failure of the United States farm bill, highlighting divisions within the Republican Party that hindered progress on the issue. Her bipartisan efforts were noted, as she was ranked as the 96th most bipartisan member of the House during the 114th Congress, according to The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy.

In December 2017, Jenkins voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which aimed to provide tax relief to middle-class Americans and stimulate job creation. She argued that the legislation would enhance the economy and contribute to reducing the national debt, despite concerns that it would significantly increase the national debt.

Jenkins's tenure was not without controversy. In August 2009, during a town hall meeting, she made remarks regarding President Barack Obama's policies that drew criticism for their racial implications. She later clarified her comments and apologized for any offense caused. This incident highlighted the complexities of political discourse and the challenges faced by public figures in navigating sensitive topics.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout her time in the House, Jenkins served on several committees that aligned with her interests and expertise. She was a member of the Committee on Financial Services, where she participated in subcommittees focused on capital markets, insurance, and housing. Additionally, she was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee when the Republicans regained control of the House for the 112th Congress. Her involvement in these committees allowed her to influence legislation related to economic and financial issues.

Jenkins was also affiliated with various caucuses, including the Republican Study Committee, the Republican Main Street Partnership, and the Tea Party Caucus. Her participation in these groups reflected her engagement with different factions within the Republican Party and her commitment to addressing a range of policy issues.

In terms of her political positions, Jenkins maintained a predominantly conservative voting record during her congressional career. She received a lifetime American Conservative Union rating of 91% and a 73% rating from Heritage Action in her final term. The National Journal also rated her as 77% conservative in 2013, indicating her alignment with conservative principles on many legislative matters.

After announcing in January 2017 that she would not seek re-election in 2018, Jenkins concluded her congressional service on January 3, 2019. Following her departure from the House, she established a lobbying firm called LJ Strategies, which she registered in Kansas. Her spokesperson indicated that she did not plan to actively seek clients until her congressional term had officially ended.

Jenkins's political career reflects her journey from local and state politics to the national stage, where she engaged in significant legislative efforts and contributed to discussions on various issues affecting her constituents and the broader American public.