Candidate for Kentucky House of Representatives - District 44 in 2026 Kentucky Primary Election.
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Get StartedAs your state representative, Jesten will advocate for reducing barriers to employment for individuals with past convictions, specifically by decreasing the time required for expungements for able-bodied individuals who are kept out of the workforce. Learn more
Jesten is committed to protecting public safety for our children and the elderly. He will focus on community-based safety solutions that protect the most vulnerable in District 44. Learn more
He believes those who served should never be left behind, which is why he will fight in Frankfort for increased mental health counseling and resources to combat veteran suicide. Learn more
Kentucky should follow states like Texas and Florida in fully exempting military retirement pay from our state income tax. By honoring their service, we give veterans a powerful reason to stay in Kentucky after they retire. Learn more
Jesten will also advocate for state tax exemptions on military retirement pay, allowing veterans to keep more of the benefits they earned. He understands that the state plays a vital role in distributing federal funds, and he will ensure these resources reach the veterans who need them most. Jesten is dedicated to being a tireless advocate for his fellow service members in the state legislature. Learn more
District 44 needs cross-sector solutions that drive sustainable economic growth for the South End. Jesten will prioritize economic development that creates stable, high-paying jobs by building relationships between local businesses and our state government. Learn more
Jesten is committed to fostering an environment that fosters innovation, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive. By doing so, we can ensure District 44 remains a good place to live and work. Learn more
The freedom to excel starts with a strong foundation in early childhood education. Jesten will fight for universal pre-K to ensure that every child in Kentucky is prepared for kindergarten from day one. Learn more
Jesten also aims to reduce barriers to teacher certification, making it easier for qualified professionals to enter the field and address our current shortage. By reducing administrative red tape, we can empower teachers to focus on what they do best: preparing children for thriving adulthoods. Learn more
Teachers are the backbone of our community. Jesten is committed to ensuring our educators are treated with respect and paid what they deserve. By increasing educators’ salaries, we can keep our best educators in Kentucky public classrooms and attract new talent. Learn more
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.