Renee Erickson (politician)

Renee Kendra Erickson (born May 23, 1964) is an American school principal and politician from the state of Kansas. A Republican, Erickson represented the 87th district of the Kansas House of Representatives, based in eastern Wichita, from 2019 to 2020.[1][2] In 2020, she successfully ran for the Kansas Senate, where she represents the 30th Senate district for a term ending in 2024.[3][4]

Renee Erickson
Member of the Kansas Senate
from the 30th district
Assumed office
January 11, 2021
Preceded bySusan Wagle
Member of the Kansas House of Representatives
from the 87th district
In office
January 15, 2019 – January 11, 2021
Preceded byRoger Elliott
Succeeded bySusan Estes
Personal details
Born (1964-05-23) May 23, 1964
Newton, Kansas, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Children2
Residence(s)Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
EducationOklahoma Christian University (BS)
Wichita State University (BA)
Kansas State University (MS)
WebsiteOfficial website
Campaign website

Career

In 2016, Erickson – then a middle school principal and a former financial planner – announced her campaign for the 31st district of the Kansas Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Carolyn McGinn from the right. Erickson narrowly lost in the primary election, 49-51%.[5]

Erickson ran for the state legislature again in 2018, after 87th district incumbent Roger Elliott retired. She positioned herself as the conservative in the race and defeated Jeff Kennedy in the Republican primary and was uncontested in the general election.[6]

President of the Kansas Senate Susan Wagle announced her retirement from the 30th district in 2020, and endorsed Erickson as her successor; Erickson faced Democrat Melissa Gregory in November and defeated her 52% to 48%.[4][3]

Political positions

Healthcare

Erickson opposes expanding Medicaid.[7]

COVID-19

Erickson has posted on social media that has refused to wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also criticized that businesses are requiring face masks for entrance.[8]

In May 2020, Erickson voted to strip Governor Laura Kelly of her power to enact policies in response to COVID-19.[9]

LGBTQ

Erickson introduced the controversial Fairness in Women's Sports bill (SB 55) to the Kansas Legislature during the 2021 legislative session. The bill would prohibit individuals who are not biologically female from competing in girls' and women's sports. Erickson claims the bill is important to protect female athletes.[10]

Personal life

Erickson lives in Wichita with her husband, who is also a retired school principal. They have two children and one grandchild.[11]

References
  1. "Representative Renee Erickson". Kansas Legislature. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  2. "Renee Erickson". Ballotpedia. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  3. "2020 General Election Official Vote Totals" (PDF). sos.ks.gov. Kansas Secretary of State. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  4. "Democrats Making Play for Kansas Senate President's Seat". U.S. News. Associated Press. February 9, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  5. Chad Frey (August 3, 2016). "McGinn leads Erickson in primary". The Kansan. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  6. Steven Bisaha (August 7, 2018). "Republican Renee Erickson Defeats Moderate Opponent To Win 87th District Seat". KMUW. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  7. "HB 2066". Kansas Legislature. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  8. Renee Erickson. May 12, 2020.
  9. "HB 2054". Kansas Legislature. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  10. HANNA, JOHN (2021-04-09). "Kansas lawmakers likely to pass bill on transgender athletes". Alton Telegraph. Retrieved 2021-05-05.
  11. "Get to Know Renee". Renee Erickson for State Senate. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
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