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NH

Jacob

LaTurner

Republican
KS
-2
Topeka, Lawrence, Leavenworth
Jacob LaTurner

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Personal Background

Birthdate

2/17/88 (32)

Race/Ethnicity

Caucasian/White

Gender Identification

M

Religion

Catholic

Family

Married, 4 children

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

B.A. in Political Science and Government, Pittsburg State University (Kansas)

KEY HEALTH LINK

In his political career, LaTurner has been a champion for rural health access, particularly the use of telehealth technologies.

Political/Professional Background

LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE

Kansas State Senator (13th district), 2013-2017; Kansas State Treasurer, 2017-2021

2020 ELECTION CONTEXT

In 2020, LaTurner announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate to succeed retiring Republican Pat Roberts. He ultimately dropped out of the race to pursue a campaign for the U.S. House in the 2nd district. Running against incumbent Republican Steve Watkins—who was facing several controversies, including being charged with interference with law enforcement, providing false information, voting without being qualified, unlawful advance voting and failing to notify the DMV of change of address—LaTurner won his primary election. LaTurner ran against Democrat Michelle De La Isla in the general election.

INCUMBENT REPLACED

Steve Watkins (R), defeated in primary

MOST RECENT PROFESSION

Kansas State Treasurer

POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY

LaTurner worked for Watco, one of the nation’s top short-line rail companies. He was twice elected to represent the people of Southeast Kansas in the State Senate. LaTurner defeated incumbent Republican Senator Bob Marshall from Kansas’ 13th State Senate district in 2012. LaTurner won his general election in 2012, becoming the youngest member of the State Senate at age 24. In 2016, he won re-election to his seat. Former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback appointed LaTurner to the position of state treasurer after Ron Estes won election to the U.S. House from Kansas’ 4th district in a special election. LaTurner won re-election as state treasurer in 2018.

On The Issues

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

LaTurner does not support a national mask mandate, stating it is a personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a mask. In an interview, LaTurner stated, "Job losses due to the pandemic are a serious problem, but people should not be making more on unemployment than they were when they were working."

HEALTH COVERAGE

LaTurner has said that, as a member of Congress, he will work to, "...allow the states to make health care solutions that tailor-fit their needs. Allow the states to regulate the industry, encourage competition across state lines, and support coverage of pre-existing conditions." He also supports association health plans for individuals and small businesses.

MARIJUANA

LaTurner opposes the legalization of marijuana.

MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION

No Info

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

No Data

VETERANS HEALTH CARE

No Data

WOMEN’S HEALTH

LaTurner is pro-life. He has said, "I believe that life begins at conception and all life is sacred." LaTurner supports the Born Again Abortion Survivors Protection Act. LaTurner earned the “2017 Pro-Life Hero Award” for his work on Simon’s Law in Kansas.

OTHER HEALTH CARE ISSUES

LaTurner supports expansion of telehealth resources as a "vital tool to connecting rural and underserved communications to medical professionals" and believes COVID telehealth changes should be made permanent. He also believes the 340B program should be preserved to continue to help hospitals who serve low income patients in underserved communities. LaTurner would like to reduce regulatory burden on hospitals by eliminating the 96-hour physician certification rule and eliminating certain supervisory requirements for physician assistants. LaTurner supports the Community Health Access and Rural Transformation Model and endorses Rural Emergency Medical Center Act.

DID YOU KNOW?

After being appointed state treasurer, LaTurner became the youngest state officials in the United States. LaTurner has stated that former Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins is one of the public officials he most respects.