Candidate Questionaire: Ballotpedia
This is the response to my Ballotpedia Candidate Questionnaire. You van view it here.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I’m a data-driven problem solver and transparency advocate, dedicated to bringing real solutions to Washington. With a background in technology and public service, I’ve seen the urgent need to modernize our government systems for greater efficiency and accessibility. I’m leading by example and instantly reporting all campaign donations.
First key message
Transparency and Accountability: I believe in an open, accountable government. My campaign is pioneering real-time donation disclosure to set a new standard for campaign finance transparency.
Second key message
Technological Innovation: Our government systems are outdated. I’m committed to modernizing our infrastructure with the latest technology, making services more effective, secure, and accessible.
Third key message
Actionable Solutions Over Rhetoric: Voters deserve representatives who deliver real, data-driven solutions. I’m focused on practical, innovative approaches that benefit everyone.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I’m passionate about modernizing government technology, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding our environment. I believe in asking for help and diving deep into complex topics to find practical solutions. Overhauling outdated systems with the latest technology is vital for efficiency and security. Transparency is a personal commitment—real-time disclosure and open data should be the norm. Protecting our environment and combating climate change are crucial for a sustainable future. These principles are essential to building a government that truly serves the people.
Political Philosophy
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Integrity, transparency, and accountability are essential. Elected officials must honestly serve the public, ensuring transparent decisions and fair resource allocations. Accountability builds trust and ensures leaders are answerable to the people. A commitment to public service and embracing innovation are also crucial for finding better ways to serve the community.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Advocating for the community, ensuring efficient government operations, and improving everyone’s quality of life are the cornerstones of public service. Understanding constituents’ needs, streamlining processes, and promoting transparency are key to rebuilding trust and enhancing service delivery. Driving policy in technology modernization and environmental protection is also crucial for long-term success.
What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?
Financial transparency shouldn't depend on when or if an elected official decides to report. I propose an app that elected officials must connect to all their financial accounts, automatically reporting the required information to the House Ethics Committee in real-time. This system would expose insider trading and corruption as soon as it happens.
Additionally, we must overhaul the financial disclosure system to make public data easily accessible, removing the barriers that currently hide essential information. Transparency builds trust and prevents corruption, ensuring leaders are accountable and act in everyone's best interest.
What committees interest you?
I’m interested in committees that align with my platform and help make it a reality, such as Technology Modernization, Government Reform, and Environmental Protection. Specifically, the Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation subcommittee under Homeland Security, and the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security subcommittee under Energy and Commerce are key areas where I can drive impactful change.
Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?
Working across party lines to find common ground and develop solutions that serve the public is essential. While maintaining core principles, compromise leads to sustainable, widely accepted policies. It also shows a willingness to listen and adapt, which is crucial in a diverse democracy.
Personal History and Fun
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was selling peaches on my family farm when I was about 6. I continued that every summer until high school, when I worked as a bag boy at a country club. These early jobs taught me the value of hard work, customer service, and the importance of negotiating payment upfront—especially after my grandfather gave himself quite the discount and paid me with $2 bills. In high school, I also ran a small DJ business, happily taking Baby Boomers’ money in exchange for fueling their ’80s rock addiction.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
I’ve struggled with ADHD my entire life, but in my late 20s, I learned how to turn it into a strength. Instead of letting it hold me back, I’ve figured out how to harness my focus and energy to improve my life and work.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Recently, I've been listening to "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" on repeat, closely followed by "Cruel Summer." Honestly, I'm just counting down the days until Dr. Taylor Alison Swift finally blesses us with "Reputation (Taylor’s Version)." If you want to see my listening history and what I am currently listening to, you can check it out at https://henselforcongress.com/music.
What is your favorite book? Why?
I’m a massive fan of Tom Clancy’s Ryanverse series. I re-read the series every few years and always buy the new books as they come out. The complex characters and intricate plots have inspired my interest in geopolitics and strategy, and I appreciate how Clancy’s work combines fiction with a deep understanding of real-world issues.