Jessica Puente Bradshaw, a Republican House of Representatives candidate from Texas, was born in Mexico and grew up speaking both Spanish and English. According to her campaign website, Jessica earned a B.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from the University of Utah in 1998, and currently homeschools her two children.
In anticipation of the November 6th congressional elections, HuffPost Women caught up with her about who she is, why she's running and how to get involved with her campaign.
What's your favorite quality in another person?
Honesty and truthfulness. Sometimes we hold back because we don’t want to hurt feelings or offend. Keeping honest constructive criticism to one’s self or avoiding someone’s opinion does not make us better at anything. If I have failed at something, I want to be told, if I am good at something, I also want to be told.
What three words best describe you?
Tenacious, open-minded, determined.
What's your biggest flaw?
I tend to want to micromanage, I like to be “in the know.”
What failure are you most grateful for?
I can’t answer that, all of life's “failures” teach you something. We wouldn’t be who we are without them.
If you weren't you, who would you be?
I am happy being me. My life circumstance has given me a lot of opportunities and I would not trade them.
If you could live anywhere, where would that be?
Besides Texas? Nowhere but Texas! Maybe out in the country?
What woman do you most look up to?
My mom, she did her best for my sisters and me. She is a strong woman who taught me how to do a lot. From washing clothes by hand to Spanish verb conjugating. She has always stood by the idea that if you are going to do something, you better do it the right way.
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
It would have to be my mom’s ... the one about doing things right if you are going to do them at all.
What's your joy trigger?
Gardening!
What is your favorite book?
"East of Eden."
What is your favorite album?
Anything by “Alice in Chains.”
Where did you have the best meal of your life?
I’ve enjoyed a lot of meals, but my most memorable was when my husband and I visited Rome. We were in an Italian restaurant (obviously) and although we couldn’t make much sense of the menu, we ordered “Carbonara” -- we had no idea what to expect … It was the most amazing thing ever. Since then, I only have it when I make it at home the authentic way!
What is your favorite thing you've ever worn and why?
I love my jeans, in high school I had some awesome baggy ripped jeans. As a “grown up” -- I love my dresses!
What talent you wish you had?
I wish I could play an instrument. Any instrument!
What quality or accomplishment do you want people to know you for?
Quality: I work hard. No matter what the task.
What makes you feel the most free?
Gardening.
Why are you running?
Because this country needs representation from people that are “real” … people who are everyday people that care.
What is the most important issue for women in this election?
What are we going to do about our children’s future and the debt that we are potentially leaving them?
How can readers get involved in your campaign?
Social media, phone banking, block-walking, contributing … it’s all good!