# Parental status under a candidate's name **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 8, 2024, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572 "2024-10-08T20:19:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/1 "2024-10-08T20:19:04Z")
The Republican challengers for the state senate and assembly seats in my area have provided the following for the occupations listed under their names on this year’s ballot: TONY VIRRUETA REP Veterans Advocate/Father DALILA EPPERSON REP Broadcast Journalist/Mom Their Democratic opponents simply say “State Senator” and "State Assemblymember/Teacher. Is this a new “thing” for Republican candidates in agreement with some of JD Vance and Sarah Sander’s bizarre theories about the civic superiority of those with kids? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/2 "2024-10-08T20:29:36Z")
If the ballots allowed Republicans to put their religion there, they would. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/3 "2024-10-08T20:45:25Z")
This is not remotely a Republican thing, or new (maybe it’s new in your area). I’ve seen it forever in local races for all parties. Candidates do that if they want to project family-friendly vibes. Sometimes they’ll put “Stay at home mom” or the like if they don’t have another job. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/4 "2024-10-08T20:49:05Z")
I don’t think it’s especially new, I’ve certainly seen it before, but mostly (if memory serves) for non-partisan local positions like County Supervisor (where I live, that’s the City Council) or partisan but local positions like state representative. But I can see that it would definitely be more popular with Republicans now, as it is one of the (so many!) lines that the Republicans have tried to draw between themselves and everyone else. Especially being a “Mom” has been used to indicate how much the candidate just naturally cares about children’s issues. It doesn’t matter so much what their views are, just that they care so much. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/5 "2024-10-08T21:41:59Z")
Nick Cannon for President. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/6 "2024-10-08T23:27:34Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > This is not remotely a Republican thing, or new (maybe it’s new in your area). I’ve seen it forever in local races for all parties. I’ve certainly seen it in campaign ads – sometimes as effectively the only info about the candidates. But I’ve never seen it on a ballot; NYState ballots have the candidates’ names and their parties, that’s it. Is it common in other states to have occupations and/or family info listed on the ballot itself? And what do they do with candidates for whom the only actual occupation is “politician”? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/7 "2024-10-08T23:34:54Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Is it common in other states to have occupations and/or family info listed on the ballot itself? And what do they do with candidates for whom the only actual occupation is “politician”? It is in California. There are fairly strict rules about “designations”: > **[California Code, ELEC 13107](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC§ionNum=13107)** > > California Codes Text Search As **Czarcasm** mentioned, they don’t allow religion. And you can’t call yourself an “expert” or the like. So if you want to project vibes about yourself, there are limited options. Your official job is one. But you can also say more generic things like “Father” or “Entrepreneur”. You could probably put “Politician” but I expect you’ll do better with something more specific like “Incumbent” or “Former Attorney General”. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/8 "2024-10-08T23:41:53Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > It is in California. Interesting. TIL. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/9 "2024-10-08T23:49:17Z")
Here in New York State I’ve never seen anything on a ballot other than the candidate’s name and party, confirming what @thorny_locust said. It drops my jaw that this goes on elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2024, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/10 "2024-10-08T23:52:42Z")
WA doesn’t list occupations on the ballot - just the candidate’s “preference” of political party. This being a top-two open primary state, candidates are free to state any party preference they want, regardless of whether that party even exists. You’ll occasionally see people list made-up parties like “Jobs and Freedom Party” or “JFK Republican Party”. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/11 "2024-10-09T00:41:03Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > You could probably put “Politician” but I expect you’ll do better with something more specific like “Incumbent” or “Former Attorney General”. For some reason the word “Former” is excluded. The latter example would be “Retired Attorney General” which would seem weird if you are running for AG again. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/12 "2024-10-09T00:46:20Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > For some reason the word “Former” is excluded. The latter example would be “Retired Attorney General” I meant to say that 🙂 . I did read the text but apparently internalized the opposite–that “former” was allowed but “retired” was not. Oops. The law is weirdly specific in various ways. Also, my earlier example of “stay-at-home mom” would not have been allowed, being 4 words instead of 3. I could swear I’ve seen that before–maybe the law has changed slightly, or it slipped under the radar somehow. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/13 "2024-10-09T01:03:12Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > You’ll occasionally see people list made-up parties like “Jobs and Freedom Party” or “JFK Republican Party”. It’s one of my favorite parts in the Voters Guide. Nonsense Busters Party! MAGA Democratic Party! Calm Rational GOP Party! Apparently you can also call yourself whatever you want, like Goodspaceguy, who’s been an unsuccessful US Senate candidate 25 times. Seriously, the Voters Guide is great, especially when there were, what, 20 candidates for governor? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/14 "2024-10-09T01:29:01Z")
> [@nelliebly](#): > > Apparently you can also call yourself whatever you want, like Goodspaceguy, who’s been an unsuccessful US Senate candidate 25 times. I’d include Mike the Mover but he actually went to the effort to make that his legal name. And he once ran for the National Union Party which he made up for the ballot. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/15 "2024-10-09T01:31:19Z")
> [@nelliebly](#): > > Seriously, the Voters Guide is great, especially when there were, what, 20 candidates for governor? I used to spend some time looking for the occasional nutjob. Now I spend some time looking for the rare sane one. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/16 "2024-10-09T04:55:23Z")
As a rule, I vote against people who mention their children. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/17 "2024-10-09T05:31:32Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > it is one of the (so many!) lines that the Republicans have tried to draw between themselves and everyone else “We’re better on the economy!” (even though they’re not). “We’re tough on crime!” (even though they’re not). And, here, “We’re pro family!” (even though etc). “We’re better at constantly pounding the propaganda drum!” (This one is definitely true.) ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/18 "2024-10-09T06:32:54Z")
CA has the full 2024 candidate list here with the designations: [https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov//statewide-elections/2024-general/cert-list-candidates.pdf](https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov//statewide-elections/2024-general/cert-list-candidates.pdf) Fathers: Josh Harder - Democratic - Father/Representative George Whitesides - Democratic - Aerospace Businessman/Father Mike Garcia - Republican - Congressman/Father Tony Virrueta - Republican - Veterans Advocate/Father Joseph A. Rubay - Republican - Business Principal/Father Joshua Rodriguez - Republican - Police Officer/Father Mothers: Megan Dahle - Republican - Farmer/Businesswoman/Mother Yvette Corkrean - Republican - Registered Nurse/Mother Lucie Volotzky - Republican - Mother/Business Owner Stephanie Nguyen - Democratic - Assembly Member/Mother Rhodesia Ransom - Democratic - Business Owner/Mother Rebecca Bauer-Kahan - Democratic - State Assemblymember/Mother Joanna Garcia Rose - Republican - Auditor/Mother Victoria Garcia - Republican - Councilwoman/Attorney/Mother Clarissa Cervantes - Democratic - Councilmember/Businesswoman/Mother Parents: Cynthia Navarro - Republican - Educator/Parent/Businesswoman Heath Flora - Republican - Parent/Farmer/Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez - Republican - Business Owner/Parent So 2/7 “Fathers” are Democrats, 4/9 “Mothers”, and 0/3 "Parents, for 6/19 overall. While there is a definite Republican bias for stating parenthood, it’s by no means rare on the Democrat side. I’m not going to tabulate the gender of each candidate, but I think there are substantially more male candidates than female overall. And yet “mothers” outnumber “fathers” by a bit. Possibly a small bias there as well. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/19 "2024-10-09T06:44:57Z")
I forgot a category here: “mom” and “dad”: Dave Min - Democratic - State Senator/Dad Linda T. Sánchez - Democratic - Mom/Congresswoman Buffy Wicks - Democratic - Assemblymember/Mom Dalila Epperson - Republican - Broadcast Journalist/Mom Lisa Calderon - Democratic - Assembly Member/Mom Interesting that the cutsier names are 4/5 Democrat, bringing the total to 10/24. That substantially reduces the Republican lead. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572/20 "2024-10-09T22:00:48Z")
I have too. If the candidate wants it, I’m OK with it. About 20 years ago, it ended up blowing up spectacularly in a down-ballot race in Illinois, when it turned out that yes, the candidate had 4 kids from 2 different marriages, and while that wasn’t the issue, the fact that he abused both wives was. I don’t remember his name, or care what it is. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parental-status-under-a-candidates-name/1008572.md?page=2)