Arizona 3rd Congressional District candidates: Where they stand on issues

The Arizona Republic sent a brief questionnaire to the candidates in Arizona's 3rd Congressional District.

Former Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari, former state Sen. Raquel Terán and Duane Wooten, a doctor, are competing for the Democratic nomination.

Republican Jeff Zink and Jesus David Mendoza are running for the GOP nomination. Alan Aversa is running as a Green Party candidate.

Arizona's 3rd Congressional District is in Maricopa County. It stretches across parts of Phoenix — including the communities of south Phoenix, Laveen and Maryvale — and Glendale.

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The candidates' responses are below.

The candidates are listed in alphabetical order by party.

Democratic candidates

Yassamin Ansari

• Occupation: Phoenix City Councilwoman, District 7
• Relevant experience: Phoenix City Councilwoman and Vice Mayor, climate policy adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General, and organizer
• Age: 32
• Party: Democrat

Name two big problems facing the district you’re running to represent and how you would address them if elected.

Housing affordability. In Arizona, working one job should afford you a safe place to call home and essentials such as food and transportation – but that’s not the reality right now. In Congress, I will expand upon my work delivering better housing policy and fight to make sure Phoenix gets its fair share of funding for housing choice vouchers. I will also support legislation that provides more pathways to home ownership.  Delivering the Economy of the Future. While traditional modeling shows a strong economy, it’s an economy that isn’t working for everyone. We must ensure that the next generation has access to quality jobs and that wages keep up with rising living costs. As a Congresswoman, I’ll invest in public education and reduce student debt, raise the federal minimum wage, and bring the public transit infrastructure that will get communities to the new, high-wage jobs created by the Biden Administration.

Which recent political figure do you most admire, and why?

As the youngest woman and first Iranian-American to serve on the Phoenix City Council, I’m now running to be the youngest woman in Congress and I owe much of that to the road that President Barack Obama paved for my generation.

When I was 16, I was lucky to have now-State Senator Christine Marsh as my AP English teacher. It was her commitment to discussions focused on civic engagement in the classroom that led me to join the Arizona Democratic Party and the Obama campaign as a junior in high school.

I’m very fortunate to have had that opportunity and am proud to continue to employ high school, college, and graduate students in my office and on my campaign. We’re organizing across Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District to get young people excited to vote. I’m looking forward to continuing that legacy in shaping our future together at every level of government.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to make life more affordable for ordinary Arizonans?

There are several things that Congress can do for Arizonans to make life more affordable. Lowering the costs of living for working families in areas like healthcare, education, and housing are where I plan to take direct action.  We don’t have to wait until we hit a financial crisis or face another public health disaster to fund programming that lifts people out of poverty.

As Phoenix Vice Mayor, I helped direct federal funding toward free mental health care, access to fresh food, affordable internet, rental assistance, and the Phoenix Promise Program, which provided tuition for hundreds of first-generation students pursuing a community college education.

In February, I unveiled a policy plan to make housing more attainable through the Housing Crisis Response Act (HCRA), which invests in affordable housing and homeownership in order to level the playing field for many residents who are competing with out-of-state corporate investors.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to reform federal immigration policy?

As the daughter of immigrants, I firmly believe that the economy, culture and spirit of our country benefit from immigration. There is bipartisan support for comprehensive immigration reform — and it is far past time that lawmakers move beyond political games and strive toward practical solutions that align with both the economic and humanitarian priorities of the United States.

In Arizona, immigrants make up about one-sixth of Arizona's labor force and have exponential spending power.

In Congress, I will pursue legislation that helps address asylum processing, visa backlogs and a path to legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants, including essential farmworkers, temporary protected status recipients and Dreamers. Further, as we continue to invest in emerging technology domestically – including biotech and semiconductor manufacturing – we need immigration reform that allows the best and brightest from around the world to start their technology companies here in the United States.

What do you believe is the biggest threat to national security, and how should we handle it?

I earned degrees in international relations and security studies from Stanford and Cambridge universities, and prior to elected office, I served as a United Nations climate advisor, solidifying my view that climate change is the biggest threat to international security — a view shared by the Pentagon.

We’re already seeing an increase in climate refugees abroad and domestically. Severe droughts and fire are wiping out homes in Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and across the Western United States. As these areas become more difficult to live in, many will look for a better life elsewhere, exacerbating already challenged immigration systems, economies, and housing supplies.

As pressure builds, we’re likely to see more conflict and unsafe conditions in previously peaceful areas. It’s of the utmost importance that the United States play a lead role in helping developing nations become more climate resilient through funding soft power programs like the International Affairs Budget.

What would you change about the US’ response to climate change, if anything?

The climate crisis is the defining issue of our time, which is why I have dedicated my career toward advancing solutions to address it. I served as an advisor on the climate teams of two UN Secretaries-General, and as a Councilwoman, I helped pass the city’s first-ever Climate Action Plan.

If we want to reduce the worst impacts of climate change and save lives, we need to reach 100% net zero by 2050 and establish programs that mitigate extreme heat. We need to go beyond the landmark legislation passed in DC recently.

That means going all-in for a 100% clean energy grid, weatherizing homes and buildings to make them more efficient, and building a high-speed train and transit system both across the country and locally in our cities. We need to make it easier to get around without a car or a plane and we need federal investment to do that.

Do you feel confident that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly? If not, what are your concerns?

Arizona has one of the most secure and modern election systems in the nation, and I’m wholeheartedly confident fair elections will be conducted in 2024 – as they always have been. It’s why more than 75% of residents vote by mail here and why we’ve been recognized for our efforts in improving accessibility to the ballot box in our tribal nations, for example.

I’m deeply grateful for the election workers, administrators, and volunteers that protect our right to vote and the integrity of our political process.

Please take this opportunity to mention any other important issue you’dlike to discuss.

Firstly, I believe that every single person deserves autonomy over their own body and their own medical decisions. That’s why, when Roe was overturned, I led the charge to pass an ordinance in Phoenix to make enforcement of Arizona’s archaic abortion ban the lowest priority for law enforcement – because no doctor, nurse or patient should go to jail for providing or receiving healthcare. In Congress, I’ll fight tirelessly for legislation that guarantees the protection of reproductive rights nationwide for future generations.

Secondly, the safety of our children and families will continue to be a top priority. I grew up as part of the Columbine generation, with mass shooting drills at school and in college. I’ll never stop advocating for common-sense gun safety reform. We can and must reinstate the assault weapons ban, which Congress allowed to expire in 2004, to keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands.

Raquel Terán

• Occupation: Candidate for Congress
• Relevant experience: Community Organizer, Coalition campaigner that helped oust Senate President Russell Pearce and Sheriff Arpaio, State Representative, Senate Minority Leader, Chair of Arizona Democratic Party
• Age: 46
• Party: Democrat

Name two big problems facing the district you’re running to represent and how you would address them if elected.

Issue 1-Housing

Too many Arizona families cannot afford to own or rent homes. Corporations andprivate investors are maximizing profits by driving up housing costs and absorbing thesupply of homes. Federal policies need to address unethical landlord practices andregulate the housing market so that private investors cannot drive up the costs.

Issue 2-Affordable Healthcare/Access to Abortion

I aim to expand access and the affordability of healthcare. I’m committed to improvingpreventive medicine, expanding mental health services, and promoting a comprehensiveapproach to well-being.

The right to an abortion is healthcare and the threat of a full, national abortion ban is real. InCongress, I will fight to restore the national right to abortion and this November, we must passthe Arizona for Abortion Access Act. I am proud to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood ActionFund and Reproductive Freedoms for All.

Which recent political figure do you most admire, and why?

I admire and deeply respect the late Congressman Ed Pastor. He was the first Latino torepresent Arizona. His priority was to be the most effective member of Congress for hiscommunity, serving as a deputy whip and on the Appropriations Committee. Pastor advocatedand secured hundreds of millions dollars for public transit to improve the lives of families. Hegrew up in a working-class family in the mining town of Claypool and his background reflectedthe hard work ethic of his district.

I also admire leaders who do not get the attention like well-known political figures. Leaders likePatty Rosas. I met Patty during a hunger strike for immigration reform in the late 2000s. Patty iscivically engaged, advocates for immigration reform, and supports her community no matter herchallenges. She represents a conviction found in people who step up for their community everyday.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to make life more affordable for ordinary Arizonans?

There are many options for immediate economic relief to Arizonans. We can work toincrease the federal funding for affordable housing as well as improve mortgage andbank regulations. Hedge funds are hurting our communities by reducing housingsupply while they line their pockets with the demand they are artificially creating.

During the pandemic, the Child Tax Credit was increased which dropped child povertydramatically. I am committed to working to restore this tax credit for our familiesimmediately.

We need to ensure that workers in Arizona and across the country are paid a fair livingwage. The cost of living has become more expensive, but the federal minimum wagehasn’t been raised since 2009.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to reform federal immigration policy?

I was born and raised on the street that divides the United States from Mexico on the Arizonaborder. Growing up, I witnessed anti-immigrant sentiment rise and hate start to take hold. That’swhy I got involved in politics.

They said we couldn’t do it, but we organized to fight the notorious SB 1070 “show me yourpapers” racial profiling law. And I worked to create a coalition to oust sitting Senate PresidentRussell Pearce and Sheriff Arpaio.

Since then, we have not seen reform at a federal level. Instead, we've continued to seeimmigration used as a political wedge. We need to modernize our immigration system to meetthe needs of today’s economy. It must include a pathway to citizenship for DREAMERS and thereunification of immigrant families. I would use my almost-20-years of experience to finallydeliver the reform our country needs to move forward.

What do you believe is the biggest threat to national security, and how should we handle it?

Our democracy is under assault. Extremist candidates like Donald Trump and Kari Lakethreaten the very foundation our democracy is built on – silencing voices at home andjeopardizing our relationships abroad.

As the Arizona Democratic Party state chair, I brought together a coalition to reject GOPextremists and re-elect Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly in a purple state. For the first time indecades, the Secretary of State and Attorney General are both Democrats. That’s the power wecan harness when we come together with a vision of Arizona that includes all of us.

Yet, MAGA extremists continue to undermine elections with misinformation and scare tacticshere in Arizona, and nationally. We have to fight back these threats to our democracy andensure that all Americans can participate in free and fair elections without fear of manipulationor intimidation.

What would you change about the US’ response to climate change, if anything?

Climate change is here and the ramifications will be felt by our children and grandchildren. Theimpact is disproportionately felt by communities of color and communities not in the 1%. I thinkabout my own son and the planet he is inheriting.

The United States should lead global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions but instead,extremist GOP have removed the United States from international climate efforts altogether. It’simportant that our country return to the negotiating table to champion ideas that hold pollutersaccountable.

At the federal level, I’d champion an aggressive economic agenda to build green infrastructureand create high-paying, union jobs. We need to increase resources like home weatherizationand water usage to address today’s impacts while building for the future.

Do you feel confident that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly? If not, what are your concerns?

I am confident that the 2024 election will continue to be held securely and fairly. Arizona hasunfortunately been a breeding ground for MAGA Extremist election deniers. They arethreatening our democracy and I will not stand by while they continue to undermine confidencein our elections.

As Arizona Secretary of State, Governor Katie Hobbs exposed the fraudit for a taxpayer-fundedgiveaway of $4 million, that only lined the pockets of conspiracy theorists.

I am no stranger to the extremism of MAGA Republicans in Congress. For years, I foughtagainst extremists in the Arizona legislature and brought light to the damage that they weredoing to our communities.

Please take this opportunity to mention any other important issue you’dlike to discuss.

Right now, our community and our country needs leaders with proven experience that willdeliver solutions and fight off extremist attempts to undermine and take away our rights. Ourcommunities need a representative that has always prioritized working families rather thanspecial interests, and a record that proves it.

Arizona has never sent a Latina mom to Congress and it is important that our Congress reflectsthe communities it represents. I am proud of the diverse coalition supporting my campaign forCongress. I have knocked on thousands of doors and listened to hundreds of residentsbecause there are no shortcuts to public service.

The strength of our coalitions and relationships will be key to facing the myriad challengesahead. We must build and nurture strong coalitions to address the critical issues facing ourfamilies and our nation, ensuring a collaborative approach to governance that prioritizes thewell-being of Arizonans and all Americans.

Duane Wooten

• Occupation: Pediatrician
• Relevant experience: Nearly 40 years’ experience providing medical care to constituents in CD3 and has been consistently engaged with community organizations focused on the well-being of citizens.
• Age: 64
• Party: Democrat

Name two big problems facing the district you’re running to represent and how you would address them if elected.

In my practice, I directly see some of the challenges that residents in the district face. I would say that homelessness for families with children, particularly young families facing eviction, is a top challenge. On the other end of the spectrum, would be adequate and affordable housing for seniors. One solution would be to examine current budgets to prioritize funds that would be directed to address this trend and to expedite federal funds to agencies that are doing the work and that need greater support. Another is to repurpose vacant buildings and to collaborate via public/private partnerships to increase the scale for affordable homes. The second problem facing citizens is access to healthcare. I want to make true universal healthcare a priority; and I support expanding the existing Affordable Care Act to address coverage gaps.

Which recent political figure do you most admire, and why?

On the local level, I’ve been inspired by people such as the Honorable Mel Hannah, who, before his passing in 2023, was a great civic leader in the Phoenix area and who had once served on the Flagstaff city council. I’ve watched former State Senator Leah Landrum-Taylor demonstrate great leadership in serving the public. Of course, I must mention the great John Lewis, although he is no longer with us, his story is one that demonstrates serving the public with courage and civility.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to make life more affordable for ordinary Arizonans?

As a doctor, as mentioned earlier, affordable, and universal health care; expand the Affordable Care Act to include services that are costly for the elderly and his risk communities. I also believe that to address any of the quality-of-life issues that impact citizens from any walk of life, that the biggest thing Congress can do is to put aside the bickering, commit to collaborating in the spirit of truly being United States of America.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to reform federal immigration policy?

I support a bi-partisan bill that seeks to enforce our laws, and I understand the need to balance safety, security, and the humanitarian aspect of what is currently transpiring along our borders. This is truly an example where a commitment to work together is needed.

What do you believe is the biggest threat to national security, and how should we handle it?

The level of divisiveness that exists at many levels throughout our county. When we fail to see, hear, or even attempt to understand each other, and when more time is spent pointing fingers to prove who is right or who is wrong, that level of discord plants seeds for internal threats; and while we are distracted and arguing with each other, exposes us to external ones as well. We must always remember and hold to our hearts that we are the UNITED States of America. I will work to bring diplomacy and practical solutions to the best and most effective way to govern. As a physician, I know what it means to CARE for others.

What would you change about the US’ response to climate change, if anything?

Having clean air to breathe, access to drinkable water, and especially for those of us that live in the Sonoran Desert, livable temperatures, these are just some of the basics that help measure quality of life and well-being. I support bi-partisan efforts to implement infrastructure laws and partnering with communities for environmental justice. This is an urgent matter that has to take one of the top priorities in order to save our planet.

Do you feel confident that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly? If not, what are your concerns?

Yes, I do. I recently had the opportunity to do a group tour of the elections office and learned about the internal controls that are in place for secure and fair elections.

Please take this opportunity to mention any other important issue you’dlike to discuss.

Essentially, I’m seeking to find solutions that address the safety and well-being of the citizens that live in District 3. I believe that issues such as food insecurity in this region can be addressed in a manner that results in a win-win; for instance, by supporting local farmers and looking at the supply chain infrastructure, we can address inflationary costs and improve economic development through regional efforts. With focusing on growing local business we can also greatly reduce transportation costs of needed products and this too can help to lower the cost of essential necessities.

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Republican candidates

Jesus David Mendoza

• Occupation: Software engineer
• Relevant experience: Years in the software/data side of health care, logistics, and education plus my academic background in political science, human rights, and international business.
• Age: 29
• Party: Republican

Name two big problems facing the district you’re running to represent and how you would address them if elected.

Partisanship and quality of life. Through reasoned and civil discourse, we can aim to boost economic opportunity, education, and sustainable infrastructure for communities.

Which recent political figure do you most admire, and why?

Ron Paul. He inspired me in 2008 by his interpretation of the financial crisis. I would wear his T-shirts in high school — often to the dismay of my classmates.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to make life more affordable for ordinary Arizonans?

Congress should expand job training, education, and targeted tax relief while prioritizing fiscal responsibility and sound money principles.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to reform federal immigration policy?

Congress should ensure strict vetting and monitoring of all immigration into the country in order to minimize illegal entry outside of ports of inspection.

What do you believe is the biggest threat to national security, and how should we handle it?

Domestic partisanship/polarization because it fuels government overreach, and ultimately, it results in a decrease in quality of life.

What would you change about the US’ response to climate change, if anything?

One of humanity’s greatest duties is the protection of all our natural resources, but we must prioritize individual liberty and free-market solutions without government mandates.

Do you feel confident that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly? If not, what are your concerns?

Yes, but election integrity issues have always existed and will continue to. Although, blockchain-based ballot systems would be an idea in the right direction.

Jeff Zink

• Occupation: Congressional candidate
• Age: 61
• Party: Republican

Name two big problems facing the district you’re running to represent and how you would address them if elected.

To address high gas prices, I'll focus on boosting domestic energy production. This includes opening up the Keystone pipeline and expanding drilling in America and become an export nation again. Additionally, I'll attract manufacturing companies to Congressional District 3 by offering tax incentives by putting these companies on native American land, streamlining regulations, and supporting workforce development initiatives to create more good-paying jobs for our community.

Which recent political figure do you most admire, and why?

I admire both Donald J. Trump and Ronald Reagan for their commitment to challenging the Washington establishment and revitalizing the economy. They each demonstrated strong leadership in addressing issues like military strength and inflation, ultimately benefiting the American people.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to make life more affordable for ordinary Arizonans?

To make life more affordable for Arizonans, Congress should consider implementing tariffs on goods from other countries to protect domestic industries and jobs. Additionally, prioritizing the revival of manufacturing within the U.S. while ensuring military components are exclusively produced domestically can stimulate job growth and reduce dependency on foreign imports, ultimately benefiting ordinary Arizonans.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to reform federal immigration policy?

To make life more affordable for Arizonans, Congress should consider implementing tariffs on goods from other countries to protect domestic industries and jobs. Additionally, prioritizing the revival of manufacturing within the U.S. while ensuring military components are exclusively produced domestically can stimulate job growth and reduce dependency on foreign imports, ultimately benefiting ordinary Arizonans.

What do you believe is the biggest threat to n a tional security, and how should we handle it?

The biggest threats to national security are China's infiltration of military-age men into our country. They are stealing technology and creating vulnerabilities in our infrastructure. We must enact policies to prevent foreign ownership of American assets. We must tighten border security by enforcing legal immigration processes. This includes stricter regulations on our border policies to implement measures to ensure individuals enter the country legally, safeguarding national interests and sovereignty.

What would you change about the US’ response to climate change, if anything?

I advocate for withdrawing from the Paris Accord, emphasizing divine control over Earth's phenomena. Volcanic emissions surpass car exhaust annually. The Accord, seemingly aimed at taxing citizens, opposes my stance against tax hike.

Do you feel confident that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly? If not, what are your concerns?

I have major concerns about the 2024 election's fairness. To enhance security, I propose a four-day voting period, Saturday through Tuesday, with no computerized tabulation. We must ensure registered voters are U.S. citizens, verified by IDs with pictures and signatures at polling stations. Mail-in ballots should be by request and signature and a copy of the DL should be placed inside the envelope, and paper ballots must be hand-counted at precincts. Results should be promptly available the next day.

Please take this opportunity to mention any other important issue you’dlike to discuss.

I'm increasingly worried about U.S. funds sent abroad. It's not our responsibility to solve global issues. Congress lacks authority to allocate taxpayer money internationally without American approval.

Green Party candidates

Alan Aversa

• Occupation: Teacher and computer programmer
• Relevant experience: Candidate for U.S. House in Iowa, 2012. Write-in candidate for Arizona House, 2012. Phoenix Union High School District (Ward 2) school board candidate, 2022.
• Age: 38
• Party: I am a registered independent voter running as a third-party candidate in this election.

Name two big problems facing the district you’re running to represent and how you would address them if elected.

Abortion (12,000 unborn babies killed per year in Arizona) and homelessness/unemployment

Maggie's Place (shelter for homeless pregnant women) and pregnancy resource centers, not abortion facilities, should receive government aid. There are 4 abortion facilities in or bordering Congressional District 3 (CD3), but only 3 pregnancy resource centers.

Which recent political figure do you most admire, and why?

In Arizona, Tom Horne, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and previous Arizona Attorney General. He has turned around the Department of Education, purging it of its previous promotion of transgender, CRT, and other scientifically dubious theories and ideologies.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to make life more affordable for ordinary Arizonans?

U.S. Congress can ensure that the federal government respects states' rights and autonomy by not meddling in individual states' affairs. The federal government is only meant to deal with interstate affairs.

What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to reform federal immigration policy?

The federal government should allow states to protect themselves against the invasion of foreigners.

What do you believe is the biggest threat to national security, and how should we handle it?

The U.S.'s policing of the world, toxic relationship with the State of Israel, and funding of the wars in Ukraine and elsewhere. We have domestic issues that need to be addressed first.

What would you change about the US’ response to climate change, if anything?

"Climate change" is a leftist, globalist ideology. We need to be "America first."

When it comes to energy, nuclear is by far the best, most efficient, environmentally friendly renewable source of energy currently available. Arizona could achieve complete electricity independence with micro nuclear reactors using uranium mined in Arizona.

Do you feel confident that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly? If not, what are your concerns?

No. The voting system is still centralized, which means a single person can tamper the final results on one computer!

The technology exists (blockchain voting) for truly secure elections, where voters can pseudonymously verify their vote is counted and ensure in real-time that the decentralized, encrypted voting data have not been tampered.

Please take this opportunity to mention any other important issue you’d like to discuss.

Parents are their children's first educators. They have a right to choose how to educate their children.

Lastly, once we return to God's laws, God will bless us. Ditat Deus!

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona 3rd Congressional District candidates: Where they stand on issues