Politics, Parties, Candidates
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Politics, Parties, Candidates
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WHAT OHIOANS ARE READING: 'Jon Husted says he wants to protect you from data centers, but he's the one who invited them in'
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 23 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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WHAT OHIOANS ARE READING: 'Jon Husted says he wants to protect you from data centers, but he's the one who invited them in'
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Husted was called " The Face Of Data Centers " and led the charge to hand out billions in tax breaks
COLUMBUS, OHIO - New reporting from the Plain Dealer perfectly sums up Jon Husted's bill on data centers -after years of leading the charge to bring a record number of these " power-hungry " facilities to Ohio, Husted is now pretending he cares about protecting families from higher ... Show Full Article COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 23 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news: * * * WHAT OHIOANS ARE READING: 'Jon Husted says he wants to protect you from data centers, but he's the one who invited them in' * Husted was called " The Face Of Data Centers " and led the charge to hand out billions in tax breaks COLUMBUS, OHIO - New reporting from the Plain Dealer perfectly sums up Jon Husted's bill on data centers -after years of leading the charge to bring a record number of these " power-hungry " facilities to Ohio, Husted is now pretending he cares about protecting families from higherelectricity bills.
According to the Plain Dealer, Husted was "a data center's best friend" and "spent years rolling out the red carpet" for these massive corporations to come to Ohio. Now, three months away from an election, Husted is "suddenly positioning himself as the guy who's going to rein them in."
Ohio Democratic Party Senior Communications Advisor Tony Wen released the following statement:
"Husted is shamelessly running away from his record of jacking up Ohioans' utility rates and selling out Ohio to out of state corporations building data centers in the state. It won't work because Ohioans know the truth, and they will hold him accountable in November."
Read more about how Jon Husted led the charge to bring data centers to Ohio:
* Jon Husted played such a large role in bringing data centers to Ohio, the editor of Cleveland.com referred to Husted as "the face of data centers."
* When he was Lt. Governor, Husted led the charge to give billions in out-of-control tax breaks to out of state corporations building data centers in Ohio.
* Because of Husted's efforts, Ohioans have seen their utility bills skyrocket, with Ohio seeing the second largest utility rate increase in the country over the last year.
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Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/what-ohioans-are-reading-jon-husted-says-he-wants-to-protect-you-from-data-centers-but-hes-the-one-who-invited-them-in/
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WHAT OHIOANS ARE READING: 'Jon Husted says he wants to protect you from data centers, but he's the one who invited them in'
*
Husted was called " The Face Of Data Centers " and led the charge to hand out billions in tax breaks
COLUMBUS, OHIO - New reporting from the Plain Dealer perfectly sums up Jon Husted's bill on data centers -after years of leading the charge to bring a record number of these " power-hungry " facilities to Ohio, Husted is now pretending he cares about protecting families from higher ... Show Full Article COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 23 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news: * * * WHAT OHIOANS ARE READING: 'Jon Husted says he wants to protect you from data centers, but he's the one who invited them in' * Husted was called " The Face Of Data Centers " and led the charge to hand out billions in tax breaks COLUMBUS, OHIO - New reporting from the Plain Dealer perfectly sums up Jon Husted's bill on data centers -after years of leading the charge to bring a record number of these " power-hungry " facilities to Ohio, Husted is now pretending he cares about protecting families from higherelectricity bills.
According to the Plain Dealer, Husted was "a data center's best friend" and "spent years rolling out the red carpet" for these massive corporations to come to Ohio. Now, three months away from an election, Husted is "suddenly positioning himself as the guy who's going to rein them in."
Ohio Democratic Party Senior Communications Advisor Tony Wen released the following statement:
"Husted is shamelessly running away from his record of jacking up Ohioans' utility rates and selling out Ohio to out of state corporations building data centers in the state. It won't work because Ohioans know the truth, and they will hold him accountable in November."
Read more about how Jon Husted led the charge to bring data centers to Ohio:
* Jon Husted played such a large role in bringing data centers to Ohio, the editor of Cleveland.com referred to Husted as "the face of data centers."
* When he was Lt. Governor, Husted led the charge to give billions in out-of-control tax breaks to out of state corporations building data centers in Ohio.
* Because of Husted's efforts, Ohioans have seen their utility bills skyrocket, with Ohio seeing the second largest utility rate increase in the country over the last year.
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Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/what-ohioans-are-reading-jon-husted-says-he-wants-to-protect-you-from-data-centers-but-hes-the-one-who-invited-them-in/
ICYMI: DC Insider Michael Whatley Called the Police on Reporters TWICE in Two Weeks
RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 23 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party posted the following news:
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ICYMI: DC Insider Michael Whatley Called the Police on Reporters TWICE in Two Weeks
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DC insider Michael Whatley continues to be in the spotlight for calling the police on two reporters in the past few weeks. This comes after he has dodged reporter questions on his record of elevating a convicted child sex predator, pushing FEMA recommendations that benefit his stock portfolio, and having multiple warrants out for his arrest.
Read More:
Spectrum News: Capital Tonight with Tim Boyum
July ... Show Full Article RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 23 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party posted the following news: * * * ICYMI: DC Insider Michael Whatley Called the Police on Reporters TWICE in Two Weeks * DC insider Michael Whatley continues to be in the spotlight for calling the police on two reporters in the past few weeks. This comes after he has dodged reporter questions on his record of elevating a convicted child sex predator, pushing FEMA recommendations that benefit his stock portfolio, and having multiple warrants out for his arrest. Read More: Spectrum News: Capital Tonight with Tim Boyum July20, 2026
* Tim Boyum: "Over the weekend, another reporter was denied entry to a Michael Whatley campaign event."
* Cory Vaillancourt: "Michael Whatley, for the second time in two weeks, called 911 on a reporter."
* Bryan Anderson: "So when I asked that question, [Whatley] didn't seem to have an answer to who his favorite Hurricanes player was. We wrote a story about it for The Assembly. After then, I did not receive a press release, press advisories."
The Assembly: FEMA Under Fire
Bryan Anderson | July 21, 2026
* In other news of note to Western North Carolina, organizers of a campaign event for Whatley called the police on Cory Vaillancourt of The Asheville Citizen Times this weekend, telling the journalist it was a private event. According to the Citizen-Times, Waynesville Town Attorney Martha Bradley advised the Whatley organizers to grant Vaillancourt access since the event was not ticketed and held at a public recreation center during public operating hours.
* Vaillancourt said he introduced himself to the responding officers, explained the situation, and voluntarily left "to avoid dangerous escalation." Whatley's campaign didn't respond to my request for comment about this either.
Cardinal & Pine: NC's hurricane 'recovery czar' just kicked out the reporter covering hurricane relief
July 22, 2026
* Billy Ball: "It's not really a mystery why Whatley's campaign might be frustrated with the press. In the last few months, reporters have published a string of stories the campaign probably wishes didn't exist. The Asheville Citizen Times reported that FEMA reforms proposed by a committee Whatley chairs could benefit him financially. He's also been criticized for supporting a longtime Republican worker who's a convicted sex offender, and North Carolina Newsline reported that Whatley once faced arrest warrants for failing to appear in court multiple times for traffic citations."
* Billy Ball: "It's looking more and more like the Whatley campaign doesn't have a problem with reporters; it's with facts."
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/icymi-dc-insider-michael-whatley-called-the-police-on-reporters-twice-in-two-weeks/
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ICYMI: DC Insider Michael Whatley Called the Police on Reporters TWICE in Two Weeks
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DC insider Michael Whatley continues to be in the spotlight for calling the police on two reporters in the past few weeks. This comes after he has dodged reporter questions on his record of elevating a convicted child sex predator, pushing FEMA recommendations that benefit his stock portfolio, and having multiple warrants out for his arrest.
Read More:
Spectrum News: Capital Tonight with Tim Boyum
July ... Show Full Article RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 23 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party posted the following news: * * * ICYMI: DC Insider Michael Whatley Called the Police on Reporters TWICE in Two Weeks * DC insider Michael Whatley continues to be in the spotlight for calling the police on two reporters in the past few weeks. This comes after he has dodged reporter questions on his record of elevating a convicted child sex predator, pushing FEMA recommendations that benefit his stock portfolio, and having multiple warrants out for his arrest. Read More: Spectrum News: Capital Tonight with Tim Boyum July20, 2026
* Tim Boyum: "Over the weekend, another reporter was denied entry to a Michael Whatley campaign event."
* Cory Vaillancourt: "Michael Whatley, for the second time in two weeks, called 911 on a reporter."
* Bryan Anderson: "So when I asked that question, [Whatley] didn't seem to have an answer to who his favorite Hurricanes player was. We wrote a story about it for The Assembly. After then, I did not receive a press release, press advisories."
The Assembly: FEMA Under Fire
Bryan Anderson | July 21, 2026
* In other news of note to Western North Carolina, organizers of a campaign event for Whatley called the police on Cory Vaillancourt of The Asheville Citizen Times this weekend, telling the journalist it was a private event. According to the Citizen-Times, Waynesville Town Attorney Martha Bradley advised the Whatley organizers to grant Vaillancourt access since the event was not ticketed and held at a public recreation center during public operating hours.
* Vaillancourt said he introduced himself to the responding officers, explained the situation, and voluntarily left "to avoid dangerous escalation." Whatley's campaign didn't respond to my request for comment about this either.
Cardinal & Pine: NC's hurricane 'recovery czar' just kicked out the reporter covering hurricane relief
July 22, 2026
* Billy Ball: "It's not really a mystery why Whatley's campaign might be frustrated with the press. In the last few months, reporters have published a string of stories the campaign probably wishes didn't exist. The Asheville Citizen Times reported that FEMA reforms proposed by a committee Whatley chairs could benefit him financially. He's also been criticized for supporting a longtime Republican worker who's a convicted sex offender, and North Carolina Newsline reported that Whatley once faced arrest warrants for failing to appear in court multiple times for traffic citations."
* Billy Ball: "It's looking more and more like the Whatley campaign doesn't have a problem with reporters; it's with facts."
***
Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/icymi-dc-insider-michael-whatley-called-the-police-on-reporters-twice-in-two-weeks/
The Case Against Juan Ciscomani
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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The Case Against Juan Ciscomani
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"Take it from Juan Ciscomani himself: he has repeatedly voted to hurt his own constituents. Southern Arizonans deserve a representative who keeps their word and is loyal to the working families they represent, not to D.C. party leaders. Former Marine Corps Drill Instructor JoAnna Mendoza is a patriot who's dedicated her life to serving her country. She's running for Congress to finally put Southern Arizona first - to lower costs, create good jobs, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * The Case Against Juan Ciscomani * "Take it from Juan Ciscomani himself: he has repeatedly voted to hurt his own constituents. Southern Arizonans deserve a representative who keeps their word and is loyal to the working families they represent, not to D.C. party leaders. Former Marine Corps Drill Instructor JoAnna Mendoza is a patriot who's dedicated her life to serving her country. She's running for Congress to finally put Southern Arizona first - to lower costs, create good jobs,and keep communities safe," said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
To: Interested Parties
From: Lindsay Reilly, DCCC Regional Press Secretary
Date: July 21, 2026
Subject:
Juan Ciscomani has established a clear track record as a Republican Party puppet who consistently prioritizes D.C. party bosses over the needs of Southern Arizonans. The second highest recipient of House GOP leaders' campaign cash last year, Ciscomani votes 100% of the time with Trump and House leadership on everything from gutting Arizonans' health care, to protecting cost-hiking tariffs, to greenlighting a war of choice in Iran. Ciscomani's inability to withstand party pressure is so pronounced that he has repeatedly blasted legislation as harmful to Southern Arizonans, only to vote for the bills anyway - with top advisors admitting he is simply " not accustomed " to bucking Republican Party leadership, leaving his community to pay the price.
Tragically for the voters of Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, Ciscomani's tenure has been defined by a series of high-profile betrayals that are raising costs on families. Despite explicitly promising that he " cannot and will not" cut Medicaid due to the pain it would cause rural and Hispanic communities, Ciscomani cast the deciding vote to gut the program in order to fund tax cuts for billionaires. He repeated this pattern of cowardice by going back on his word to protect both the Affordable Care Act and clean energy tax credits, backing reckless tariffs that are jacking up prices on families and small businesses, and going entirely silent on his promised support for veterans, military families, and even DACA recipients as his party attacks them.
In stark contrast to Ciscomani's party-line allegiance, retired Marine Corps Drill Instructor JoAnna Mendoza offers a lifetime of dedicated service and an unyielding commitment to the Constitution. The daughter of farmworkers, JoAnna grew up on Medicaid and SNAP and understands the challenges everyday Arizonans are facing. After a childhood of working in Arizona's cotton fields to help her family make ends meet, JoAnna joined the military to escape rural poverty. A U.S. Navy and Marine Corps veteran, JoAnna served for roughly twenty years, including on multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, before returning to Arizona to raise her son as a single mom. Driven by an oath of service that she says " never expires," JoAnna is a fierce champion for Arizona families. She's running for Congress to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and keep communities safe.
Democrats have a proven path to victory in Arizona's Sixth Congressional District: Senator Ruben Gallego won it by six points in 2024, while both Governor Katie Hobbs carried it by four and Senator Mark Kelly carried it by a whopping 10 points in 2022. In an election year defined by Ciscomani's repeated betrayals hurting voters, and a formidable opponent in Marine Corps veteran JoAnna Mendoza, AZ-06 is poised to flip from red to blue this November.
A Corrupt Republican Party Puppet Who Puts D.C. Leaders First and Counts Ethically-Compromised Colleagues as his Closest Friends
A former longtime GOP operative, Juan Ciscomani is only loyal to the Republican Party and its leaders - not to Southern Arizonans. Ciscomani ran for Congress after years of working to advance GOP politics. Once elected, he immediately got started rubber-stamping D.C. Republicans' reckless, cost-hiking agenda. Named one of the " most corrupt politicians " in the country, Ciscomani has a clear track record of " rel[ying] heavily on campaign money from party leaders " and voting for legislation he admitted hurts Southern Arizona. Ciscomani received nearly $1 million from D.C. party bosses in 2025 alone, " the second most of any other Republican incumbent outside of House leadership " - a telling sum that helps explain his disastrous anti-Arizona voting record.
At the same time he's taking their campaign cash, Ciscomani is voting 100% of the time with Donald Trump and GOP leadership. Ciscomani's consistent party-line votes are especially notable because he, on more than one occasion, blasted legislation for being harmful to his constituents before, of course, bending the knee and voting for it anyway. After Ciscomani broke his promise to fight for health care subsidies that help Arizonans afford insurance, a top Ciscomani advisor told the Arizona Republic that Ciscomani is " not accustomed " to going against " leadership. " Ciscomani's reluctance to cross the D.C. leaders who fund his campaign could explain why he voted for the largest cuts to Medicaid in history despite vowing he " cannot and will not" cut Medicaid, why he voted for clean energy tax credits that he admitted " jeopardize[d] " his district, and why - in Ciscomani's own words - he feels it is not his " job " to hold the President accountable.
In addition to being a " top recipient " of campaign cash from GOP leaders, Ciscomani has repeatedly taken money from " three disgraced lawmakers " that he refused to hold accountable. Ciscomani accepted $30,000 from " predator " Tony Gonzales, a Texas lawmaker who had an affair with a staffer who later took her own life by setting herself on fire. Ciscomani and Gonzales often touted their close relationship, calling each other " bestie," " brother," and " the real deal " on social media and campaigning together in Tucson, raising further questions about Ciscomani's judgement. Unlike other Republicans, Ciscomani refused to condemn Gonzales' affair or urge him to drop his re-election bid. In a similar vein, Ciscomani received $8,000 from Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards, who is currently under an ethics investigation for allegedly harassing two women staffers. Ciscomani also accepted thousands from Republican Congressman Max Miller, who has been accused of domestic violence. Multiple outlets report that Ciscomani has not returned any of the money to Gonzales, Edwards, or Miller.
In stark contrast to Ciscomani, JoAnna Mendoza has made clear her allegiance is to the Constitution - not to a political party or D.C. leaders. A Marine veteran who wears her patriotism on her sleeve, JoAnna is running because her oath of service never expires.
A Flip-Flopping Fraud Who Keeps Breaking His Promises to Southern Arizonans
If there's one thing Southern Arizonans can count on from Juan Ciscomani, it's that he'll break his promises to them to please D.C. party bosses. After spending months declaring he " cannot and will not" cut Medicaid because doing so, in his words, " would have serious consequences, particularly in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities," Ciscomani cast the deciding vote to gut Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Ciscomani voted for even deeper cuts to Medicaid a few weeks later, despite stating that the bill he ultimately voted for " threatens access to coverage " " for vulnerable individuals " and " jeopardizes the stability of our hospitals and providers." Even though the legislation had zero changes from when Ciscomani bashed it, he ultimately said he was " proud of the vote [he] took." JoAnna Mendoza has wasted no time blasting Ciscomani for his betrayal. The daughter of farmworkers, JoAnna grew up on Medicaid and attributes the program to allowing her to grow up healthy and strong enough to serve her country in the U.S. Navy and Marines for nearly twenty years.
Ciscomani's Medicaid flipflop " sparked public outcry in Tucson " and among Southern Arizonans, who filled local opinion pages with testimonials about how Ciscomani promised them he wouldn't cut health care, then did it anyway. In the words of AZ-06 voters, Ciscomani " violated his oath and betrayed the most vulnerable of his constituents " and " knew the risks... expressed concern... then he voted yes anyway." Even a health care worker who met with and was personally assured by Ciscomani's senior staff that the Congressman "would protect and not cut Medicaid" said he and a group of other providers "were lied to [to] our faces."
Just like he did on Medicaid, Ciscomani made dire warnings about how failing to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits would hurt Arizona's Sixth Congressional District. For months, Ciscomani warned of " massive " consequences and " real harm " for Arizonans if the tax credits expired, even going so far to say that " doing nothing is not an option." True to form, Ciscomani then... did nothing. Ciscomani refused to join bipartisan efforts to protect his constituents' health care and force the House to vote on extending the credits, even for a bill he previously said he supported. Ciscomani's cowardice helped lead to more than 107,000 Arizonans losing their ACA insurance coverage this year - the third highest drop off in the nation.
Cisomani's broken promises extend beyond health care. Ciscomani repeatedly vowed to protect DACA recipients because it's an " issue that is near and dear to [his] heart and #AZ06," but he's since gone " silent " on protecting Dreamers and refuses to respond to recent questions on " whether he still support[s] a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients." Ciscomani even declined to speak out after a Tucson Dreamer, also his constituent, was detained by immigration officials who "aggressively" entered her home without a warrant. Ciscomani's inaction led his constituent to write him an open letter in the Arizona Daily Star about his broken promise to protect DACA recipients like her. Unlike Ciscomani, JoAnna is a staunch advocate for the rule of law who has refused to be silent, voicing her support for the Dreamer's due process protections.
Ciscomani has also failed to live up to his promises to veterans and military families. Despite representing a district with the seventh largest veterans population in the U.S., Ciscomani refused to speak out after the Administration gutted tens of thousands of jobs at the VA. When repeatedly contacted for a reaction to the VA cuts, Ciscomani " did not respond " despite previously " h[olding] himself up as a champion of veterans." Meanwhile, a U.S. Marine veteran herself, JoAnna blasted the cuts and Ciscomani's silence, saying " veterans don't need lip service, they need health care." JoAnna similarly took the lead on protecting veterans when she spoke out against a Department of Veterans Affairs proposal to ban abortion nationwide at all VA hospitals with limited exceptions, a cause Ciscomani refused to comment on.
A Rubberstamp For A Reckless, Cost-Hiking Agenda That's Crushing Southern Arizona
Juan Ciscomani is a reliable rubberstamp for an extreme, cost-hiking agenda that's making life unaffordable for Southern Arizona families. Ciscomani cast a key vote for the Big, Ugly Bill that's jacking up Arizonans' health care costs and taking food out of hungry kids' mouths to pay for permanent tax cuts for billionaires. Ciscomani's health care cuts are estimated to kick more than 340,000 Arizonans off their health care, including nearly 35,000 people in Arizona's Sixth Congressional District. Health care facilities in and around AZ-06 are on track to lose $110 million annually, a devastating blow that could force some clinics to reduce services, lay off staff, or close their doors altogether. Experts are warning that Ciscomani's health care cuts " could lead to the collapse of Arizona's health care system," the harms of which will be felt by " all patients," regardless of their insurance.
Many Arizonans are already feeling the effects of Ciscomani's cuts: Planned Parenthood Arizona stopped accepting Medicaid patients because of the Big, Ugly Bill, even for routine services like cancer screenings and other preventative care. At least ten Arizona health clinics have already or will soon shut down, while at least six additional facilities are at risk of closing. And more than 107,000 Arizonans already dropped their health insurance after Ciscomani refused to extend crucial tax credits that lowered premiums. Meanwhile, roughly half of all SNAP recipients in Arizona have been kicked off food assistance, including nearly 200,000 kids and 7% of all Pima County residents.
Ciscomani's Big, Ugly Bill isn't just jacking up food and health care costs: it's also devastating for electricity prices and the tens of thousands of Arizonans working in the clean energy sector. Take it from Ciscomani himself: shortly after voting to gut clean energy tax credits that reportedly created " life-changing " jobs in his district, Ciscomani sent a letter to party leaders begging them to " substantively " change the bill he had already voted for. In Ciscomani's own words, his vote "jeopardizes ongoing development, discourages long-term investment, and could significantly delay or cancel energy infrastructure projects across the country." Unfortunately for Southern Arizona, Ciscomani's prediction came true. Electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors, which had " quadrupled " its presence in Casa Grande after the initial creation of the tax credits, recently announced they are laying off 18% of their workforce and slashing 705 jobs in Arizona. The job losses are expected to cause a ripple effect across Southern Arizona, with one local cafe owner warning that he relies on Lucid Motor employees for roughly 15% of his business.
At the same time Ciscomani is sacrificing jobs and signing off on higher electricity prices, he's silent on the rise of data centers that could further jack up prices for families and threaten Arizona's water security - even as data centers crop up in AZ-06. Ciscomani " has not publicly spoken about " data centers, leaving Southern Arizonans in the dark about where he stands on this crucial issue. JoAnna Mendoza has called out Ciscomani's silence, saying he is " complicit because [he's] said absolutely nothing " about Arizonans' anxiety around data centers. JoAnna, in contrast, has been clear about the need to protect Arizona's water supply and prevent Arizonans' utility bills from skyrocketing as projects move forward.
Ciscomani's price-hiking agenda has been a disaster for Arizona's farmers and ranchers. Not only did Ciscomani vote against extending tax credits that roughly 1 in 4 farmers and ranchers depend on to afford health care, he voted nine times to protect reckless tariffs that are wreaking havoc on Arizona's agricultural economy and driving up costs for families and small businesses. Ciscomani's sweeping tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports in particular - two of the closest trading partners for Arizona - have created an even larger impact on Arizonans, who are left to pay even higher consumer prices as a result. Ciscomani even voted against a common-sense proposal to rein in tariffs that are raising food costs on Arizonans. At the same time he's voting to protect cost-raising tariffs that hurt farmers and ranchers, Ciscomani failed to speak out against the Trump Administration's proposal to import Argentinian beef - a betrayal that " sent shockwaves through an industry already navigating thin margins." Ciscomani has also been a staunch defender of the Iran War, which is driving up costs on fertilizer, diesel, and gas, all of which Arizona farmers and ranchers - not to mention everyday families - depend on.
The daughter of farmworkers who grew up working in Arizona's cotton fields, JoAnna Mendoza understands the challenges working Arizonans are working to overcome because politicians like Ciscomani are in their way. In Congress, she'll make lowering costs for families and small businesses a priority and fight to rein in reckless tariffs, protect health care, lower electricity prices, and more.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Arizona Mirror: Medicaid cuts backed by Juan Ciscomani will cost Southern Arizona hospitals $110 M every year [Arizona Mirror, 1/8/26 ]
"Tucson Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani had drawn a line in the sand, saying he couldn't vote for a budget bill that cut Medicaid. Five weeks later, he strolled across that line, voting for a Trump-endorsed spending plan that cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid."
"A week later, he visited a rural hospital in his Southern Arizona district that is expected to lose over $700,000 annually because of the cuts. That was one of several rural health care facilities -all of which are now facing losses of millions of dollars -he visited in the coming weeks, the Arizona Mirror found."
Arizona Republic: Feds shortchanged Arizona on rural health dollars, Hobbs' office says [Arizona Republic, 1/2/26 ]
"Ciscomani -widely seen as one of the most electorally vulnerable members of Congress -has pointed to the fund to defend his vote in favor of the Trump-backed budget [...] Ciscomani, who sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, told reporters in August he was confident that Arizona would be prioritized in the rural health fund negotiations. 'We have been a force at the table on this issue,' he said at the time."
Tucson Sentinel: With SNAP cuts, Ciscomani's big, bad vote is coming back to haunt him [Tucson Sentinel, 6/12/26 ]
"More than 7 percent of all Pima County residents lost their benefits to pay for tax cuts that mainly benefit the rich."
E&E News: Megabill vote plagues Arizona moderate's reelection fight [E&E News, 7/17/26 ]
"The sprawling 6th District has seen a clean energy boom in recent years fueled by tax incentives from the Democrats' 2022 climate law. But Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani -seeking a third term -voted with nearly every member of his party last year to phase out those credits."
KJZZ: 'Tariffs hurt the American farmer': Arizona agricultural leaders weigh in on Trump trade policies [KJZZ, 5/8/26 ]
KJZZ: Arizona gas prices could 'set all-time records' if Iran war drags on [KJZZ, 4/23/26 ]
KTAR News: High gas prices could cost Arizona candidates at ballot box, new poll shows [KTAR News, 5/20/26 ]
Arizona Mirror: Money from GOP leaders is flooding into two Arizona House races. Democrats say that's telling. [Arizona Mirror, 3/20/26 ]
"[Ciscomani] has gotten nearly $1 million so far, the second most of any other Republican incumbent outside of House leadership."
Tucson Sentinel: Az Democrats criticize Trump's VA cuts, while Ciscomani is silent [Tucson Sentinel, 12/20/25 ]
"'Veterans don't need lip service, they need health care,' said Mendoza, who spent 17 years as a Marine after serving three years in the Navy. 'At a time when veterans are struggling to get the care they earned, Juan Ciscomani is once again missing in action.'"
Tucson Sentinel: Conservative poll shows GOP's Ciscomani trailing Dem challenger Mendoza in CD6 [Tucson Sentinel, 4/29/26 ]
"Ciscomani, a Republican seeking a third term in Congressional District 6, had the support of 44 percent of the 400 CD6 voters who were surveyed, while Mendoza had 47 percent."
"'Ciscomani starts the race in a precarious position, with high name ID but also high unfavorables,' the survey notes."
POLITICO: Democratic House challenger in Arizona pulls in $2.3M quarterly haul [POLITICO, 4/3/26 ]
Tucson Sentinel: Tucson doctors & healthcare execs share troubling prognosis with Dem candidate Mendoza [Tucson Sentinel, 4/30/26 ]
"Mendoza held the roundtable discussion on Tuesday in a public meeting room of the Murphy-Wilmot Library, inviting members of the press to attend. Ciscomani held a closed-door meeting with area healthcare executives and controversial Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the beginning of April, putting out a press release after the event."
New York Times: Arizona Democrat's Tough Past Fuels Pitch for a Key House Seat [New York Times, 6/20/26 ]
"Growing up, Ms. Mendoza would wake at 4 o'clock on summer mornings and wait at a gas station with her parents for a bus to drive them to cotton fields where they would pick weeds with bare hands under the desert sun."
"Her family never had a car. She remembers riding her pink bike to the grocery store with food stamps in her pocket and then home with plastic bags balanced on her handlebars."
CNN: Democrats going after Trump's megabill tell their own stories of needing Medicaid and other aid programs [CNN, 7/5/25 ]
"Arizona's JoAnna Mendoza credits government assistance programs for allowing her to serve her country as a Marine."
Reuters: Could a group of women veteran 'Hellcats' help Democrats flip the House in 2026? [Reuters, 12/22/25 ]
"'Veterans are mission-focused,' said Mendoza, 49. 'You don't ask the person to your left or right what their political affiliation is. You work through issues, find compromise, and accomplish the mission.'"
POLITICO: Democrats reclaim the American flag [POLITICO, 6/13/25 ]
"Mendoza said she deliberately chose her campaign colors to be red, white and blue to make a point that 'they don't own it, and we have to take it back.'"
PATH TO VICTORY
Labeled a toss-up by independent race raters Cook Political Report and Inside Elections, Arizona's Sixth Congressional District is one of the most competitive House seats in the country. Democrats have a proven path to winning the district: Senator Ruben Gallego won it by six points in 2024, while both Governor Katie Hobbs carried it by four and Senator Mark Kelly carried it by a whopping 10 points in 2022.
A strong candidate who " checks so many boxes it almost feels out of a movie," JoAnna Mendoza poses a potent threat to an increasingly vulnerable Juan Ciscomani. As a Marine veteran, JoAnna can relate to the more than 80,000 veterans Ciscomani has betrayed in AZ-06, which has the seventh largest veterans population in the country. JoAnna is also a single mom who grew up on Medicaid and SNAP in rural Arizona, making her a powerful voice to hold Ciscomani accountable for gutting Arizonans' health care and food assistance to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
All polling released so far shows JoAnna leading Ciscomani, including a survey conducted by a conservative pollster in April. One of the top fundraisers on the entire House battlefield, JoAnna has also repeatedly outraised Ciscomani, including by a 2 to 1 margin for the past two quarters in a row, including in the first quarter of 2026 when she hauled in $2.4 million to his $1.1 million. A first time federal candidate, JoAnna has already raised more money than Ciscomani - a two term incumbent - this cycle. JoAnna was also the first candidate to go up on broadcast, communicating her message in both English and Spanish to a district that is roughly 20% Hispanic or Latino. With a better message, stronger profile, and the resources she needs to keep communicating to voters, JoAnna Mendoza is on strong footing to win in November.
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/the-case-against-juan-ciscomani-3/
* * *
The Case Against Juan Ciscomani
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"Take it from Juan Ciscomani himself: he has repeatedly voted to hurt his own constituents. Southern Arizonans deserve a representative who keeps their word and is loyal to the working families they represent, not to D.C. party leaders. Former Marine Corps Drill Instructor JoAnna Mendoza is a patriot who's dedicated her life to serving her country. She's running for Congress to finally put Southern Arizona first - to lower costs, create good jobs, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * The Case Against Juan Ciscomani * "Take it from Juan Ciscomani himself: he has repeatedly voted to hurt his own constituents. Southern Arizonans deserve a representative who keeps their word and is loyal to the working families they represent, not to D.C. party leaders. Former Marine Corps Drill Instructor JoAnna Mendoza is a patriot who's dedicated her life to serving her country. She's running for Congress to finally put Southern Arizona first - to lower costs, create good jobs,and keep communities safe," said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
To: Interested Parties
From: Lindsay Reilly, DCCC Regional Press Secretary
Date: July 21, 2026
Subject:
Juan Ciscomani has established a clear track record as a Republican Party puppet who consistently prioritizes D.C. party bosses over the needs of Southern Arizonans. The second highest recipient of House GOP leaders' campaign cash last year, Ciscomani votes 100% of the time with Trump and House leadership on everything from gutting Arizonans' health care, to protecting cost-hiking tariffs, to greenlighting a war of choice in Iran. Ciscomani's inability to withstand party pressure is so pronounced that he has repeatedly blasted legislation as harmful to Southern Arizonans, only to vote for the bills anyway - with top advisors admitting he is simply " not accustomed " to bucking Republican Party leadership, leaving his community to pay the price.
Tragically for the voters of Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, Ciscomani's tenure has been defined by a series of high-profile betrayals that are raising costs on families. Despite explicitly promising that he " cannot and will not" cut Medicaid due to the pain it would cause rural and Hispanic communities, Ciscomani cast the deciding vote to gut the program in order to fund tax cuts for billionaires. He repeated this pattern of cowardice by going back on his word to protect both the Affordable Care Act and clean energy tax credits, backing reckless tariffs that are jacking up prices on families and small businesses, and going entirely silent on his promised support for veterans, military families, and even DACA recipients as his party attacks them.
In stark contrast to Ciscomani's party-line allegiance, retired Marine Corps Drill Instructor JoAnna Mendoza offers a lifetime of dedicated service and an unyielding commitment to the Constitution. The daughter of farmworkers, JoAnna grew up on Medicaid and SNAP and understands the challenges everyday Arizonans are facing. After a childhood of working in Arizona's cotton fields to help her family make ends meet, JoAnna joined the military to escape rural poverty. A U.S. Navy and Marine Corps veteran, JoAnna served for roughly twenty years, including on multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, before returning to Arizona to raise her son as a single mom. Driven by an oath of service that she says " never expires," JoAnna is a fierce champion for Arizona families. She's running for Congress to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and keep communities safe.
Democrats have a proven path to victory in Arizona's Sixth Congressional District: Senator Ruben Gallego won it by six points in 2024, while both Governor Katie Hobbs carried it by four and Senator Mark Kelly carried it by a whopping 10 points in 2022. In an election year defined by Ciscomani's repeated betrayals hurting voters, and a formidable opponent in Marine Corps veteran JoAnna Mendoza, AZ-06 is poised to flip from red to blue this November.
A Corrupt Republican Party Puppet Who Puts D.C. Leaders First and Counts Ethically-Compromised Colleagues as his Closest Friends
A former longtime GOP operative, Juan Ciscomani is only loyal to the Republican Party and its leaders - not to Southern Arizonans. Ciscomani ran for Congress after years of working to advance GOP politics. Once elected, he immediately got started rubber-stamping D.C. Republicans' reckless, cost-hiking agenda. Named one of the " most corrupt politicians " in the country, Ciscomani has a clear track record of " rel[ying] heavily on campaign money from party leaders " and voting for legislation he admitted hurts Southern Arizona. Ciscomani received nearly $1 million from D.C. party bosses in 2025 alone, " the second most of any other Republican incumbent outside of House leadership " - a telling sum that helps explain his disastrous anti-Arizona voting record.
At the same time he's taking their campaign cash, Ciscomani is voting 100% of the time with Donald Trump and GOP leadership. Ciscomani's consistent party-line votes are especially notable because he, on more than one occasion, blasted legislation for being harmful to his constituents before, of course, bending the knee and voting for it anyway. After Ciscomani broke his promise to fight for health care subsidies that help Arizonans afford insurance, a top Ciscomani advisor told the Arizona Republic that Ciscomani is " not accustomed " to going against " leadership. " Ciscomani's reluctance to cross the D.C. leaders who fund his campaign could explain why he voted for the largest cuts to Medicaid in history despite vowing he " cannot and will not" cut Medicaid, why he voted for clean energy tax credits that he admitted " jeopardize[d] " his district, and why - in Ciscomani's own words - he feels it is not his " job " to hold the President accountable.
In addition to being a " top recipient " of campaign cash from GOP leaders, Ciscomani has repeatedly taken money from " three disgraced lawmakers " that he refused to hold accountable. Ciscomani accepted $30,000 from " predator " Tony Gonzales, a Texas lawmaker who had an affair with a staffer who later took her own life by setting herself on fire. Ciscomani and Gonzales often touted their close relationship, calling each other " bestie," " brother," and " the real deal " on social media and campaigning together in Tucson, raising further questions about Ciscomani's judgement. Unlike other Republicans, Ciscomani refused to condemn Gonzales' affair or urge him to drop his re-election bid. In a similar vein, Ciscomani received $8,000 from Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards, who is currently under an ethics investigation for allegedly harassing two women staffers. Ciscomani also accepted thousands from Republican Congressman Max Miller, who has been accused of domestic violence. Multiple outlets report that Ciscomani has not returned any of the money to Gonzales, Edwards, or Miller.
In stark contrast to Ciscomani, JoAnna Mendoza has made clear her allegiance is to the Constitution - not to a political party or D.C. leaders. A Marine veteran who wears her patriotism on her sleeve, JoAnna is running because her oath of service never expires.
A Flip-Flopping Fraud Who Keeps Breaking His Promises to Southern Arizonans
If there's one thing Southern Arizonans can count on from Juan Ciscomani, it's that he'll break his promises to them to please D.C. party bosses. After spending months declaring he " cannot and will not" cut Medicaid because doing so, in his words, " would have serious consequences, particularly in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities," Ciscomani cast the deciding vote to gut Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Ciscomani voted for even deeper cuts to Medicaid a few weeks later, despite stating that the bill he ultimately voted for " threatens access to coverage " " for vulnerable individuals " and " jeopardizes the stability of our hospitals and providers." Even though the legislation had zero changes from when Ciscomani bashed it, he ultimately said he was " proud of the vote [he] took." JoAnna Mendoza has wasted no time blasting Ciscomani for his betrayal. The daughter of farmworkers, JoAnna grew up on Medicaid and attributes the program to allowing her to grow up healthy and strong enough to serve her country in the U.S. Navy and Marines for nearly twenty years.
Ciscomani's Medicaid flipflop " sparked public outcry in Tucson " and among Southern Arizonans, who filled local opinion pages with testimonials about how Ciscomani promised them he wouldn't cut health care, then did it anyway. In the words of AZ-06 voters, Ciscomani " violated his oath and betrayed the most vulnerable of his constituents " and " knew the risks... expressed concern... then he voted yes anyway." Even a health care worker who met with and was personally assured by Ciscomani's senior staff that the Congressman "would protect and not cut Medicaid" said he and a group of other providers "were lied to [to] our faces."
Just like he did on Medicaid, Ciscomani made dire warnings about how failing to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits would hurt Arizona's Sixth Congressional District. For months, Ciscomani warned of " massive " consequences and " real harm " for Arizonans if the tax credits expired, even going so far to say that " doing nothing is not an option." True to form, Ciscomani then... did nothing. Ciscomani refused to join bipartisan efforts to protect his constituents' health care and force the House to vote on extending the credits, even for a bill he previously said he supported. Ciscomani's cowardice helped lead to more than 107,000 Arizonans losing their ACA insurance coverage this year - the third highest drop off in the nation.
Cisomani's broken promises extend beyond health care. Ciscomani repeatedly vowed to protect DACA recipients because it's an " issue that is near and dear to [his] heart and #AZ06," but he's since gone " silent " on protecting Dreamers and refuses to respond to recent questions on " whether he still support[s] a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients." Ciscomani even declined to speak out after a Tucson Dreamer, also his constituent, was detained by immigration officials who "aggressively" entered her home without a warrant. Ciscomani's inaction led his constituent to write him an open letter in the Arizona Daily Star about his broken promise to protect DACA recipients like her. Unlike Ciscomani, JoAnna is a staunch advocate for the rule of law who has refused to be silent, voicing her support for the Dreamer's due process protections.
Ciscomani has also failed to live up to his promises to veterans and military families. Despite representing a district with the seventh largest veterans population in the U.S., Ciscomani refused to speak out after the Administration gutted tens of thousands of jobs at the VA. When repeatedly contacted for a reaction to the VA cuts, Ciscomani " did not respond " despite previously " h[olding] himself up as a champion of veterans." Meanwhile, a U.S. Marine veteran herself, JoAnna blasted the cuts and Ciscomani's silence, saying " veterans don't need lip service, they need health care." JoAnna similarly took the lead on protecting veterans when she spoke out against a Department of Veterans Affairs proposal to ban abortion nationwide at all VA hospitals with limited exceptions, a cause Ciscomani refused to comment on.
A Rubberstamp For A Reckless, Cost-Hiking Agenda That's Crushing Southern Arizona
Juan Ciscomani is a reliable rubberstamp for an extreme, cost-hiking agenda that's making life unaffordable for Southern Arizona families. Ciscomani cast a key vote for the Big, Ugly Bill that's jacking up Arizonans' health care costs and taking food out of hungry kids' mouths to pay for permanent tax cuts for billionaires. Ciscomani's health care cuts are estimated to kick more than 340,000 Arizonans off their health care, including nearly 35,000 people in Arizona's Sixth Congressional District. Health care facilities in and around AZ-06 are on track to lose $110 million annually, a devastating blow that could force some clinics to reduce services, lay off staff, or close their doors altogether. Experts are warning that Ciscomani's health care cuts " could lead to the collapse of Arizona's health care system," the harms of which will be felt by " all patients," regardless of their insurance.
Many Arizonans are already feeling the effects of Ciscomani's cuts: Planned Parenthood Arizona stopped accepting Medicaid patients because of the Big, Ugly Bill, even for routine services like cancer screenings and other preventative care. At least ten Arizona health clinics have already or will soon shut down, while at least six additional facilities are at risk of closing. And more than 107,000 Arizonans already dropped their health insurance after Ciscomani refused to extend crucial tax credits that lowered premiums. Meanwhile, roughly half of all SNAP recipients in Arizona have been kicked off food assistance, including nearly 200,000 kids and 7% of all Pima County residents.
Ciscomani's Big, Ugly Bill isn't just jacking up food and health care costs: it's also devastating for electricity prices and the tens of thousands of Arizonans working in the clean energy sector. Take it from Ciscomani himself: shortly after voting to gut clean energy tax credits that reportedly created " life-changing " jobs in his district, Ciscomani sent a letter to party leaders begging them to " substantively " change the bill he had already voted for. In Ciscomani's own words, his vote "jeopardizes ongoing development, discourages long-term investment, and could significantly delay or cancel energy infrastructure projects across the country." Unfortunately for Southern Arizona, Ciscomani's prediction came true. Electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors, which had " quadrupled " its presence in Casa Grande after the initial creation of the tax credits, recently announced they are laying off 18% of their workforce and slashing 705 jobs in Arizona. The job losses are expected to cause a ripple effect across Southern Arizona, with one local cafe owner warning that he relies on Lucid Motor employees for roughly 15% of his business.
At the same time Ciscomani is sacrificing jobs and signing off on higher electricity prices, he's silent on the rise of data centers that could further jack up prices for families and threaten Arizona's water security - even as data centers crop up in AZ-06. Ciscomani " has not publicly spoken about " data centers, leaving Southern Arizonans in the dark about where he stands on this crucial issue. JoAnna Mendoza has called out Ciscomani's silence, saying he is " complicit because [he's] said absolutely nothing " about Arizonans' anxiety around data centers. JoAnna, in contrast, has been clear about the need to protect Arizona's water supply and prevent Arizonans' utility bills from skyrocketing as projects move forward.
Ciscomani's price-hiking agenda has been a disaster for Arizona's farmers and ranchers. Not only did Ciscomani vote against extending tax credits that roughly 1 in 4 farmers and ranchers depend on to afford health care, he voted nine times to protect reckless tariffs that are wreaking havoc on Arizona's agricultural economy and driving up costs for families and small businesses. Ciscomani's sweeping tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports in particular - two of the closest trading partners for Arizona - have created an even larger impact on Arizonans, who are left to pay even higher consumer prices as a result. Ciscomani even voted against a common-sense proposal to rein in tariffs that are raising food costs on Arizonans. At the same time he's voting to protect cost-raising tariffs that hurt farmers and ranchers, Ciscomani failed to speak out against the Trump Administration's proposal to import Argentinian beef - a betrayal that " sent shockwaves through an industry already navigating thin margins." Ciscomani has also been a staunch defender of the Iran War, which is driving up costs on fertilizer, diesel, and gas, all of which Arizona farmers and ranchers - not to mention everyday families - depend on.
The daughter of farmworkers who grew up working in Arizona's cotton fields, JoAnna Mendoza understands the challenges working Arizonans are working to overcome because politicians like Ciscomani are in their way. In Congress, she'll make lowering costs for families and small businesses a priority and fight to rein in reckless tariffs, protect health care, lower electricity prices, and more.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Arizona Mirror: Medicaid cuts backed by Juan Ciscomani will cost Southern Arizona hospitals $110 M every year [Arizona Mirror, 1/8/26 ]
"Tucson Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani had drawn a line in the sand, saying he couldn't vote for a budget bill that cut Medicaid. Five weeks later, he strolled across that line, voting for a Trump-endorsed spending plan that cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid."
"A week later, he visited a rural hospital in his Southern Arizona district that is expected to lose over $700,000 annually because of the cuts. That was one of several rural health care facilities -all of which are now facing losses of millions of dollars -he visited in the coming weeks, the Arizona Mirror found."
Arizona Republic: Feds shortchanged Arizona on rural health dollars, Hobbs' office says [Arizona Republic, 1/2/26 ]
"Ciscomani -widely seen as one of the most electorally vulnerable members of Congress -has pointed to the fund to defend his vote in favor of the Trump-backed budget [...] Ciscomani, who sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, told reporters in August he was confident that Arizona would be prioritized in the rural health fund negotiations. 'We have been a force at the table on this issue,' he said at the time."
Tucson Sentinel: With SNAP cuts, Ciscomani's big, bad vote is coming back to haunt him [Tucson Sentinel, 6/12/26 ]
"More than 7 percent of all Pima County residents lost their benefits to pay for tax cuts that mainly benefit the rich."
E&E News: Megabill vote plagues Arizona moderate's reelection fight [E&E News, 7/17/26 ]
"The sprawling 6th District has seen a clean energy boom in recent years fueled by tax incentives from the Democrats' 2022 climate law. But Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani -seeking a third term -voted with nearly every member of his party last year to phase out those credits."
KJZZ: 'Tariffs hurt the American farmer': Arizona agricultural leaders weigh in on Trump trade policies [KJZZ, 5/8/26 ]
KJZZ: Arizona gas prices could 'set all-time records' if Iran war drags on [KJZZ, 4/23/26 ]
KTAR News: High gas prices could cost Arizona candidates at ballot box, new poll shows [KTAR News, 5/20/26 ]
Arizona Mirror: Money from GOP leaders is flooding into two Arizona House races. Democrats say that's telling. [Arizona Mirror, 3/20/26 ]
"[Ciscomani] has gotten nearly $1 million so far, the second most of any other Republican incumbent outside of House leadership."
Tucson Sentinel: Az Democrats criticize Trump's VA cuts, while Ciscomani is silent [Tucson Sentinel, 12/20/25 ]
"'Veterans don't need lip service, they need health care,' said Mendoza, who spent 17 years as a Marine after serving three years in the Navy. 'At a time when veterans are struggling to get the care they earned, Juan Ciscomani is once again missing in action.'"
Tucson Sentinel: Conservative poll shows GOP's Ciscomani trailing Dem challenger Mendoza in CD6 [Tucson Sentinel, 4/29/26 ]
"Ciscomani, a Republican seeking a third term in Congressional District 6, had the support of 44 percent of the 400 CD6 voters who were surveyed, while Mendoza had 47 percent."
"'Ciscomani starts the race in a precarious position, with high name ID but also high unfavorables,' the survey notes."
POLITICO: Democratic House challenger in Arizona pulls in $2.3M quarterly haul [POLITICO, 4/3/26 ]
Tucson Sentinel: Tucson doctors & healthcare execs share troubling prognosis with Dem candidate Mendoza [Tucson Sentinel, 4/30/26 ]
"Mendoza held the roundtable discussion on Tuesday in a public meeting room of the Murphy-Wilmot Library, inviting members of the press to attend. Ciscomani held a closed-door meeting with area healthcare executives and controversial Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the beginning of April, putting out a press release after the event."
New York Times: Arizona Democrat's Tough Past Fuels Pitch for a Key House Seat [New York Times, 6/20/26 ]
"Growing up, Ms. Mendoza would wake at 4 o'clock on summer mornings and wait at a gas station with her parents for a bus to drive them to cotton fields where they would pick weeds with bare hands under the desert sun."
"Her family never had a car. She remembers riding her pink bike to the grocery store with food stamps in her pocket and then home with plastic bags balanced on her handlebars."
CNN: Democrats going after Trump's megabill tell their own stories of needing Medicaid and other aid programs [CNN, 7/5/25 ]
"Arizona's JoAnna Mendoza credits government assistance programs for allowing her to serve her country as a Marine."
Reuters: Could a group of women veteran 'Hellcats' help Democrats flip the House in 2026? [Reuters, 12/22/25 ]
"'Veterans are mission-focused,' said Mendoza, 49. 'You don't ask the person to your left or right what their political affiliation is. You work through issues, find compromise, and accomplish the mission.'"
POLITICO: Democrats reclaim the American flag [POLITICO, 6/13/25 ]
"Mendoza said she deliberately chose her campaign colors to be red, white and blue to make a point that 'they don't own it, and we have to take it back.'"
PATH TO VICTORY
Labeled a toss-up by independent race raters Cook Political Report and Inside Elections, Arizona's Sixth Congressional District is one of the most competitive House seats in the country. Democrats have a proven path to winning the district: Senator Ruben Gallego won it by six points in 2024, while both Governor Katie Hobbs carried it by four and Senator Mark Kelly carried it by a whopping 10 points in 2022.
A strong candidate who " checks so many boxes it almost feels out of a movie," JoAnna Mendoza poses a potent threat to an increasingly vulnerable Juan Ciscomani. As a Marine veteran, JoAnna can relate to the more than 80,000 veterans Ciscomani has betrayed in AZ-06, which has the seventh largest veterans population in the country. JoAnna is also a single mom who grew up on Medicaid and SNAP in rural Arizona, making her a powerful voice to hold Ciscomani accountable for gutting Arizonans' health care and food assistance to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
All polling released so far shows JoAnna leading Ciscomani, including a survey conducted by a conservative pollster in April. One of the top fundraisers on the entire House battlefield, JoAnna has also repeatedly outraised Ciscomani, including by a 2 to 1 margin for the past two quarters in a row, including in the first quarter of 2026 when she hauled in $2.4 million to his $1.1 million. A first time federal candidate, JoAnna has already raised more money than Ciscomani - a two term incumbent - this cycle. JoAnna was also the first candidate to go up on broadcast, communicating her message in both English and Spanish to a district that is roughly 20% Hispanic or Latino. With a better message, stronger profile, and the resources she needs to keep communicating to voters, JoAnna Mendoza is on strong footing to win in November.
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/the-case-against-juan-ciscomani-3/
The Case Against Eli Crane
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
The Case Against Eli Crane
*
"Eli Crane has betrayed rural Arizona. From voting to gut health care to supporting a reckless war of choice in Iran, Crane is wildly out of step with what rural Arizonans want and need from their representative. Jonathan Nez is a bipartisan leader running to give rural communities a voice. He will work with anyone to lower costs, improve health care, and finally put rural Arizonans first," said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
To: Interested Parties
From: ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * The Case Against Eli Crane * "Eli Crane has betrayed rural Arizona. From voting to gut health care to supporting a reckless war of choice in Iran, Crane is wildly out of step with what rural Arizonans want and need from their representative. Jonathan Nez is a bipartisan leader running to give rural communities a voice. He will work with anyone to lower costs, improve health care, and finally put rural Arizonans first," said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene. To: Interested Parties From:Lindsay Reilly, DCCC Regional Press Secretary
Date: July 21, 2026
Subject:
Eli Crane represents everything that's wrong with politics in Washington. Beholden to the D.C. party leaders who fund his campaign, Crane has consistently voted to make life harder for rural Arizonans. Crane cast a key vote to gut health care and food assistance, both devastating blows to his overwhelmingly rural district that's already plagued by food deserts and limited access to health care. Crane was also one of the only members of Congress, on either side of the aisle, to vote against lowering housing costs. Crane has also consistently opposed sending federal dollars back home to AZ-02 to improve roads, build bridges, or strengthen water security - at the same time he's backing massive hikes to the federal debt to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. At every step, Crane chooses to make life more expensive for his constituents, all while living roughly an hour away from the district's borders in a gated community in a wealthy Oro Valley neighborhood.
Jonathan Nez is the rural leader Arizonans deserve in Congress. The former President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan has experience working with both Democratic and Republican Administrations to deliver for rural families. Jonathan will work with anyone - businesses, local groups, Republicans, Democrats, Independents - to get the job done for his community. Jonathan is running for Congress to give rural Arizona a voice and fight for the things that matter most for people in the Second District: water security, affordable health care, better jobs, and lower prices.
Jonathan's candidacy puts Arizona's Second Congressional District firmly on the map. Jonathan shocked the country last cycle when he overperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris in the district with little to no outside help, while Crane underperformed Donald Trump by roughly six points. Home to 14 of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes, roughly 20% of the people in AZ-02 are Native American - a voting block that overwhelmingly broke for Jonathan in 2024. Jonathan is continuing to garner attention this cycle, having raised more than $3.5 million to date and statistically tying Crane in a recent poll of AZ-02 voters. In a midterm election year where Democrats are overperforming in congressional special elections by roughly 17 points, AZ-02 is absolutely in play with Jonathan on the ticket.
A D.C. Insider Who Puts The Well-Off and Well-Connected First
Eli Crane's allegiance to the D.C. Swamp was on display when he wavered on holding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplices accountable. Despite declaring that " transparency matters," Crane " backtracked on the issue " and " was noncommittal " about forcing a vote to release all files related to Epstein - even though hundreds of other members of Congress had signed onto a petition to do just that. As the Arizona Republic reported at the time, Crane's " silen[ce] " came at the same time D.C. party leaders were trying to bury the findings in a committee - evidence that Crane is taking orders from D.C. party bosses, not from Arizonans.
Crane went to Congress promising to fight for Arizona, but he's done nothing but fall in line and obey the D.C. party bosses who fund his campaign. Take it from Crane himself, who accepted roughly $600,000 from D.C. party leadership last year: "You become part of the team and you fall in line and basically do what you're told... then the apparatus or the establishment will come and get your back and protect you." Crane has been doing "what [he's been] told" at the direct expense of Arizonans - voting in line with D.C. party bosses to explode the national debt, cut taxes for billionaires, kick rural Arizonans off their health care, and greenlight another forever war in Iran that's hiking costs here at home.
Now a D.C. insider himself, Crane abandoned his principles and broke his promise to rein in the national debt. Despite previously warning that " our national debt is over $34 trillion, and eventually this house of cards will collapse " and that it's " imperative that we tackle the unsustainable spending of the federal government," Crane voted to explode the deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next decade to pay for permanent tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. Crane has also voted at least four times to greenlight another reckless forever war, this time in Iran. The Crane-backed conflict has already cost taxpayers nearly $150 billion, or roughly $1,100 per household, with no end in sight. Crane has made clear that he doesn't actually care about the debt; he cares about pleasing D.C. party leadership.
Unlike Crane, Jonathan doesn't sit around waiting for partisan bosses to give him an order, and is already regarded for his ability to work with anyone to put his community and their priorities first. As President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan worked with leaders of both parties, including the Trump Administration, to deliver for Arizona. He also served alongside a Republican Vice President, demonstrating that he'll work with anyone to get results for Arizonans.
A Rubberstamp For a Reckless, Cost-Hiking Agenda
Eli Crane's tenure in Washington has been defined by his willingness to hike costs on rural Arizonans, including by gutting food assistance and health care. Crane's vote to cut health care via the Big, Ugly Bill is particularly devastating for rural Arizonans, with at least four hospitals or clinics at risk of closing in AZ-02 - the most of any House district in the state - because of the new law. Crane's health care cuts are already cited as a key reason why Northern Arizona Healthcare decided against three possible new hospital sites in or around AZ-02. At the same time hospitals are at risk, Crane's decision to cut Medicaid, which roughly 1 in 3 of his constituents depend on, is set to jack up costs for Arizonans. Crane also backed eliminating crucial tax credits that help Arizonans afford health care on the insurance marketplace, a policy choice that could spike health care costs in his district by a staggering 416%, on average, for a 60-year-old couple making $85,000 a year. Since Crane's vote, more than 107,000 Arizonans lost their health insurance - the third highest drop-off in the nation.
On top of his cuts to health care, Crane's cuts to food aid has led to roughly half of all SNAP recipients in Arizona losing access to food assistance, including nearly 200,000 kids. Even before Crane voted for the largest cuts to SNAP in history, roughly 17% of Arizonans in Crane's rural district struggled to put food on the table. Crane's food assistance cuts are worsening the crisis for everyone, as rural grocers are at risk of " severe financial hardship " in a district already plagued by " food deserts."
In addition to gutting health care and food assistance, Crane has consistently voted against bipartisan proposals to lower housing costs for Arizonans. Crane was one of a handful of members to oppose the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bill to make it easier for families to purchase a home by modernizing local development and rural housing programs. Crane also voted against the bipartisan Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, which would cut bureaucratic red tape to make homeownership more attainable on tribal lands, despite representing a district that's roughly 20% Native American.
Crane has also been a rubberstamp for reckless, cost-hiking tariffs that are costing Arizona families and small businesses. Despite Arizonans paying more for groceries, utilities, and other household necessities due to tariffs, Crane says he's " very supportive " of them, even calling tariffs " a very good move." When pressed on the cost-raising tariffs' increasing unpopularity, Crane had the audacity to double down: " I agree with the policy." Meanwhile, Arizonans are expected to pay an extra $2,500 this year because of Crane's careless tariffs.
Crane's cost-hiking agenda also includes greenlighting a reckless war of choice in Iran. Crane's forever war has already forced Arizonans to pay $450 more on energy. Gas prices in Arizona are on track to break " all-time records " if the war drags on, potentially surging to up to $6 a gallon - a devastating blow to rural Arizonans in Crane's district who already have to drive long distances. Arizonans are understandably upset about high gas prices, with a recent survey showing that roughly two in three voters are likely to take gas prices into consideration this November. As if high gas prices weren't enough of a sting, the Crane-backed conflict is also expected to raise prices on petroleum-based products, including clothes, detergent, and shoes.
Raised on dirt floors with no running water or electricity, Jonathan is a son of rural Arizona. He knows the reality and challenges working Arizonans are going through. Unlike Crane, he's committed to lowering costs for rural Arizonans on everything from groceries, to gas, to health care.
An Absent "Representative" Who Votes To Make Life Harder For Rural Arizona
Despite representing the most rural district in the state, Eli Crane consistently votes against rural communities. At the same time he's gutting health care and food assistance for rural Arizonans, Crane is voting to block federal funds from reaching rural communities. Crane voted to defund public media, an essential resource that can serve as the only news source in rural areas. Local advocates have sounded the alarm that Crane's vote is especially devastating for alerting the public to emergencies, like natural disasters or missing persons. Crane has also voted against strengthening rural Arizona's water security by opposing legislation to help manage flood risk in Coconino, Yavapai, and Navajo Counties - all of which are located squarely in AZ-02. Moreover, Crane was one of a handful of lawmakers, on either side of the aisle, to vote against making housing more affordable in rural communities. And Crane stayed silent as the Administration pushed to " essentially defund " tribal colleges and universities, even though Crane represents a district with 14 of Arizona's 22 federal recognized tribes.
In addition to voting against funds for rural Arizona, Crane refuses to use his authority to direct tax dollars back home to his constituents. While Crane has no problem jacking up the national debt to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, he consistently fails to direct federal dollars back home for local projects. Crane is one of the only members of Congress who doesn't accept "community project funding," letting tax dollars that could be going back to rural Arizona be spent on other states.
It's no mystery why Eli Crane has been so disastrous for rural Arizona. Despite Arizona's Second Congressional District spanning roughly half the state, Crane doesn't even live within an hour of the district's borders. Instead, Crane lives in a gated community in a wealthy Oro Valley neighborhood. Crane has also reportedly never held an in-person town hall and has been criticized for largely being " absent " in AZ-02. In stark contrast to Crane, Jonathan Nez understands rural Arizona, shows up, and will always fight for its communities.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Arizona Daily Sun: 'Where's Eli?' Flagstaff citizens call out Congressman Crane for lack of engagement with community [Arizona Daily Sun, 3/27/25 ]
Cronkite News: House Republicans send megabill to Trump, setting aside concerns about huge Medicaid cuts and massive deficit impact [Cronkite News, 7/3/25 ]
"Crane's district, the biggest in the state, covering all of northeast Arizona, has 275,300 residents on Medicaid -roughly a third of the population."
"Of the five rural hospitals flagged by University of North Carolina researchers as being at risk for closure due to the Medicaid cuts, three are in Crane's district."
"He declined repeated attempts to discuss the impacts on his district and its hospitals."
Arizona Republic: Letters: Crane says he supports rural Arizona then votes against it [Arizona Republic, 5/12/26 ]
Reuters: Millions lose food stamps under Trump cuts. Arizona is hardest hit [Reuters, 6/24/26 ]
Arizona Republic: 3 Arizona Republicans voted no on bipartisan housing bill [Arizona Republic, 6/24/26 ]
"An aide to Crane did not return a request for comment on his 'no' vote."
National Journal: Dem Poll Shows Tightening Race in Deep Red Territory [National Journal, 6/25/26 ]
"The deserts of Arizona don't often see tidal activity, but this fall, Democrats are hoping a blue wave crashes over the state. An internal poll shared exclusively with Hotline found a Democratic challenger within the margin of error in AZ-02."
Arizona Mirror: Money from GOP leaders is flooding into two Arizona House races. Democrats say that's telling. [Arizona Mirror, 3/20/26 ]
Copper Courier: Representation gap: Nez doubles down on Eli Crane's votes against constituents' best interests [Copper Courier, 3/25/26 ]
"This year alone, US Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.)... has voted against two bipartisan bills to make housing more affordable and accessible, including for tribal communities that make up a huge chunk of his constituency."
NOTUS: This Candidate's Tribal Background Gave Him Firsthand Experience with Washington [NOTUS, 6/15/26 ]
"In an interview with NOTUS, Nez, who also served on the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, emphasized his desire to represent all constituents, not just tribe members. He said that as he's campaigned, he's sensed discontent among voters -particularly ones from rural areas -about policy decisions that don't prioritize pressing issues for the district."
Native News Online: Nez to Crane: Stop Making Health Care More Expensive for Rural Arizonans [Native News Online, 11/13/25 ]
Arizona Republic: Jonathan Nez gets a boost from Dem leaders in his race for Congress [Arizona Republic, 2/23/26 ]
PATH TO VICTORY
Jonathan Nez proved in 2024 that there is a path to victory in Arizona's Second Congressional District. Despite flying under the radar for most of the cycle, Jonathan overperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris in AZ-02. Meanwhile, Crane underperformed Donald Trump - signaling his vulnerability this cycle as an incumbent as Arizonans grow sick of the status quo. In a midterm election year where voters are souring on Crane and D.C. Republicans' price-hiking agenda and Democrats are overperforming in congressional special elections by roughly 17 points, Jonathan puts AZ-02 squarely on the map.
A prolific fundraiser, Jonathan has already raised more than $3.5 million this cycle to take on Crane - including over $500,000 in the first week of his campaign. Recent polling confirms Jonathan's momentum on the ground. A June survey showed Jonathan in a statistical dead heat with Crane.
Arizona's Second Congressional District is home to 14 of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes. A tribal leader who recently served as President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan is well known among the 20% of AZ-02 residents who are Native American. Indigenous voters overwhelmingly supported Jonathan in the last election, a trend that is likely to continue this November.
With a proven, high-performing candidate like Jonathan Nez on the ticket with even more resources to compete this cycle, and a shifting national environment that favors Democrats, Arizona's Second Congressional District is firmly in play this cycle.
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/the-case-against-eli-crane/
* * *
The Case Against Eli Crane
*
"Eli Crane has betrayed rural Arizona. From voting to gut health care to supporting a reckless war of choice in Iran, Crane is wildly out of step with what rural Arizonans want and need from their representative. Jonathan Nez is a bipartisan leader running to give rural communities a voice. He will work with anyone to lower costs, improve health care, and finally put rural Arizonans first," said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
To: Interested Parties
From: ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * The Case Against Eli Crane * "Eli Crane has betrayed rural Arizona. From voting to gut health care to supporting a reckless war of choice in Iran, Crane is wildly out of step with what rural Arizonans want and need from their representative. Jonathan Nez is a bipartisan leader running to give rural communities a voice. He will work with anyone to lower costs, improve health care, and finally put rural Arizonans first," said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene. To: Interested Parties From:Lindsay Reilly, DCCC Regional Press Secretary
Date: July 21, 2026
Subject:
Eli Crane represents everything that's wrong with politics in Washington. Beholden to the D.C. party leaders who fund his campaign, Crane has consistently voted to make life harder for rural Arizonans. Crane cast a key vote to gut health care and food assistance, both devastating blows to his overwhelmingly rural district that's already plagued by food deserts and limited access to health care. Crane was also one of the only members of Congress, on either side of the aisle, to vote against lowering housing costs. Crane has also consistently opposed sending federal dollars back home to AZ-02 to improve roads, build bridges, or strengthen water security - at the same time he's backing massive hikes to the federal debt to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. At every step, Crane chooses to make life more expensive for his constituents, all while living roughly an hour away from the district's borders in a gated community in a wealthy Oro Valley neighborhood.
Jonathan Nez is the rural leader Arizonans deserve in Congress. The former President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan has experience working with both Democratic and Republican Administrations to deliver for rural families. Jonathan will work with anyone - businesses, local groups, Republicans, Democrats, Independents - to get the job done for his community. Jonathan is running for Congress to give rural Arizona a voice and fight for the things that matter most for people in the Second District: water security, affordable health care, better jobs, and lower prices.
Jonathan's candidacy puts Arizona's Second Congressional District firmly on the map. Jonathan shocked the country last cycle when he overperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris in the district with little to no outside help, while Crane underperformed Donald Trump by roughly six points. Home to 14 of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes, roughly 20% of the people in AZ-02 are Native American - a voting block that overwhelmingly broke for Jonathan in 2024. Jonathan is continuing to garner attention this cycle, having raised more than $3.5 million to date and statistically tying Crane in a recent poll of AZ-02 voters. In a midterm election year where Democrats are overperforming in congressional special elections by roughly 17 points, AZ-02 is absolutely in play with Jonathan on the ticket.
A D.C. Insider Who Puts The Well-Off and Well-Connected First
Eli Crane's allegiance to the D.C. Swamp was on display when he wavered on holding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplices accountable. Despite declaring that " transparency matters," Crane " backtracked on the issue " and " was noncommittal " about forcing a vote to release all files related to Epstein - even though hundreds of other members of Congress had signed onto a petition to do just that. As the Arizona Republic reported at the time, Crane's " silen[ce] " came at the same time D.C. party leaders were trying to bury the findings in a committee - evidence that Crane is taking orders from D.C. party bosses, not from Arizonans.
Crane went to Congress promising to fight for Arizona, but he's done nothing but fall in line and obey the D.C. party bosses who fund his campaign. Take it from Crane himself, who accepted roughly $600,000 from D.C. party leadership last year: "You become part of the team and you fall in line and basically do what you're told... then the apparatus or the establishment will come and get your back and protect you." Crane has been doing "what [he's been] told" at the direct expense of Arizonans - voting in line with D.C. party bosses to explode the national debt, cut taxes for billionaires, kick rural Arizonans off their health care, and greenlight another forever war in Iran that's hiking costs here at home.
Now a D.C. insider himself, Crane abandoned his principles and broke his promise to rein in the national debt. Despite previously warning that " our national debt is over $34 trillion, and eventually this house of cards will collapse " and that it's " imperative that we tackle the unsustainable spending of the federal government," Crane voted to explode the deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next decade to pay for permanent tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. Crane has also voted at least four times to greenlight another reckless forever war, this time in Iran. The Crane-backed conflict has already cost taxpayers nearly $150 billion, or roughly $1,100 per household, with no end in sight. Crane has made clear that he doesn't actually care about the debt; he cares about pleasing D.C. party leadership.
Unlike Crane, Jonathan doesn't sit around waiting for partisan bosses to give him an order, and is already regarded for his ability to work with anyone to put his community and their priorities first. As President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan worked with leaders of both parties, including the Trump Administration, to deliver for Arizona. He also served alongside a Republican Vice President, demonstrating that he'll work with anyone to get results for Arizonans.
A Rubberstamp For a Reckless, Cost-Hiking Agenda
Eli Crane's tenure in Washington has been defined by his willingness to hike costs on rural Arizonans, including by gutting food assistance and health care. Crane's vote to cut health care via the Big, Ugly Bill is particularly devastating for rural Arizonans, with at least four hospitals or clinics at risk of closing in AZ-02 - the most of any House district in the state - because of the new law. Crane's health care cuts are already cited as a key reason why Northern Arizona Healthcare decided against three possible new hospital sites in or around AZ-02. At the same time hospitals are at risk, Crane's decision to cut Medicaid, which roughly 1 in 3 of his constituents depend on, is set to jack up costs for Arizonans. Crane also backed eliminating crucial tax credits that help Arizonans afford health care on the insurance marketplace, a policy choice that could spike health care costs in his district by a staggering 416%, on average, for a 60-year-old couple making $85,000 a year. Since Crane's vote, more than 107,000 Arizonans lost their health insurance - the third highest drop-off in the nation.
On top of his cuts to health care, Crane's cuts to food aid has led to roughly half of all SNAP recipients in Arizona losing access to food assistance, including nearly 200,000 kids. Even before Crane voted for the largest cuts to SNAP in history, roughly 17% of Arizonans in Crane's rural district struggled to put food on the table. Crane's food assistance cuts are worsening the crisis for everyone, as rural grocers are at risk of " severe financial hardship " in a district already plagued by " food deserts."
In addition to gutting health care and food assistance, Crane has consistently voted against bipartisan proposals to lower housing costs for Arizonans. Crane was one of a handful of members to oppose the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bill to make it easier for families to purchase a home by modernizing local development and rural housing programs. Crane also voted against the bipartisan Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, which would cut bureaucratic red tape to make homeownership more attainable on tribal lands, despite representing a district that's roughly 20% Native American.
Crane has also been a rubberstamp for reckless, cost-hiking tariffs that are costing Arizona families and small businesses. Despite Arizonans paying more for groceries, utilities, and other household necessities due to tariffs, Crane says he's " very supportive " of them, even calling tariffs " a very good move." When pressed on the cost-raising tariffs' increasing unpopularity, Crane had the audacity to double down: " I agree with the policy." Meanwhile, Arizonans are expected to pay an extra $2,500 this year because of Crane's careless tariffs.
Crane's cost-hiking agenda also includes greenlighting a reckless war of choice in Iran. Crane's forever war has already forced Arizonans to pay $450 more on energy. Gas prices in Arizona are on track to break " all-time records " if the war drags on, potentially surging to up to $6 a gallon - a devastating blow to rural Arizonans in Crane's district who already have to drive long distances. Arizonans are understandably upset about high gas prices, with a recent survey showing that roughly two in three voters are likely to take gas prices into consideration this November. As if high gas prices weren't enough of a sting, the Crane-backed conflict is also expected to raise prices on petroleum-based products, including clothes, detergent, and shoes.
Raised on dirt floors with no running water or electricity, Jonathan is a son of rural Arizona. He knows the reality and challenges working Arizonans are going through. Unlike Crane, he's committed to lowering costs for rural Arizonans on everything from groceries, to gas, to health care.
An Absent "Representative" Who Votes To Make Life Harder For Rural Arizona
Despite representing the most rural district in the state, Eli Crane consistently votes against rural communities. At the same time he's gutting health care and food assistance for rural Arizonans, Crane is voting to block federal funds from reaching rural communities. Crane voted to defund public media, an essential resource that can serve as the only news source in rural areas. Local advocates have sounded the alarm that Crane's vote is especially devastating for alerting the public to emergencies, like natural disasters or missing persons. Crane has also voted against strengthening rural Arizona's water security by opposing legislation to help manage flood risk in Coconino, Yavapai, and Navajo Counties - all of which are located squarely in AZ-02. Moreover, Crane was one of a handful of lawmakers, on either side of the aisle, to vote against making housing more affordable in rural communities. And Crane stayed silent as the Administration pushed to " essentially defund " tribal colleges and universities, even though Crane represents a district with 14 of Arizona's 22 federal recognized tribes.
In addition to voting against funds for rural Arizona, Crane refuses to use his authority to direct tax dollars back home to his constituents. While Crane has no problem jacking up the national debt to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, he consistently fails to direct federal dollars back home for local projects. Crane is one of the only members of Congress who doesn't accept "community project funding," letting tax dollars that could be going back to rural Arizona be spent on other states.
It's no mystery why Eli Crane has been so disastrous for rural Arizona. Despite Arizona's Second Congressional District spanning roughly half the state, Crane doesn't even live within an hour of the district's borders. Instead, Crane lives in a gated community in a wealthy Oro Valley neighborhood. Crane has also reportedly never held an in-person town hall and has been criticized for largely being " absent " in AZ-02. In stark contrast to Crane, Jonathan Nez understands rural Arizona, shows up, and will always fight for its communities.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Arizona Daily Sun: 'Where's Eli?' Flagstaff citizens call out Congressman Crane for lack of engagement with community [Arizona Daily Sun, 3/27/25 ]
Cronkite News: House Republicans send megabill to Trump, setting aside concerns about huge Medicaid cuts and massive deficit impact [Cronkite News, 7/3/25 ]
"Crane's district, the biggest in the state, covering all of northeast Arizona, has 275,300 residents on Medicaid -roughly a third of the population."
"Of the five rural hospitals flagged by University of North Carolina researchers as being at risk for closure due to the Medicaid cuts, three are in Crane's district."
"He declined repeated attempts to discuss the impacts on his district and its hospitals."
Arizona Republic: Letters: Crane says he supports rural Arizona then votes against it [Arizona Republic, 5/12/26 ]
Reuters: Millions lose food stamps under Trump cuts. Arizona is hardest hit [Reuters, 6/24/26 ]
Arizona Republic: 3 Arizona Republicans voted no on bipartisan housing bill [Arizona Republic, 6/24/26 ]
"An aide to Crane did not return a request for comment on his 'no' vote."
National Journal: Dem Poll Shows Tightening Race in Deep Red Territory [National Journal, 6/25/26 ]
"The deserts of Arizona don't often see tidal activity, but this fall, Democrats are hoping a blue wave crashes over the state. An internal poll shared exclusively with Hotline found a Democratic challenger within the margin of error in AZ-02."
Arizona Mirror: Money from GOP leaders is flooding into two Arizona House races. Democrats say that's telling. [Arizona Mirror, 3/20/26 ]
Copper Courier: Representation gap: Nez doubles down on Eli Crane's votes against constituents' best interests [Copper Courier, 3/25/26 ]
"This year alone, US Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.)... has voted against two bipartisan bills to make housing more affordable and accessible, including for tribal communities that make up a huge chunk of his constituency."
NOTUS: This Candidate's Tribal Background Gave Him Firsthand Experience with Washington [NOTUS, 6/15/26 ]
"In an interview with NOTUS, Nez, who also served on the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, emphasized his desire to represent all constituents, not just tribe members. He said that as he's campaigned, he's sensed discontent among voters -particularly ones from rural areas -about policy decisions that don't prioritize pressing issues for the district."
Native News Online: Nez to Crane: Stop Making Health Care More Expensive for Rural Arizonans [Native News Online, 11/13/25 ]
Arizona Republic: Jonathan Nez gets a boost from Dem leaders in his race for Congress [Arizona Republic, 2/23/26 ]
PATH TO VICTORY
Jonathan Nez proved in 2024 that there is a path to victory in Arizona's Second Congressional District. Despite flying under the radar for most of the cycle, Jonathan overperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris in AZ-02. Meanwhile, Crane underperformed Donald Trump - signaling his vulnerability this cycle as an incumbent as Arizonans grow sick of the status quo. In a midterm election year where voters are souring on Crane and D.C. Republicans' price-hiking agenda and Democrats are overperforming in congressional special elections by roughly 17 points, Jonathan puts AZ-02 squarely on the map.
A prolific fundraiser, Jonathan has already raised more than $3.5 million this cycle to take on Crane - including over $500,000 in the first week of his campaign. Recent polling confirms Jonathan's momentum on the ground. A June survey showed Jonathan in a statistical dead heat with Crane.
Arizona's Second Congressional District is home to 14 of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes. A tribal leader who recently served as President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan is well known among the 20% of AZ-02 residents who are Native American. Indigenous voters overwhelmingly supported Jonathan in the last election, a trend that is likely to continue this November.
With a proven, high-performing candidate like Jonathan Nez on the ticket with even more resources to compete this cycle, and a shifting national environment that favors Democrats, Arizona's Second Congressional District is firmly in play this cycle.
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/the-case-against-eli-crane/
REMINDER: Tom Kean Jr. Has Continued to Stock Trade & Broke His Promise to Put His Assets Into a Blind Trust
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
* * *
REMINDER: Tom Kean Jr. Has Continued to Stock Trade & Broke His Promise to Put His Assets Into a Blind Trust
*
Kean Jr. campaigned on a promise to ban congressional stock trading and move his assets into a blind trust. He's broken both promises.
Tom Kean Jr. has a confession: He knew stock trading off his votes in Congress was wrong, but he did it anyway.
During his first campaign for Congress, Kean Jr. promised New Jersey voters that he would bring ' saintly ethics ' to D.C., ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * REMINDER: Tom Kean Jr. Has Continued to Stock Trade & Broke His Promise to Put His Assets Into a Blind Trust * Kean Jr. campaigned on a promise to ban congressional stock trading and move his assets into a blind trust. He's broken both promises. Tom Kean Jr. has a confession: He knew stock trading off his votes in Congress was wrong, but he did it anyway. During his first campaign for Congress, Kean Jr. promised New Jersey voters that he would bring ' saintly ethics ' to D.C.,including supporting a ban on congressional stock trading and a pledge to place his millions of dollars worth of assets into a blind trust to prevent even the perception that he could be benefiting from insider access. Instead, Kean Jr. has continued to play the stock market while serving in Congress and has broken his promise to place his assets into a blind trust.
Kean Jr.'s stock trading drew attention when it was revealed that he made multiple market moves while simultaneously missing votes during his extended absence from Washington. Reporting confirmed that Kean Jr. " personally certified the disclosure, affixing his digital signature to the document on April 13," tying him directly to the trading activity. And new reporting from The Gothamist this week showed that Kean Jr. traded as much as $340K in June.
DCCC Spokesperson Eli Cousin:
"Tom Kean Jr. can't clean up the culture of corruption in Congress because he has become part of it himself."
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/reminder-tom-kean-jr-has-continued-to-stock-trade-broke-his-promise-to-put-his-assets-into-a-blind-trust/
* * *
REMINDER: Tom Kean Jr. Has Continued to Stock Trade & Broke His Promise to Put His Assets Into a Blind Trust
*
Kean Jr. campaigned on a promise to ban congressional stock trading and move his assets into a blind trust. He's broken both promises.
Tom Kean Jr. has a confession: He knew stock trading off his votes in Congress was wrong, but he did it anyway.
During his first campaign for Congress, Kean Jr. promised New Jersey voters that he would bring ' saintly ethics ' to D.C., ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * REMINDER: Tom Kean Jr. Has Continued to Stock Trade & Broke His Promise to Put His Assets Into a Blind Trust * Kean Jr. campaigned on a promise to ban congressional stock trading and move his assets into a blind trust. He's broken both promises. Tom Kean Jr. has a confession: He knew stock trading off his votes in Congress was wrong, but he did it anyway. During his first campaign for Congress, Kean Jr. promised New Jersey voters that he would bring ' saintly ethics ' to D.C.,including supporting a ban on congressional stock trading and a pledge to place his millions of dollars worth of assets into a blind trust to prevent even the perception that he could be benefiting from insider access. Instead, Kean Jr. has continued to play the stock market while serving in Congress and has broken his promise to place his assets into a blind trust.
Kean Jr.'s stock trading drew attention when it was revealed that he made multiple market moves while simultaneously missing votes during his extended absence from Washington. Reporting confirmed that Kean Jr. " personally certified the disclosure, affixing his digital signature to the document on April 13," tying him directly to the trading activity. And new reporting from The Gothamist this week showed that Kean Jr. traded as much as $340K in June.
DCCC Spokesperson Eli Cousin:
"Tom Kean Jr. can't clean up the culture of corruption in Congress because he has become part of it himself."
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/reminder-tom-kean-jr-has-continued-to-stock-trade-broke-his-promise-to-put-his-assets-into-a-blind-trust/
Maryland Gas Prices Surge to $4.12 as Trump Doubles Down on His Deadly and Unpopular War With Iran
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, July 22 -- The Maryland Democratic Party issued the following news:
* * *
Maryland Gas Prices Surge to $4.12 as Trump Doubles Down on His Deadly and Unpopular War With Iran
*
In response, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steurat Pittman released the following statement:
"Donald Trump has the power to end his deadly and costly war with Iran, which continues to claim the lives of U.S. servicemembers and send prices soaring -yet he chooses not to. As a result, Maryland working families are forced to dip into their savings and stretch their budgets to afford the high prices ... Show Full Article ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, July 22 -- The Maryland Democratic Party issued the following news: * * * Maryland Gas Prices Surge to $4.12 as Trump Doubles Down on His Deadly and Unpopular War With Iran * In response, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steurat Pittman released the following statement: "Donald Trump has the power to end his deadly and costly war with Iran, which continues to claim the lives of U.S. servicemembers and send prices soaring -yet he chooses not to. As a result, Maryland working families are forced to dip into their savings and stretch their budgets to afford the high pricesat the pump and at the grocery store. Our families are in desperate need of relief, but instead Trump would rather send them the bill for his endless war. The contrast couldn't be clearer: While Trump doesn't care about ending this war or lowering costs,
Democrats are doing everything in our power to
make everyday life more affordable for Maryland families."
***
Original text here: https://mddems.org/news/maryland-gas-prices-surge-to-4-12-as-trump-doubles-down-on-his-deadly-and-unpopular-war-with-iran/
* * *
Maryland Gas Prices Surge to $4.12 as Trump Doubles Down on His Deadly and Unpopular War With Iran
*
In response, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steurat Pittman released the following statement:
"Donald Trump has the power to end his deadly and costly war with Iran, which continues to claim the lives of U.S. servicemembers and send prices soaring -yet he chooses not to. As a result, Maryland working families are forced to dip into their savings and stretch their budgets to afford the high prices ... Show Full Article ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, July 22 -- The Maryland Democratic Party issued the following news: * * * Maryland Gas Prices Surge to $4.12 as Trump Doubles Down on His Deadly and Unpopular War With Iran * In response, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steurat Pittman released the following statement: "Donald Trump has the power to end his deadly and costly war with Iran, which continues to claim the lives of U.S. servicemembers and send prices soaring -yet he chooses not to. As a result, Maryland working families are forced to dip into their savings and stretch their budgets to afford the high pricesat the pump and at the grocery store. Our families are in desperate need of relief, but instead Trump would rather send them the bill for his endless war. The contrast couldn't be clearer: While Trump doesn't care about ending this war or lowering costs,
Democrats are doing everything in our power to
make everyday life more affordable for Maryland families."
***
Original text here: https://mddems.org/news/maryland-gas-prices-surge-to-4-12-as-trump-doubles-down-on-his-deadly-and-unpopular-war-with-iran/
ICYMI: Data Centers Send Utility Rates Soaring for Ohioans Thanks to Jon Husted
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 22 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
* * *
ICYMI: Data Centers Send Utility Rates Soaring for Ohioans Thanks to Jon Husted
*
NBC 4 Columbus : Data centers cause Ohio's energy demand to surpass supply
COLUMBUS, OHIO - New reporting from NBC 4 Columbus shows that the massive data center boom in Ohio, spearheaded by Jon Husted, has caused energy demand to outpace supply, sending utility rates skyrocketing for Ohio families.
Jon Husted, who has been called " the face of data centers " in Ohio, led the charge to bring a record number of facilities to ... Show Full Article COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 22 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news: * * * ICYMI: Data Centers Send Utility Rates Soaring for Ohioans Thanks to Jon Husted * NBC 4 Columbus : Data centers cause Ohio's energy demand to surpass supply COLUMBUS, OHIO - New reporting from NBC 4 Columbus shows that the massive data center boom in Ohio, spearheaded by Jon Husted, has caused energy demand to outpace supply, sending utility rates skyrocketing for Ohio families. Jon Husted, who has been called " the face of data centers " in Ohio, led the charge to bring a record number of facilities tothe state, helping cut sweetheart tax deals and fast track approvals for corporations to build massive data centers. CNBC even called Ohio one of the "best positioned to land AI data center deals despite rising public opposition."
Thanks to Husted's push to hand billions in tax breaks to attract data centers to Ohio, utility bills are skyrocketing for families -with Ohio seeing the second largest utility rate increase in the country over the last year.
Read more:
NBC 4 Columbus: Data centers cause Ohio's energy demand to surpass supply
* For the second year in a row, the organization that supplies Ohio with electricity was unable to meet its full capacity target.
* PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that includes Ohio and 12 other states, said the capacity of resources procured at last week's auction is short of their reliability requirement.
* PJM is facing a shortfall of about 6.8 gigawatts -the same amount of electricity it would take to power about 4 million homes.
* It also signals to state lawmakers and consumer watchdogs that Ohioans' electric bills are going to continue to get even higher.
* State Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) called the PJM auction results "the worst-case scenario."
* "We've got data centers entering the market quicker than we can get generation to enter," Smith said. "Unfortunately, it means prices are probably going to go up and reliability is going to go down."
* PJM has also cited data centers as the primary driver of the overwhelming growth in energy demand.
***
Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/icymi-data-centers-send-utility-rates-soaring-for-ohioans-thanks-to-jon-husted/
* * *
ICYMI: Data Centers Send Utility Rates Soaring for Ohioans Thanks to Jon Husted
*
NBC 4 Columbus : Data centers cause Ohio's energy demand to surpass supply
COLUMBUS, OHIO - New reporting from NBC 4 Columbus shows that the massive data center boom in Ohio, spearheaded by Jon Husted, has caused energy demand to outpace supply, sending utility rates skyrocketing for Ohio families.
Jon Husted, who has been called " the face of data centers " in Ohio, led the charge to bring a record number of facilities to ... Show Full Article COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 22 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news: * * * ICYMI: Data Centers Send Utility Rates Soaring for Ohioans Thanks to Jon Husted * NBC 4 Columbus : Data centers cause Ohio's energy demand to surpass supply COLUMBUS, OHIO - New reporting from NBC 4 Columbus shows that the massive data center boom in Ohio, spearheaded by Jon Husted, has caused energy demand to outpace supply, sending utility rates skyrocketing for Ohio families. Jon Husted, who has been called " the face of data centers " in Ohio, led the charge to bring a record number of facilities tothe state, helping cut sweetheart tax deals and fast track approvals for corporations to build massive data centers. CNBC even called Ohio one of the "best positioned to land AI data center deals despite rising public opposition."
Thanks to Husted's push to hand billions in tax breaks to attract data centers to Ohio, utility bills are skyrocketing for families -with Ohio seeing the second largest utility rate increase in the country over the last year.
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NBC 4 Columbus: Data centers cause Ohio's energy demand to surpass supply
* For the second year in a row, the organization that supplies Ohio with electricity was unable to meet its full capacity target.
* PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that includes Ohio and 12 other states, said the capacity of resources procured at last week's auction is short of their reliability requirement.
* PJM is facing a shortfall of about 6.8 gigawatts -the same amount of electricity it would take to power about 4 million homes.
* It also signals to state lawmakers and consumer watchdogs that Ohioans' electric bills are going to continue to get even higher.
* State Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) called the PJM auction results "the worst-case scenario."
* "We've got data centers entering the market quicker than we can get generation to enter," Smith said. "Unfortunately, it means prices are probably going to go up and reliability is going to go down."
* PJM has also cited data centers as the primary driver of the overwhelming growth in energy demand.
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Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/icymi-data-centers-send-utility-rates-soaring-for-ohioans-thanks-to-jon-husted/