US House of Reps District 6
Juan Ciscomani vs Kirsten Engel
I am sharing the research for this one because I live in this district, it encompasses a good portion of Tucson, and it’s considered a competitive race. If this one doesn’t apply to you, feel free to ignore it, or share it with someone you know who DOES live in this district!
First, here’s a debate you can watch. Full disclosure - I didn’t watch this one because I already know how I’m going to vote here and I still have so much more to research!
Juan Ciscomani (incumbent)
As his constituent, here are some of my favorite things about him: He sends out a weekly newsletter to anyone who signs up with updates on what he is working on in Congress. I appreciate being kept in the loop. He’s very responsive and seems to care about what his constituents want. He has made the care of Veterans his pet project and he has worked hard on anything that will help and benefit Veterans. He is not afraid to work across the aisle when it will benefit everyday Americans. He does not seem to be an extremist. That being said, I don’t agree with him on a lot of things. There is also a very strong effort out there pointing out his links to an organization called “Patriot Academy” which is a far-right Christian Nationalist group that opposes same-sex marriage, opposes abortion for any reason, and advocates for Christianity to have a bigger influence on government, including the idea that we should rewrite the Constitution to remove the separation of Church and State. Ciscomani served on the board of the organization that runs Patriot Academy from 2007 to 2021. He has declined to comment on this connection.
Blames the border on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (despite voting against a comprehensive, bipartisan border deal that would have solved many of the problems)
Supports finishing the border wall, ending “Catch and release”, and reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy
Says he opposes any and all efforts to reduce benefits for Social Security and Medicare
“I’m pro-life, I reject the extremes and I trust women.” Says he is against a federal abortion ban but wants “timetables and exceptions”
Wants to increase investments in women’s health research
“Supports policies that respect women and protect new life” (FYI - he did vote AGAINST bills that would have protected access to IVF and contraception)
Fights on behalf of veterans and their access to healthcare
“Back the blue”
“Our dependence on foreign energy must be eliminated”
We must address drought, conservation, and innovation to secure a strong water future for everyone.
Prominently displayed on his website is a banner that says “Ranked Arizona’s most bipartisan member of Congress” which is great and all but probably not that hard to do when Arizona claims extremists like Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar.
I’ll also share an experience I had a while back when I contacted him about moving forward on common sense gun control measures. I received an email reply assuring me that he cared about gun violence and was working on it. But then my friend forwarded me the email he sent in response to her, and it was clear his staff accidentally sent her the one he sends to people who are big Second Amendment Supporters. In this email he said he would make sure nothing infringed on the rights of gun owners. It was pretty obvious to me that he cares more about protecting guns than he does about protecting children.
He is extremely supportive of Israel and frequently mentions it in his newsletter that we must help Israel defend themselves.
Endorsed by multiple law enforcement and police organizations, Americans for Prosperity, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Chamber of Commerce
Previously held positions at the Massachusetts Office of Attorney General and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Currently teaches at the University of Arizona, and serves as Co-Director of the Environmental Law Program. She is a member of United Campus Workers-CWA
Previously served in the Arizona State House where she worked to fully fund public schools and fought for affordable community college and the expansion of technical education programs.
Main reasons for running for Congress are to fight for access to quality affordable healthcare and protect our environment and natural resources.
We should Combat drought and rising utility bills with smart water policies and green energy jobs. She has experience in this area from her time in the Arizona legislature where she worked on the Colorado Drought Contingency Plan.
We need to reduce prescription drug costs and expand access to affordable health care, including mental health services. Health care is a right, not a privilege.
Fight for our fundamental freedom to make our own reproductive health care decisions
Strengthen Social Security and Medicare and protect Veteran's Benefits
“Earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare should not only be protected, but strengthened for future generations.”
Secure our Southern border and reform our broken immigration system. She agrees that the federal government has “failed” in this regard and that we need solutions to human trafficking and drug smuggling that is hurting border communities. “Manpower, technology and security at our ports of entry constitute the most effective deterrent”
Supports common sense gun safety laws to protect our kids
“No parent should ever experience the terror and powerlessness that comes with knowing your child is potentially in an active shooter situation. I've been through it — and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.” She supports universal background checks, red flag laws, a ban on assault weapons, and an end to the gun show loophole.
Endorsed by Senator Mark Kelly, Former Congresswomen Gabby Giffords and Ann Kirkpatrick, AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes, March for our Lives, Emily’s List, Reproductive Freedom for All, Human Rights Campaign, National Education Association, and multiple Union organizations.