Jesus David Mendoza
Republican | Arizona
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jesus David Mendoza
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
UConn, Storrs, B.A. Political Science & Human Rights, 2016
Grenoble Ecole de Management, Grenoble, MA International Business, 2018
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
AZ MAGA
OTHER INFORMATION
Jesus Mendoza completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Neutral
Question lacks nuance. Tax-funded abortions are contentious; but, funding clinics for STD testing should be generally accepted for public health benefits.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Neutral
Pretty sure all drugs should meet essential safety standards, and all drugs should have basic general reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes. This question also doesn't specify who is doing the reporting, and why the reporting is happening. Is the reporting for consumer safety, or is it for a means for control? I advocate for consumer safety over pharmaceutical hegemony.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe life begins at conception, but I also empathize with anyone who fears they do not have either the means or the capacity to take on the necessary requirements to be an effective, good parent. In order to reduce ideological conflict, I advocate for a compromise: little regulation to abortion occurring before 15-20 weeks into the pregnancy, if non-life-threating, after 15-20 weeks of pregnancy then an abortion would be carried out with judicial consent. I'm open to conversation.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
The Supreme Court ruled this is a state issue, so abortion should be a matter for states to decide and states should reflect their citizens' diverse viewpoints. This aligns with principles of federalism and individual liberty. Nonetheless, elective (for non-life-threating reasons) late-term abortion is wrong. Also, surgical removal of material due a late-term miscarriage should not be considered an abortion. Although, I do see an argument for federal legislation covering states with the strictest laws, in order to mitigate public health risks of "back-alley abortions" and other unintended consequences of stricter state legislation.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Targeted support for low and middle-income families, improved financial education and access to affordable financial products. Simplify taxes, reduce unnecessary regulations, lower healthcare costs, and invest in education.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Agree
It does unfairly shift the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt, likewise maintaining social security benefits also unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for them. The question at hand is not whether our solutions are fair, but whether our solutions will work or not. What will our quality of life be in 30 years if we forgive certain debts, or shift our budget priorities?
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
When either C or S corporations engage in non-profit generating activities, it creates an agency cost to their ability to invest into their core profit generating activities. This results in corporations less able to provide adequate returns on investment (as related to CAGR), which would further destabilize the economy. Instead, I advocate for the promotion on B-corps, this growing corporate structure allows for a more efficient focus on ESG goals while not ignoring basic economic principles.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Referencing the establishment clause in Thomas Jefferson's 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association; initially it was intended to prevent any one Christian denomination from having political control over other Christian denominations. Since then, the concept has evolved to imply no religious commitments are permitted in government - this is wrong. Our nation allows it's citizens to practice any religion, and if they want, they can elect representatives who represent those beliefs.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
The Supreme Court has ruled both individuals and businesses cannot be required to provide services that compel either the individual or the business to engage in an act of creative expression, which would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs. On the other hand, if no act of creative expression is required, then both the individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Herd immunity is key to any vaccine rollout, but the ideals of individual liberty must be balanced along with it. I'm open to conversation on the topic.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Although, at the same time maintaining a good working relationship with China is essential for national security.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The US's relationship with every nation is important, especially nations surrounded by hostile actors who are overtly anti-American.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
American citizens are more informed than ever, they hear the stories of veterans who genuinely believed the were defending their country, to only years later feel humiliated by the incompetence of their government, and the revelation they may have fought a war justified on lies, with the real pretense being it was an effort to make wealthy men wealthier; other reasons include demographic, economic, cultural, military lifestyle, strict recruitment standards, and geopolitical factors.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
In 2022, Congress budgeted only about $20B on Immigration & Border Security; the budget should be doubled. Border security is akin to national defense, and should be treated as such.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Immigration to the U.S. should be reduced and regulated based on constitutional values, historical precedents, and practical considerations for social and economic well-being. Policies should ensure non-discrimination, favor high-skilled immigrants, prioritize family reunification, uphold humanitarian commitments, provide pathways to legal status, enhance border security, and be regularly adjusted to meet economic and social needs.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Agree
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
But this question confuses and complicates the nuances of child protection.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
This is too broad a question for me to answer in 750 characters or less, if you'd like to know about my beliefs and values the best place is via my campaign website.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Neutral
Needs discussion.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Our nation has a troubled past, as any people's nations would, but we are a nation of "magnificent intentions" that would one day build up a world where we value the good for all of humanity.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Neutral
Based on this question, I have to remain neutral, but I recognize there are human impacts on the environment. These impacts were not made overnight. My concern is the legislative/political response is moving at a pace that could have unintended consequences. The solutions must come through incremental change and collaboration.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Fusion energy, in either a tokamak or a future iteration of similar device.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Lean Conservative
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..." - Declaration of Independence
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Neutral
We should fund both of them more.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
It's not about restrictions, we need to have better gun safety education and mental health support.
