Candidates for nomination for Congressional District 2

Name: Matt Heinz

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Democrat

Statement:

I am deeply disturbed by the current state of affairs in our country. After repeated attacks on our health care, on vulnerable communities and people of color, and on the institution of democracy itself, I am determined to make a stand for the people of Southern Arizona. I am asking for your vote in this election because I have dedicated my life to my patients and to public service. I want to work for you. I believe that you, the voters, deserve honest and authentic representation in Washington and that our shared values should be brought to the halls of the United States Congress.

If we are to have a frank and honest discussion about our health care system, I believe having a medical expert at the table will be an invaluable asset to the conversation. However, this election isn’t just about health care. It is about our economy, our environment, and the need to break the gridlock that plagues Washington. From my time serving you in the Arizona Legislature, I know how to provide the representation my constituents expect. After serving in the Obama Administration, working to implement the Affordable Care Act, I understand the pitfalls as well as the potential of our federal government and how to navigate the bureaucracy to get results.

My drive to do this comes from all the remarkable people in our community who have time and time again asked me to be their advocate. We must elect leaders who represent our values, who can construct meaningful policy, and who never forget that they work for the people and not entrenched special interests or corporations. I would be honored to represent you in Congress and I humbly ask for your vote in this election.

Name: Ann Kirkpatrick

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Democrat

Statement:

I am running for Congress because now, more than ever, we need leaders who will stand up to Donald Trump.

I have served Arizona as prosecutor and as congresswoman. In 2010, I voted for the Affordable Care Act because I believe that everyone - including women and seniors - deserves health care. Democratic Party strategists in Washington told me I would lose re-election if I voted Yes, and I voted Yes anyway, because it was the right thing to do.

Let’s look at the results. The Affordable Care Act has led to over 20 million Americans gaining health coverage, including over 400,000 Arizonans. More people are getting care. Fewer families face medical bankruptcy. We have made real progress. It is a disgrace that Trump’s Congress has tried to rip health coverage away from millions of families, and they failed by just one vote. Since then, Trump and the Republican Congress have tried to sabotage our progress in health care. I want to be in Congress to stop them.

It is a role I have played before. I voted against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act over and over. I voted to stop Republicans from defunding Planned Parenthood.

There is much work to do to progress in other areas. I’ve worked to protect children from gun violence, voting in Congress to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them. I will vote for background checks on all gun sales, and to ban assault weapons.

If you send me to Congress, I will vote for the Dream Act and I’ll work my hardest to protect children from being separated from their parents. Protecting innocent children should be non-negotiable. Our current Congress lacks the strength to do the right thing, but I am ready to stand up.

Name: Billy Kovacs

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Democrat

Statement:

When asked the question “Why are you running for Congress?” I always tell people that I’ve never aspired to be a politician. I aspire to make a difference in the lives of those I care about and the people in my community. I believe we used to have leaders and statesman that stood for something. Statesmanship is something of a myth in American politics now. It’s a whisper of a time forgotten, where tribalism was put aside in the greater interests of the whole country. Where great ideas supporting a more perfect union thrived, and were promoted more than the interests of the powerful. I believe true power in a democracy lies within its people, and I choose to fight to give that power back to them.

Young people standing up for what was right founded this country, and I intend to carry on this legacy. I‘ve learned that if you want to change the world, you have to step forward yourself and initiate that change. I will fight for Medicare-for-all, Tuition and Debt free College and Trade Schools, Criminal Justice Reform, Common-Sense Gun Reform, Equal Rights for All, Women’s Rights, A Pathway to Citizenship, Economic Development, Legalization of Marijuana, Trade, Veterans’ Rights, LGBTQ Rights, and will never stop fighting to protect our Environment.

The preamble of the Constitution starts with “We the people”, and it’s we the people that are entrusted with restoring the rights bestowed by this document back to the nation it was written to defend. As I go forward in this endeavor, I intend to do just that. On August 28th I’m not just asking for your vote. I’m asking for you to stand with me and help make the change we want to see in our Country, because I can’t do this alone.

Name: Lea Marquez Peterson

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Republican

Statement:

I’ve called Southern Arizona home for over 40 years, and I’m passionate about our district. For the past 9 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as President & CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber and I’ve proven to be an effective advocate and problem solver for Southern Arizona. During this time, I’ve led the chamber through incredible growth from about 300-member businesses to over 1,800 currently. I’m proud that it’s now the largest Chamber of Commerce in Southern Arizona with offices in Sierra Vista, Douglas and Nogales. I believe strongly that we need more people in Washington that come from business backgrounds and less career politicians.

I’m running for Congress to help improve our regional economy, making sure we’re not left behind while Maricopa County grows. I’m running to support our military infrastructure that accounts for over 5 billion in economic activity in our region, and I’m running to ensure our communities are safe. Border security is important for Southern Arizona, especially our border communities. I support an “all of the above” approach at our southern border. We must protect our citizens and I support building a wall where we can, increased surveillance technology and more border patrol. Meanwhile, our Border Sheriffs need more resources to protect their communities and aid our border patrol. We also must reform our immigration system and I support a legal solution for our Dreamers that does not include amnesty.

I want to use my experience as a business and community leader to get things done for the 2nd District. I have the background and experience necessary to build consensus among different groups and get results for the district. I’m not going to Washington to participate in political games, I’m going to represent my home and improve the lives of everyone in it.

Name: Brandon Martin

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Republican

Statement:

Loyalty to my country and a duty to protect our natural rights, given to us by God, is at the forefront of my motivation to public service. Respect for our freedom and liberties drives my dedication to Arizona's Second Congressional District.

I served as an intelligence professional on the Afghanistan border, watching what instability in a country creates for its citizenry. Our southern border has not been secure for years and there must be a will to keep American families safe.

My platform is three-pronged in supporting our country: I will support the protection of our country’s sovereignty by securing our borders with any, and all necessary methods needed; I will advocate for the abolition of the Department of Education and any other under program not authorized by the Constitution, and I will work to reshape the Republican platform to remove items that do not protect natural rights as laid out in Article 1 Section 8 of the US Constitution.

Moving forward during this 2018 midterm election cycle, with hard work, and a grassroots effort, we will keep this Southern Arizona open seat red. We have the opportunity to restore accountability and personal responsibility by electing someone who will represent the people of Southern Arizona, and not be at the mercy of big money establishment.

I took an oath to protect my country when I served as a soldier; when I was hired under the Secretary General Staff at Ft. Huachuca, and I will take it again when I am sworn in as the Representative of Congressional District 2.

I humbly ask for your confidence and your vote on August 28. Together we will secure our present and secure our future.

Name: Mary Matiella

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Democrat

Statement:

We need to send someone to Washington who will stand up to President Trump and entrenched politicians. We can’t send the same people to Congress and expect different results. We can do better.

I grew up in southern Arizona. My parents were farm workers and taught me the value of hard work. My career took me around the world and through the ranks of the federal government. I proudly served as CFO of the Forest Service, Assistant CFO of HUD, and was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Army by President Obama.

It wasn’t easy. I faced racism and sexism and had to deal with bullies. But that’s the experience we need today. We need someone who knows how to stand up to special interests and politicians and fight for what’s right.

1. Income inequality might be the biggest problem facing our nation. We need to make corporations and the super-rich pay their fair share, simplify our tax code and make it fair, and we must provide debt-free college and vocational training. I grew up in poverty, but my success was largely possible because I graduated without the crippling debt so many graduates face today.

2. Healthcare is a right not a privilege. We must work towards Medicare for All.

3. Comprehensive Immigration Reform is needed to protect DREAMers and allow a pathway to citizenship for workers. Our nation’s economy requires migrant labor, and in larger numbers than are legally allowed for. Immigration reform must address that fact. Reform should also recognize the humanity of every person.

4. Climate Change is real, and we need to fight it. As CFO of the Forest Service I saw the catastrophic effects of climate change and bad environmental policy. We must create transition to renewable energy sources and get off fossil fuels by 2030.

Name: Danny "DJ" Morales

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Republican

Statement:

With a servant’s heart, I am running to give you the best representation in Congress to date and make a lasting impact for our district.

As a twelve-year active duty veteran, former vice mayor, city councilman, sheriff deputy, Fort Huachuca civilian, current Navy reservist supporting Davis Monthan, current substitute teacher, current youth pastor, recent Pima Community College graduate, and proud University of Arizona Wildcat, I have the experiences to serve you and your interests best.

As the only Republican running born and raised in our district, I will fight for you as my family. As the only one still serving in our military, who knows our national security threats, I will fight to keep our two bases open, keep the A-10 flying, look out for our veterans and expand our aerospace sector. As someone who lives three blocks from the border, I will fight to build a wall, hire more agents, deploy more surveillance, and bolster bi-national trade and infrastructure.

As a substitute teacher, husband to a future teacher, certified peace officer, youth city council founder, and life sciences major who knows our rural areas, I will work to harden our schools from active shooters, allow staff to be armed, open new private sector funding streams for our schools, champion internships, be a catalyst for jobs for our graduates, and look out for our agricultural sector.

As the only Republican running with elected experience, the only one to be a commanding officer, the only one to lead legislative meetings as a vice mayor, the only one to serve on an executive planning board for four counties, and the only one to lead in a law enforcement setting (class president), I will be your servant who can lead in Washington. I ask and thank you for your vote.

Name: Barbara Sherry

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Democrat

Statement:

I’m Barbara Sherry and I am a progressive Democrat running for Congress in the second district of Arizona. I owned Starbar Ranch in McNeal, AZ for years with my late partner. Before that, I had a long career as a mortgage broker. My unique background allowed me to develop the work ethic of a rancher who labors day in and day out, and the critical thinking skills and attention to detail that comes from working in finance.

I decided to run for Congress after I heard President Trump discuss the “very fine people on both sides” of the Charlottesville riot. I hope to be a voice of morals and reason in this time of great uncertainty in our country. I offer my unwavering service to my fellow Americans and will always support legislation that keeps their best interest in mind.

I am not a career politician who can be bought, I am a retired rancher who lives in rural Arizona fighting for progress and prosperity in my community. It’s my duty to speak up for my fellow Americans and those who seek refuge in America, because I am fortunate enough to have the voice and the ability to do so.

Progressive legislation will help chip away at the injustices plaguing our country right now and ultimately will make day-to-day life better for all Americans. I will fight for Medicare for all, protections for reproductive rights, common-sense gun laws, protections for the environment, and many more progressive issues. I will work towards increased jobs and infrastructure funding, paid parental and medical leave, and debt-free college. Most importantly I’ll always meet with and listen to my constituents. You hire elected officials with your vote and pay them with your taxes. As your Congresswoman, I will never forget that I work for you.

Name: Casey Welch

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Republican

Statement:

As a conservative, I stand for the protection of the United States through a secure border and immigration policies, an active military/veteran community, eliminating regulations that hinder our small businesses, an updated national infrastructure, and conservation of our national forests and parks.

People close to me know that I am a responsible, considerate, fair, hardworking and most importantly, a person that loves to serve his country. Just take a look at my background and you will agree. I’ve always put other people’s needs before myself. I always have and I always will. From serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua, to serving the US Government in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Colombia. Once I get to Washington D.C., I give you my word that I will serve you with distinction, with the utmost respect and most importantly I will never stop fighting for you, your issues, or your values. That is my word.

Name: Bruce Wheeler

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Democrat

Statement:

Health Care. Climate Change. Schools. Retirement Security. Immigration. Jobs. Money in Politics. Mass Shootings. Income Inequality. VA Crises. Tax Overhaul. Equality. Democracy.

This is our moment to elect a Congress that will address these critical issues. Here in CD2, the failure of Congress to act has resulted in inadequate health care coverage. Many feel the anxiety of jobs not meeting family and medical expenses. Our schools are deteriorating. Our border community is witnessing an immigration stalemate entering a new low with a whiplash of inhumane policy reversals. Powerful politicians incredibly question climate change, protecting their carbon friendly patrons.

I want to represent CD2 to change our course.

I support ​Medicare for All​, because it works. It’s efficient and cost effective. The broken, bureaucratic mess we now have leaves over 100,000 without coverage in CD2, costing everyone else more, except those profiting from it.

Global warming​ is an existential issue for which time will not wait. We must transition toward sustainable, renewable energy policies. Arizona and CD2 should play a major role, benefitting from the many new good paying jobs created.

Comprehensive immigration reform​ begins with renewing DACA and allowing Dreamers to earn the security of citizenship.

We must ​strengthen our public education system​ to ensure productive opportunities for all students.

We need to ​reverse Citizens United​. This legalized swamp of unlimited and unaccountable money buying politicians threatens our very democracy.

We must ensure and respect a ​woman’s right to her own health choices​, and ensure her privacy and dignity in those choices.

I am running for Congress to fight for our ideals, as I did for six years as a leader in the legislature representing southern Arizona. Let us seize this moment together, with our vote!

Please visit my website: ​www.WheelerForCongress2018.com

Name: Yahya Yuksel

Race: CD 2

Party affiliation: Democrat

Statement:

Today, Americans are tired of politics-as-usual. They are tired of the bias and sensational “breaking news”, money in politics, yesterday’s answers, disregard for the rule of law, and they see the division happening in this country.

Americans want candidates with new solutions, not yesterday’s answers, to fix our problems. And to find common ground we can work together on. No other candidate in this race is willing to even come up with such bold ideas. Compare our platforms on our websites, you’ll see.

Here are just three of my ideas that will benefit every American.

(1) An economic policy centered on wage growth for the 90% of workers that no other politician even addresses. If almost 8 out of 10 Americans live paycheck to paycheck, corporate profits and executive salary have never been higher—WE GOT A PROBLEM!

(2) A new 5-step solution for campaign finance reform to address the single biggest threat to our democracy. We must get Congress to stop fundraising up to 70% of their time!

(3) Campaigns should focus on making community improvements as a measure of success, not just promises of what they will do once in Congress (if they even get there).

These solutions are on my website in detail at www.voteyahya.com.

But today, I have to address the statements every other candidate has made, demanding I step down. They tried to be judge, jury, and executioner of my character and my campaign. Of course, they would! But by demanding I step down, they undermine the very office they plan to uphold. They disregard the fundamental principles of the American justice system—“due process” and “innocent until proven guilty”. Instead of being leaders, they are followers, trying to exploit the MeToo movement and sensational media.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” -MLK