Arizona 8th Congressional District candidates: Where they stand on issues

The Arizona Republic sent a brief questionnaire to the candidates for Arizona's 8th Congressional District.

The district covers parts of Maricopa and Yavapai counties, including Glendale, Peoria, Sun City West and New River. Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., the incumbent in the district, did not run for reelection and instead is seeking a seat on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

A crowded field of GOP candidates is looking to replace Lesko.

Greg Whitten is running as a Democrat.

The candidates' responses are below.

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The candidates are listed in alphabetical order by party.

Republicans Patrick Briody, Trent Franks, Anthony Kern and Blake Masters did not respond to the Q&A.

Democratic candidate

Greg Whitten

• Occupation: Biosecurity expert 
• Relevant experience: Greg is a biosecurity expert; he says he works to keep America safe. His experience is rooted in bringing people from all perspectives together to solve problems.  
• Age: 39
• Party: Democrat

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

From senior care to health care, Arizona seniors need access to the treatment and services they both deserve and have earned. We must continue to protect programs like Medicare and make prescription drugs more affordable. By lowering costs for all seniors' health care, we ensure that these programs accurately reflect our population’s changing needs. We also face the implementation of the TSMC, with the recent announcement by the Biden Administration expanding the TSMC to three greenfield leading-edge labs to produce the most advanced semiconductor technology. It is crucial that this project is a success, as it will produce thousands of jobs for Arizona Congressional District 8. We will also build on this investment to make the district a leading technological hub. 

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

That would have to be the late Senator John McCain. Senator McCain was, first and foremost, a patriot. His service to this country, both on the battlefield and in the Senate, is remarkable. His ability to transcend party lines and work with his Democratic colleagues for the betterment of this country is highly admirable, as working together happens less and less, leaving divisiveness to prevail. It will be my goal when I am elected to work across the aisle to make Congress functional again. 

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

1) Affordable housing - there is a 270,000 housing unit shortage that has spiked prices across the valley as more and more people decide to make Phoenix their new home.

2) Securing Arizona’s Water Future - solving Arizona’s water challenges amidst a historic regional drought requires commitment from every level of government and collaboration between a full range of communities and organizations. Our policies must be data-driven and non-partisan.

3) Education - strong public education is key to the success of Arizona’s economy, a cornerstone of our democracy, and necessary to secure our nation’s future. We need to raise teacher pay to retain and attract quality educators. We must expand CTE (career and technical education) programs, including making community college programs cost-free whenever possible. prioritize making all post-secondary education more affordable, including a targeted loan forgiveness program so students don’t spend their lives burdened by debt.

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

Growing up in Arizona, I am very familiar with the U. S. border with Mexico, but over time, this issue has been politicized time and time again. Still, this is a national crisis, and more needs to be done. This will not be solved through a wall; it will be solved by comprehensive legislation that will stop the illegal importation of dangerous drugs like fentanyl that are killing our youth, but at the same time, reward immigrants who want to come here legally. Therefore, I firmly believe that the best way to address the issue is not by reinstating the COVID-19 era Title 42 restrictions but by following the current Title 8 policy, where any and all unlawful crossings will be immediately expedited. Second, is having Congress enact the recent bipartisan piece of legislation that the Biden Administration approved. This policy would have been the strongest immigration reform since Reagan. 

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

Right now, the threats to national security are the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Iran. In the instance of Israel and Iran, the people of Israel have the fundamental right to defend their sovereignty, and the U.S. must always provide support to defend them. In Ukraine, we must do everything necessary to ensure they have the arms and funds to continue their fight to protect their sovereignty. Also, encroachment from China against Taiwan. With already two existing crises, we must maintain our resolve in the Pacific and make it abundantly clear that we do not tolerate any potential move. This can be done through additional war exercises with our allies and Taiwan to ensure they are prepared. The bottom line is that my opponents are pushing a very isolationist view toward National Security, and I believe in an America that supports their allies at home and abroad. 

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

The Green New Deal is an imperfect policy; the problem is that it does not set up enough mechanisms to incentivize industry and the globe to transition to greener technologies. Transitioning from fossil fuel overnight is just not feasible. By taking a pragmatic approach and working with fossil fuel companies to incentivize them to start transitioning to greener technologies and work towards policies to reduce carbon emissions so that we reduce climate change. We need to work with our allies in the European Union and the Middle East to put economic pressure on countries like India and China to reduce carbon emissions because the current policy is not doing enough. By looking at this from an economic perspective and what corporations are willing to do due to such incentives, they will be more willing to come to the table and cultivate a long-term strategy.

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

With the 2024 election being the most consequential in American history, the unprecedented scrutiny of those who oversee our elections across the country has allowed for the highest and impenetrable safeguards to be applied so we can conduct this election as safely and fairly as possible. Confidence in our election officers should be at the highest levels possible. 

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

Veterans must be prioritized, and we must honor our commitment to them to ensure that as they transition out of active duty life, they have resources like quality healthcare and that we have robust programs to place veterans and their families into jobs and careers. Infrastructure is also an ever-growing issue with Phoenix; we must build or expand the current infrastructure to help accommodate those who choose to call Phoenix home. Finally, by expanding the tech hub here in Arizona, we will create a sustainable, diverse job market to help all of the Arizona Congressional District 8 residents.

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Republican candidates

Patrick Briody

Political newcomer Patrick Briody did not return Q&A responses.

Trent Franks

Trent Franks, who represented the district in Congress from 2003 to 2017 before resigning, did not return Q&A responses.

Abraham Hamadeh

• Occupation: Attorney & U.S Army Reserve intelligence officer 
• Relevant experience: Former Maricopa County prosecutor and captain in the U.S Army Reserve as an Intelligence Officer with Middle East expertise who has served my country and is ready to serve the people of Arizona in DC.
• Age: 32
• Party: Republican

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

Two of the big problems facing CD 8 are soaring inflation that makes it increasingly difficult for families to afford their most basic needs and a wide open border that threatens the safety of our communities. These are issues that are plaguing individuals and families all across the country.

When elected to Congress, I will advocate for a return to the normal budget process and put an end to funding our government through endless continuing resolutions (CR).  Congress needs to live within its means and we must find ways to reign in future spending while growing our economy. This also means immediately stopping funding to Ukraine and other proxy wars that take away from the prosperity of our own citizens.

The American people deserve to have a secure border and we must see a return to the Trump Administration policies that were effective in reducing the amount of illegals entering this country. I am proud to have the endorsement of President Trump in this race and will work with his next administration to finish the wall, end “catch and release,” designate the cartels as terrorists and provide more resources to law enforcement. 

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

President Donald Trump -- he is unwavering in his commitment to putting Americans first, despite all efforts to stop him by the media and the political class that is more concerned about their bottom line than what is best for our country.  President Trump understands what many Americans have believed for some time, that our current system operates to enrich the few at the expense of the many and it's time we start prioritizing our own citizens again. President Trump has believed in me since the beginning and I am honored to have his complete and total endorsement in this race. I will be his biggest ally in Congress and I look forward to working alongside him to Make America Great Again. 

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

The question isn’t what needs to be done but rather does Congress have the courage to do what is necessary? We must stop spending money we do not have, especially on matters that do not benefit the American people. Every day, families are getting crushed at the gas pump, grocery stores and everywhere in between due to Washington’s reckless spending. What Congress can do immediately is demand we go back to the normal process of actually passing a budget, instead of funding the government by continuing resolution. Americans work hard to achieve the once reachable American dream, and they are being robbed by the hidden tax of inflation. Congress must get our spending in check and grow our economy so Arizona can reverse course on this inflationary nightmare.

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

As the son of immigrants that came to this country legally and spent many years working to obtain official American citizenship, I know the current system is broken. Our government ignores the laws that are on the books and has long prioritized the needs of criminals that elicit help from cartels to come here over those that go about the process the right way. This has to stop. True legal immigration, as my parents experienced, includes extensive vetting with checks and balances that are designed to keep the American people and communities safe. 

Congress first needs to secure our Southern border before we do anything else. That starts with bringing back the effective policies implemented under President Trump such as ending “catch and release” and building the wall.  I will put forth legislation that goes after the cartels who are profiting from the human and drug smuggling occuring by having Congress designate them as terrorists they are.  

Congress should withhold foreign aid to any country that is not willing to work with the United States to control the flow of unfettered immigration. 

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

The biggest threats to National Security are the weak leadership of the Biden Administration and the wide open border that is letting everyone from military age men from China to those on the terror watch list into our country. 

The Biden Administration’s waffling on supporting Israel, one of our biggest allies, only further emboldens the largest state sponsor of terror, Iran. America must send President Trump back to the White House as he will stand strong in support of Israel and apply much needed pressure to the Iranian regime through sanctions. 

The border must be secured immediately, the national security implications are severe and it has consequences that could have an effect on this district as CD 8 is home to two Taiwanese Superconductors that pose as potential targets to Chinese agents that have entered through our Southern Border. 

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

With American families struggling to get by already with the high cost of living, the last thing Washington needs to do is further burden them with high energy costs from failed New Green deal energy policies. These policies never produce their desired outcomes and result in nothing more than negatively affecting energy reliability and costs. Working Americans cannot afford to have the failed energy policies of places like California across the country. 

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

The confidence in our elections is at an all time low. Especially, in CD 8 where the majority of the tabulators had issues last November. I am not confident that the issues that have plagued our elections the last two elections will be fixed because there has been a complete lack of accountability at the county level. 

As long as there is a lack of accountability, restoring confidence in our elections will be a top priority of mine. Arizonans know I have stood by my commitment to fight for election integrity since day one, and I am more committed now than ever to that mission.

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

This election is about courage and willingness to fight the political class that have weaponized our institutions. I have been sanctioned by the courts, threatened by the establishment, and attacked by the propagandists in the media for calling out malfeasance in our elections and my efforts to hold those responsible, accountable to the people they have wronged. Washington is in desperate need of bold, courageous leadership that will say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done. I am honored to receive the support and endorsement of President Trump, who knows I will be a warrior in Washington and will always put the American people first.

Anthony Kern

Anthony Kern, currently a state senator, did not return Q&A responses.

Blake Masters

Blake Masters, who ran for U.S. Senate against Democrat Mark Kelly in 2022, did not return Q&A responses.

Ben Toma

• Occupation: Real estate broker
• Relevant experience: Arizona House of Representatives, Speaker of the House
• Age: 45
• Party: Republican

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

Illegal immigration is the greatest problem facing Arizona and our country which includes my district. It, and all the issues related to it, are driving most of the problems in our district. Specifically, the increase in crime and the fentanyl epidemic. In Congress, I’ll finish Trump’s wall, triple the number of Border Patrol agents, get them whatever tools they need to do their job, and hold Mexico and other countries accountable if they are actively facilitating the invasion of our country. My district is also home to many Veterans. We need to do more to make sure the people that fought for this country have access to the services they need like housing and mental health treatment.

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

Ronald Reagan. When my family escaped communist Romania, I was a young child with even younger siblings. We witnessed the strength, resolve, and the dedication Reagan exhibited in defending freedom in America and around the world. He understood how dangerous and deadly communism was and vowed to defeat it. And ultimately, he did.

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

First and foremost, the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse. Congress must rein in the out-of-control federal spending which caused record inflation and disproportionally hurt the working class. Secondly, Congress should work to lower taxes on working families. This will not only make their lives more affordable, but it will also spur economic growth, leading to more prosperity. Finally, turning our focus more on Americans and less on foreign entanglements would be a step in the right direction.

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

A wholesale reform of our asylum laws. We should reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, no more catch and release. Immigration judges can adjudicate asylum claims without us letting them into the country for up to several years before they get a hearing.

Before we can make any changes to our immigration system, the American people must have faith and confidence that our border is truly secure. We do that by finishing Trump’s wall, tripling the number of Border Patrol agents, giving them whatever tools they need to do their job, and holding Mexico and other countries accountable for their participation in facilitating the invasion of our country.

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

The biggest threat to our national security is currently self-inflicted by weak leadership and woke policies as they relate to our national defense. Enemies like China, Russia, and Iran must fully recognize that the United States will not tolerate any aggression against us or our allies. This involves boosting defense spending to ensure we have the manpower, weapons, and materiel necessary to defend our interests at any cost.

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

By and large, the Biden Administration’s policy on climate change has been one of hysteria, fear, and misuse of taxpayer monies to reward political allies. I would work to tone down the rhetoric and gather real data on whether or not “climate change” is as perilous as some on the Left claim it is. American have been told for decades now that the environmental apocalypse is on the horizon, yet every one of their predictions have fallen flat.

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

I certainly hope so. My biggest fear is that the people of this country will lose faith in our elections and our system. That is a dangerous place for any country to be. If I could get one message across to Republican voters during this campaign, it would be to vote by mail early. Waiting until the last minute or crowding polling places only creates opportunities for chaos, equipment failures, and shenanigans. Once you get your early ballot, vote it, and get it back in the mail.

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

There’s no overstating the negative impact illegal immigration is having on our state and our country as a whole. We’ve had millions of people cross into our country illegally and then flown or bussed across the country to places unknown. We have no idea who these people are. The fact that we’ve caught 127 individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watch list (as of this writing) should send chills down the spine of every American. Those are just the figures of the terrorists we’ve CAUGHT. People in my district are angry about this and the primary role and responsibility of the federal government is to protect our borders and the people that live within them.

While immigration policy is the responsibility of the federal government, states also have a responsibility to do their part. That’s why I’ve authored legislation to require Voter ID for everyone who participates in our elections; removing illegal aliens from voter registration rolls; requiring employers to E-verify all prospective employees; and requiring state and local governments and agencies to use E-verify for anyone applying for public benefits like welfare or health care. We can look west to California to see the mistakes they’ve made in these areas. It is my goal  that Arizona and the rest of the country take a different approach and enforce the rule of law.