Arizona 9th Congressional District candidates: Where they stand on issues
Laura GersonyThe Arizona Republic sent a brief questionnaire to the candidates in Arizona's 9th Congressional District.
The district covers most of the state's western region, including parts of La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, and Yuma counties and the cities of Kingman and Lake Havasu City.
Incumbent Republican Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., was first elected to Congress in 2010. He is opposed by Democrat Quacy Smith, an attorney.
The candidates' responses are below.
Which district do you live in?Find your elected officials in Congress and other Arizona offices
The candidates are listed in alphabetical order by party.
Democratic candidate
Quacy Smith
- Occupation: Attorney
- Relevant experience: United States Marine Corps, former police officer, attorney, pastor, husband and father. American, first and foremost. I have served my community in various capacities throughout my life, and intend to serve the residents of the 9th Congressional District as their representative in the U.S. Congress.
- Age: 47
- Party: Democrat
Name two big problems facing the district you’re running to represent and how you would address them if elected.
There is a myriad of issues that the residents of the 9th District of Arizona are concerned about. The two issues that come to the forefront on the campaign trail are the availability of water, and the lack of affordable housing. There is a lack of concrete information presented to the public in regards to the water issue, and the residents of our District want to understand how water scarcity may affect their lives in the years to come. The 9th District has some of the fastest growing areas in the country, and the vast development brings about many concerns. Our District is vast, so we need to keep in mind that the concerns of voters in one county or area are different than another. Our District includes four counties, with many cities and towns, and different needs. In regards to these two issues, I plan to work with Federal and State partners on initiatives including water conservation plans, and on first-time home buyer programs, to ensure that young people starting out in life can find housing that suits their budget.
Which recent political figure do you most admire, and why?
There are two: President Barack Obama, and the late Senator John McCain from our great state. In light of the fact that they were able to run vigorous campaigns against each other in the 2008 presidential election, while still maintaining a level of respect for one another, they demonstrated that they both had the country in mind first and foremost. Indeed, throughout their political careers, they were willing to put partisan positions aside, when necessary, for the good of the country. I remember watching Sen. McCain on the Senate floor vote against his party’s wishes, because it was the right thing to do for the nation. President Obama, over the course of his tenure, was willing to embrace ideas emanating from the opposing party when it was necessary to compromise, in order to strike deals and get things done. It is my desire to follow in their footsteps and work with all of my future colleagues, to bring results to the 9th District of Arizona.
What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to make life more affordable for ordinary Arizonans?
There are several: first, ensuring that folks have a pathway to home ownership. The path to financial security starts with owning a home, and Congress can do more to ensure that more people have access. Secondly, making sure that Arizonans, and Americans generally, can earn a livable wage, hence increasing the federal minimum wage. In addition, there are ongoing issues with the costs of healthcare, including medications. Most bankruptcies occur with the accumulation of hospital and other healthcare bills. Congress can do more to alleviate this burden.
Currently, there is an issue with what has been termed “shrinkflation” – in essence, businesses charging more money for less product. There are regulations that can be put in place to combat this practice, so that corporations are not accumulating record profits on the backs of ordinary Americans. There are also various “junk fees” that can be limited to ensure that everyday folks are not burdened by unexpected costs affecting their monthly household budgets.
What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to reform federal immigration policy?
Without question, the bipartisan bill that was recently shelved, for political reasons, needs to be revived. It is shameful that one political figure was able to hijack the passage of this bill, which, by all accounts, would have taken concrete steps to address the issues we are having at the border and within our federal immigration system. We must never forget that we are a nation of laws, and in the view of many residents of our district, the border needs to be secured immediately. That said, there are also issues involving ports of entry and workers who need to cross the border daily. The current situation at the border, and immigration policy generally, are complex issues that are at the top of the list of concerns for folks in the 9th District. My intent is to go to Washington to address those concerns.
What do you believe is the biggest threat to national security, and how should we handle it?
There are many threats to our national security. In my view, the biggest threat at this moment in time is former President Donald Trump. He needs to be defeated in November.
What would you change about the US’ response to climate change, if anything?
As with many issues we are facing, it appears that partisan politics is having an effect on the nation’s response to climate change. Former Sen. John Kerry and others have been doing tremendous work internationally to ensure that we are on the right path, in concert with the global community. Within the country, we must continue to educate everyday Americans in regards to the sustainability of our climate. There are many environmental concerns that have an impact on our response to climate change. We cannot kick the can down the road – this is a matter of lessening the burden on our children and grandchildren.
Do you feel confident that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly? If not, what are your concerns?
Yes, I have absolute confidence that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly. Our election process in the US is the most secure in the world. There are folks across the country sounding alarms, for political expediency, that are frankly unjustified. Here in Arizona, over the past several years, a lot of painstaking work has been done by multiple entities, including by our Secretary of State’s office, whether led by then Secretary, now Governor Katie Hobbs, and our current Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, and County Recorders across the State, to ensure that our elections are secure, and will be carried out in a fair and safe manner.
Please take this opportunity to mention any other important issue you’dlike to discuss.
In addition to the two important issues previously mentioned, water concerns and affordable housing, there are two other issues often discussed on the campaign trail: Reproductive Rights and Immigration Reform/Border Issues. Firstly, I fully believe in a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her reproductive healthcare. We can have discussions about safety parameters and other concerns, but fundamentally, this is a woman’s choice. Many people across our State, including in our 9th District, are working very hard to ensure that the AAA petitions are signed for this initiative to be on the ballot in November, and I stand with them.
Secondly, there is unquestionably a need for comprehensive immigration reform, and to address the immediate concerns in regards to securing the border. Many of the residents of the 9th District hold this issue as one of their top concerns, and I intend to be vocal on this issue, since it affects many of us directly.
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Republican candidate
Paul Gosar
- Occupation: United States congressman
- Relevant experience: Serving as the U.S. representative for Arizona since 2011, focusing on conservative principles and advocating for constituent interests.
- Age: 66
- Party: Republican
Name two big problems facing the district you’re running to represent and how you would address them if elected.
Two big problems facing the district include economic development and bordersecurity. I advocate for policies that attract businesses, create jobs, and secure ourborders through increased resources for law enforcement and strategic infrastructureinvestments.
Which recent political figure do you most admire, and why?
I admire former President Ronald Reagan for his commitment to limited government,free markets, and strong national defense, principles I also uphold.
What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to make life more affordable for ordinary Arizonans?
Congress should focus on reducing regulatory burdens, promoting small businessgrowth, and addressing the rising cost of living due to inflation to make life moreaffordable for Arizonans.
What specific actions, if any, should Congress take to reform federal immigration policy?
Congress must prioritize securing our borders, enforcing immigration laws, andimplementing a merit-based immigration system to reform federal immigration policyeffectively.
What do you believe is the biggest threat to national security, and how should we handle it?
The biggest threat to national security is China's aggressive expansionism. We shouldcounter it through robust defense investment, diplomatic alliances, and economicdeterrence.
What would you change about the US’ response to climate change, if anything?
I support market-driven solutions, innovation, and responsible stewardship of naturalresources to address climate change, rather than burdensome government regulations.
Do you feel confident that the 2024 election will be held securely and fairly? If not, what are your concerns?
I have concerns about election security and advocate for measures like voter ID lawsto ensure fair and secure elections.
Please take this opportunity to mention any other important issue you’dlike to discuss.
Protecting constitutional rights, defending the Second Amendment, and supportinglaw enforcement are vital issues I prioritize.