Marine Vet JoAnna Mendoza Makes a Bold Case for Congress in CD6

TUCSON, AZ – In a passionate and personal address, JoAnna Mendoza, candidate for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District in Tucson, laid out her vision for the District and swore she would oust MAGA incumbent Juan Ciscomani.

Sharing her journey from humble beginnings in a farm working family to serving over two decades in the military, Mendoza emphasized her commitment to fighting for working families and protecting democracy. She spoke at the March 17 meeting of Democrats of Greater Tucson.

“I come from a family of farmworkers. My parents worked in the cotton fields of Eloy, Arizona, and I worked alongside them from a young age,” Mendoza recounted. “Those experiences shaped me. They taught me how hard it is to earn a dollar and why protecting programs that help struggling families is essential.”

Mendoza, who served 20 years in the Navy and Marine Corps, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighted how her military service informs her public service approach. “I dedicated my life to serving others—whether it was in the military, as a congressional staffer, or as a school board member. Now, I am ready to fight for the people of this District,” she declared.

A Fighter for Working Families

Mendoza did not mince words when addressing economic issues facing Arizona’s 6th District. “Working families always come first,” she affirmed. Criticizing her opponent, incumbent Juan Ciscomani, Mendoza argued that he prioritizes corporate interests over the needs of ordinary people. “A nice guy wouldn’t vote to take away healthcare. A nice guy wouldn’t dismantle programs that help our communities,” she said.

In her opening months of campaigning, Mendoza’s message appears to resonate. Within 24 hours of launching her bid, her campaign raised $250,000, which has now grown to more than $500,000. “People are looking for leadership and hope,” she said. “We are giving them a movement they can believe in.”

Addressing Democratic Party Challenges

When asked about divisions within the Democratic Party, Mendoza called for unity and action. “We need to stop dwelling on the past and move forward,” she urged. “People are frustrated with lip service. They want action. And that’s precisely what I plan to deliver.”

She also called for more investment in rural areas and recruiting candidates who understand their communities’ lived experiences. “We are losing voters because we are not focusing on the areas where people need help the most,” Mendoza said, vowing to show up and listen to constituents across the District.

Policy Priorities

Mendoza outlined five key policies she will pursue in office.

• Working Families: Prioritizes policies supporting working families over corporate interests.
• Veterans’ Rights: Advocates for veteran support services and better access to healthcare.
• Democracy and Governance: Committed to protecting democracy and fighting against authoritarian tendencies.
• Immigration Reform: Supports comprehensive immigration reform that balances border security with human dignity.
• Education & Rural Investment: Wants to invest in rural communities and ensure economic opportunities for local residents.

Mendoza shared her deeply personal experiences as a military sexual assault survivor, using her story to advocate for stronger protections and support for vulnerable populations. “I will always stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves,” she asserted when asked about protecting the rights of transgender youth.

In response to concerns about immigration and border security, Mendoza struck a balanced tone, calling for smart and humane policies. “We need immigration reform. We need to secure our borders, but we must use the resources available and treat people with dignity,” she said.

A Call to Action

Mendoza closed the event with a clear message: she is in the race to win and is calling on the community to join her. “This is our movement. This is our time. We need fighters in Congress who will put people first. I am that fighter.”

With a blend of personal narrative, policy focus, and a call for collective action, JoAnna Mendoza’s message struck a powerful chord with attendees, positioning her as a formidable contender in one of Arizona’s most competitive districts.

Donate to JoAnna Mendoza’s campaign here.