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Jesus Mendoza

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Jesus Mendoza
Image of Jesus Mendoza
Elections and appointments
Last election

July 30, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

University of Connecticut, 2016

Graduate

Grenoble Ecole de Management, 2018

Personal
Religion
Christian
Profession
Software engineer
Contact

Jesus Mendoza (Republican Party) (also known as J. D.) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Arizona's 3rd Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on July 30, 2024.

Mendoza completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jesus Mendoza earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut in 2016 and a graduate degree from the Grenoble Ecole de Management in 2018. His career experience includes working as a software engineer.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Arizona's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024

Arizona's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (July 30 Republican primary)

Arizona's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (July 30 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Arizona District 3

Yassamin Ansari defeated Jeffrey Zink, Alan Aversa, and Candace Cunningham in the general election for U.S. House Arizona District 3 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Yassamin Ansari
Yassamin Ansari (D) Candidate Connection
 
70.9
 
143,336
Image of Jeffrey Zink
Jeffrey Zink (R)
 
26.6
 
53,705
Image of Alan Aversa
Alan Aversa (G) Candidate Connection
 
2.5
 
5,008
Candace Cunningham (G) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
16

Total votes: 202,065
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 3

Yassamin Ansari defeated Raquel Terán and Duane Wooten in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 3 on July 30, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Yassamin Ansari
Yassamin Ansari Candidate Connection
 
44.6
 
19,087
Image of Raquel Terán
Raquel Terán
 
44.5
 
19,045
Image of Duane Wooten
Duane Wooten
 
10.9
 
4,687

Total votes: 42,819
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Arizona District 3

Jeffrey Zink defeated Jesus Mendoza and Nicholas Glenn in the Republican primary for U.S. House Arizona District 3 on July 30, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jeffrey Zink
Jeffrey Zink
 
65.5
 
9,243
Image of Jesus Mendoza
Jesus Mendoza Candidate Connection
 
34.3
 
4,840
Image of Nicholas Glenn
Nicholas Glenn (Write-in)
 
0.3
 
37

Total votes: 14,120
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Green primary election

Green primary for U.S. House Arizona District 3

Alan Aversa advanced from the Green primary for U.S. House Arizona District 3 on July 30, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Alan Aversa
Alan Aversa Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
29

Total votes: 29
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Mendoza in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Jesus Mendoza completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mendoza's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Hi, I'm David. I’m an immigrant, software engineer, and former public school interim teacher.

I believe that solutions to our issues exist in protecting, respecting, and ensuring our rights.

Only then can we work to educate the youth, re-build culture, fund mental health services, ensure corporate + political integrity, and wrangle the Federal Reserve.

We must protect our environment, enhance our position as the global leader, and protect those seeking healthcare with pre-existing conditions.

We can foster economic, cultural, and social prosperity in our district and we can focus on policies that prioritize the family, enabling individuals of all backgrounds to succeed.

I’m running because I see that the direction both parties are heading will lead the nation off a cliff – I became involved because I don't see anyone in leadership doing the necessary job to resolve partisanship and other pressing issues.

I hope to earn both your trust and your support for the 2024 election.
  • Partisanship is our greatest threat because it divides us at a fundamental level, undermining our ability to work together for the common good. It fosters an "us vs. them" mentality, where compromise and collaboration are seen as weaknesses rather than strengths. This polarization paralyzes our government, preventing effective solutions to pressing issues. Furthermore, it erodes public trust in institutions, as people feel their voices go unheard unless they align with a particular party. To move forward, we need to remember that our strength lies in our ability to stand together, respecting our differences while working towards shared goals. In the end, we must first overcome partisanship before we can solve for the rest.
  • Economic inequality leaves many Americans struggling while a small elite prospers, we're eroding the middle class and undermining the American Dream. Furthermore, economic disparities foster loathsome ideologies that challenge our society's foundational structures, while rising national debt and stagnant wages hinder investment in education, infrastructure, and innovation. To address this perfect storm, we need policies that support the middle class, promote homeownership, job stability, and family development. We must support small businesses, and invest in education and trades, all while we balance the budget and stabilize the debt - this is how we can secure a prosperous future for all Americans.
  • Foreign affairs pose a major threat, with impacts on our national security, economy, and way of life. Issues like terrorism, cyberattacks, and rising authoritarian/totalitarian regimes threaten our global position. Conflicts abroad can disrupt trade and economic stability, affecting American jobs and businesses. In our interconnected world, we must operate with a global perspective, but we must prioritize American interests first. Proactive and principled diplomacy, strong alliances, and promoting integrity in governance are essential; but we must first uphold these values domestically to avoid hypocrisy abroad. By leading with our own integrity and cooperation, we can ensure American interests and values are protected globally.
Economic issues, Immigration, Foreign Affairs, Criminal Justice, Education and the Environment.
All of my family members are immigrants to the US, and I've seen them struggle and succeed in this country. They worked hard, they kept their head low, they dreamed and eventually they did live the American dream. Many of them have. They are so appreciative to this country, and they've always been an example to me that if you do as they do, if you withstand all the struggles, then you too can build for yourself a decent life.
For books a great place to start would be the classics like Plato's "The Republic", Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov", or Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" - not to mention the writings of many American leaders from the Founders to Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and others. Also, I can't forget to add all of Orwell, along with all of Huxley especially his book "Island."

For films, on the subject of criminal justice I've always been inspired by The Green Mile. Metropolis is a classic film of a potential dystopian future, and then films such as Life is Beautiful show us what's at stake. Also, the Great Dictator is an amazing film, with it's inspirational message in the face of great adversity.
Integrity, honesty, transparency, humility, intelligence, faith, and the characteristics or principles of the Finnish word "sisu."
I'm deeply empathetic, and I don't wish harm on anyone. I hate injustice, and I have a heart for mercy. I love this country, and I get frustrated by it because I know it's not on the right path, but I also believe if we were on the right path, then someday humanity would live at peace and we'd conquer the stars.

I have hope we can still right our ship, and I have faith in a Higher Power who I believe is for us rather than against us. I am also a teacher at heart, and an engineer in my head, not a politician by trade, so thankfully I don't see the world the way many politicians do. Life is not a zero-sum game, there's plenty for everyone, especially for those who picks up their own duties and then take on the duties of others.
Besides the textbook answers and typical rhetoric, the core responsibility of someone elected to this office should be to both protect and inspire not only those in their own district but also citizens across the country.
I aim to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and positive change. I want to be remembered as a representative who listened to and genuinely cared for my constituents, advocating for their needs with passion and dedication.

My goal is to advance policies that promote economic opportunity, law & order in both domestic and foreign affairs, and environmental protection. I hope to inspire trust in government by prioritizing transparency, accountability, and bipartisan cooperation.

Additionally, I want to empower the next generation to engage more in academic, commercial and social life in order to foster a culture that seeks knowledge and admires service to others.

Ultimately, I aspire to leave behind a stronger, more united community and a nation where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. As your representative, I will work tirelessly to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my legacy is one of a lasting, meaningful impact.
I was 6 years old when all my classmates and I were pulled out of our elementary school class, I remember getting home and seeing the Twin Towers on TV; I also remember having nightmares that night.
I was a "ski technician" at a ski shop when I was 15, and I kept that job until around 19.
"The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer because when I was in middle school it was the first young adult book that I'd read cover to cover. The confidence boost from being able to read that book made me more confident in all my academic work afterwards, and it built a love of reading so much so that nowadays I would say my most prized possessions are my books.

As a grownup my favorite fiction authors range from Steinbeck, Hemmingway, Kerouac, Bukowski, Shakespeare, and Whitman, to modern fiction writers like John Green.
Either Winnie-the-Pooh or Neo from the Matrix.
Lupe Fiasco's "Words I Never Said" ft. Skylar Grey
The classic story of any immigrant is their internal struggle between the cultures of their homeland and their adoptive land. Coming from another culture, it is hard to adapt to a new one. And then after a while, I wasn't sure what my culture was. When I was around people from my birth country, they said I was an American; but then, when I was around people here they said I was Colombian. So I wasn't sure what I was growing up, I wasn't sure what music I should like, or how I should dance, I didn't know my own identity. Should I dance like the Americans or the Colombians? And which kind of dancing is actually "cool"? These are examples of thoughts I'd struggle with: was I American or Colombian?

As I aged, I realized, I'm American! Because who do we love more? Parents who either couldn't or wouldn't raise us, or adoptive parents who took care of us all throughout our childhood? I may have been born else where, but I'm a child of both this country and this culture.

Regardless of how I consider my identity now, the struggle between dueling identities is a pervasive. And accepting one over the other does not mean you reject their other, if anything seeing two perspectives and for both to seem equally valid allows people with this struggle to have a more open mind - we inherently are set up to better empathize with the differences between ourselves and others. It's rather beautiful because I do often find our greatest struggles become our greatest strengths, and ain't that great?
The U.S. House of Representatives ideally with it's short two year election cycle ensures the House reflects the current opinions and concerns of voters.

Additionally, the House has unique powers, such as initiating revenue bills and impeaching federal officials, which underscores its vital role in maintaining checks and balances within our government.

As your representative, I will honor the unique qualities by staying attuned to your concerns, advocating for diverse viewpoints, and ensuring transparency and accountability in all legislative actions. This dedication will help maintain the House’s integral role to our national prosperity.
Yes, there are clear benefits of representatives having previous experience in government or politics, but it's not the only source of experience that should matter. Solid knowledge of life in the community and the local industry, with a vision for how local efforts relate to both national and international efforts, along with qualities such as compassion, persistence and intellect are equally as impactive.
Yes, I believe in an ideal world the two-year term length for representatives is appropriate. Arguably the short terms means the House members are frequently held accountable by voters, which forces the House to easily pivot around the changing needs and priorities of the people. However, frequent elections also mean representatives are in a near-constant state of campaigning, which can be a distraction from governance.

Ideally, the two-year term should foster a dynamic and responsive House of Representatives, so our government reflects current opinions - but the American people do murmur amongst ourselves whether a longer term length with term limits would be a good idea, and I'm open to discuss the idea.

At the end of the day, as your representative, I would work diligently to serve our community's needs, and I would hope to balance immediate concerns with long-term solutions.
While well-intentioned, term-limits are not the solution to stagnant leadership. Instead, the solution is in engaging the apathetic, disillusioned and often ill-informed populous of voters. The properly exercised voting power of the people should inherently solve the need for term limits.
Ron Paul and Teddy Roosevelt.

With Ron Paul, I am also a believer in criminal justice reform, stopping foreign wars, and balancing our budget. I also admire how he always put constitutionalism and liberty at the forefront of his conversations in Washington.

With Teddy, his dedication to the protection of our natural environment created what are arguably the most beautiful national parks in the world, and his impact should inspire us towards the same lofty goals.

And for both of them, I admire how they said "no" to the party establishment when it was in the best interest of this nation. They were men who stood their ground, and who despite opposition from all sides were still able to make a positive impact on our national history.
In campaigning for AZ's CD3, I met residents at their doorsteps, and at local grassroot events. I got to hear from thousands of voters around Phoenix. Some gracious, some neutral, and some hostile - but I learned from all of them.

And although campaigning had more positive experiences than not, throughout the door knocking experience I did struggle with feelings of both rejection and hopelessness, but then, I'd find myself in front of either a voter or voters who'd cheer me up.

For example, once when I was going door-to-door gathering signatures, and after a series of harsh rejections, I met an elderly couple, and after they inquired about my background, the woman was the first to say she would sign for me. Then, her husband quickly agreed to sign after. I figure he thought, “If the she believes in him, then why shouldn’t I?” Then, she gave me a rock she’d painted saying, "it'll bring you good luck!" It is a little smooth grey rock with a green cactus painted on it. My family doesn't live nearby so missing the sense of familial affection, I asked her for hug, and she said, “how did you know I’m the hugging type?” She brightened my day, beyond whatever feelings of rejection and hopelessness I’d felt prior.

It's people like this that keeps me going, and this is the kind of person I want to be in Congress. I want to encourage people like this couple did for me, I also want to protect this couple as best I can as a legislator from oppressive legislation, hostile international relations, and crime. I want to be a voice for them.

There are still decent people out here, who aren't purely partisan, who love others and who still hope for something better, who still believe in America but are only concerned we've lost our way, so we're still redeemable. And overwhelmingly, I met more of these kinds of humble, sincere, and loving people than any other kind - and if that doesn't give us hope, then nothing will.
What did the Pink Panther say when he stepped on a ant?

Dead ant.
Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable for effective policymaking because in our form of government, no single viewpoint can represent all interests, so compromise ensures multiple perspectives are considered, which leads to more balanced policies.

By finding common ground, we can break legislative gridlock and make progress on critical issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Compromise does not mean abandoning principles but rather finding pragmatic solutions that address the needs of all citizens.

Moreover, compromise fosters collaboration and mutual respect among legislators, which would add some much needed strength to our rapidly weakening political institutions. It also demonstrates a commitment to the greater good and shows that we can work together despite our differences.

As your representative, I am dedicated to pursuing policies through dialogue, negotiation, and compromise, ensuring that we create fair and effective solutions for our community and country.
As a member of the House, the constitutional power to originate revenue bills would be crucial to my work. My focus is to eliminate wasteful spending and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. I would prioritize transparency and public input in the budgeting process to ensure that our financial decisions serve the best interests of our community.
The U.S. House should use its investigative powers to uphold accountability, transparency, and justice within government, business, and society. In theory, the House could uncover corruption, misconduct, and inefficiency. So ideally, we should be able to ensure public officials and institutions act in the best interests of the people.

Investigations should be conducted with integrity and impartiality, focusing on facts and evidence rather than partisanship. This approach maintains public trust and ensures that inquiries lead to meaningful reforms.

Additionally, the House should use its investigative powers to address pressing issues such as corporate malfeasance, civil rights violations, and threats to national security. By shining a light on these areas, we can develop informed policies that protect and benefit all citizens.

As your representative, I will advocate for the responsible use of investigative powers to promote good governance, protect constitutional values, and ensure justice and fairness for our community and nation.
Budget; Foreign Affairs; Education and the Workforce; Science, Space, and Technology; Homeland Security; Energy and Commerce; Transportation and Infrastructure; Oversight and Accountability; Small Business; Ethics; etc...
Financial transparency and government accountability are overtly important. I believe taxpayers deserve clear, accessible information on how their money is spent. This requires robust transparency laws, real-time digital tracking of expenditures, and strict auditing processes.

Accountability is equally crucial. Public officials must be held responsible for their actions, with stringent ethical standards and protections for whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing.

An open, honest, and accountable government ensures efficient use of resources and strengthens public trust. As your representative, I am committed to these principles to create a more just and transparent government.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Mendoza’s campaign website stated the following:

ISSUES


EXISTENTIAL TECHNOLOGY

The global technological arms race poses existential threats to humanity, especially in regards to nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, and genetic-engineering. To reduce the risks associated with these advanced technologies we must advocate for responsible technology policies and diplomatic solutions rooted in a deep understanding of both science and human nature.

SIMPLIFICATION

The increasing specialization in production ecosystems has left us vulnerable to economic shocks. We need policies that promote a more diversified, resilient, and localized economic base – which can protect us from unforeseen challenges. Encouraging more localized manufacturing, knowledge and employment.

LONG-TERM THINKING

Focusing solely on short-term benefits reinforces potential developmental traps, and sacrifices the people of tomorrow for the people of today. We need leaders who prioritize long-term solutions that align with the scale of both our district’s and our nation’s needs, such as infrastructure focused on enhancing beautification and community cohesion.

OVERSHOOT AND ENVIRONMENT

Not only has the continued push for material growth lead us towards overshooting critical environmental tipping points, but also has consolidated economic resources in an increasingly concentrated few. We must champion policies that balance economic development and environmental stewardship with proper free-market capitalism to ensure a sustainable future for both our district and our nation.

SOCIAL MEDIA + POLARIZATION

Digitalization has led to the loss of local social capital. As your representative, I will work towards policies that encourage community interaction and prevent foreign interference in our culture, society, and elections. The digital era’s spread of deception has destabilized our American identity, values, and sense of community. It has divided us between an American culture and an “internet culture.”

We must promote media literacy, self-awareness, and a sense of our shared destiny, while preserving the integrity of our constitutional processes. Additionally, we ought to rewrite Section 230 to better address the modern day.

INTERNATIONAL DIVISION

The unstable selection for global cooperation is increasing the risk of international conflicts. Our district must send a representative who can navigate the complexities of global diplomacy to ensure our community’s safety and prosperity. We need a voice who not only understands different cultures, but one who can help different cultures understand our own.

FUTURE-PROOFING AMERICA

The institutional lock-ins driven by the pursuit of unbridled growth have come at the cost of our community’s well-being. It’s time to reassess our priorities, focusing on improved training in traditional trades, classical education, and advanced sciences to enhance everyone’s quality of life through education. [2]

—Jesus Mendoza’s campaign website (2024)[3]

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Jesus Mendoza campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* U.S. House Arizona District 3Lost primary$10,978 $9,787
Grand total$10,978 $9,787
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 6, 2024
  2. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  3. MENDOZA FOR CONGRESS, “ISSUES,” accessed June 23, 2024


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
Eli Crane (R)
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
Vacant
District 8
District 9
Republican Party (6)
Democratic Party (4)
Vacancies (1)