JoAnna Mendoza

A native Arizonan who enlisted at 17 and served two decades in uniform, retiring from the Marine Corps, Mendoza is challenging Rep. Juan Ciscomani in a southern Arizona district Trump won by less than a point. Forecasters rate the race a toss-up or lean Democratic.

On the ballot against Juan Ciscomani (R)

Why it matters: Ciscomani won this southern Arizona seat by less than 3 points in 2022 and 2024, and the result will help decide which party controls the closely divided U.S. House.

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The race at a glance

Race ratingToss-upCook Political Report, Jul 21 source

Latest poll Mendoza 47% 45% Ciscomani 8% undecided or other Normington, Petts & Associates (for House Majority PAC, a Democratic group), Jun 8-11, 2026, 500 LV. source

Money raised (through Sep 30) Mendoza$10,760,731 Ciscomani$7,474,803 $1,530,010 cash on hand. source

In JoAnna's own words

My opponent voted nine times for tariffs, tariffs that are raising prices for everywhere we go

JoAnna Mendoza, at the first CD6 debate, sponsored by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Sep 10 source

He sold us out to protect tax breaks for billionaires and voters know it

JoAnna Mendoza, in a statement earlier this year about Ciscomani's vote on the 2025 tax and spending law source

Where JoAnna stands

Cost of living and Social Security: Mendoza says she will work to lower costs for groceries, gas, housing and utilities, and she opposes cuts to Social Security benefits. source
Health care: She would work to reverse cuts to AHCCCS and to Affordable Care Act subsidies, protect coverage for pre-existing conditions, and oppose privatizing Medicare. source
Border and immigration: She backs stronger security at ports of entry and deporting violent criminals, along with legal paths to citizenship and closer oversight of detention centers. source
Veterans: A Navy and Marine Corps veteran, she pledges to protect veterans' health care and benefits and oppose cuts to the VA. source

The record

Two decades of military service, retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps
Endorsed by former Rep. Gabby Giffords
Ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary

ConfidentialThe GOP File

The file on Juan Ciscomani

Ciscomani voted yes on the House passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, on May 22, 2025; it passed 215 to 214. source
Ciscomani voted yes on July 3, 2025, when the House gave final approval to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 218 to 214. source
At the September debate, Ciscomani said his focus is on tax cuts and that he opposes new taxes. source

Endorsed by

Sen. Mark Kelly Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords Arizona AFL-CIO VoteVets Alliance for Retired Americans

Profile sources: 1, 2, 3

Race data checked Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Quotes on this page were matched word for word against their sources.