Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Jimmy Rodriguez

About Me and My Background

1. Who is Jimmy Rodriguez, and why are you running for Congress?
I’m Jimmy Rodriguez, an Arizonan with a background in general contracting, electrical engineering, vehicle racing, and extensive work in motorsports and construction. I’m running for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District to strengthen communities through secure borders, better education, and economic growth. My Christian values, 21-year marriage, and commitment to family drive me to serve Yuma, Tucson, and Nogales with practical solutions.

2. What experience do you bring to this role?
As a general contractor, and buisness owner, I’ve managed projects across motorsports, aviation, mining, and construction, including work as a private contractor on the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Nimitz, including projects for Navy SEALs. My hands-on expertise in building and innovating equips me to focus on border security, jobs, and safety for the 7th District.

3. What is your connection to Arizona’s 7th Congressional District?
I’m deeply connected to the 7th District through my business dealings in Yuma, and I’m committed to building a home here starting late September 2025. I plan to establish residency in Yuma on the first day of a general election win, ensuring my focus remains on Yuma, Tucson, Nogales and the entire CD-7 district.

4. What personal values guide your campaign?
My Christian faith and 21-year marriage ground my belief in family, community, and personal responsibility. I prioritize protecting children, supporting marriage, family, and fostering spiritual strength to build resilient communities.

5. Have you run for office before?
Yes, I ran for Congress in Arizona previously. That experience helped me understand voter concerns and refine my platform to focus on border security, school choice, and economic innovation for Yuma, Tucson, and Nogales.

Policy Priorities

1. What are your top priorities if elected?
My priorities include securing the border with more Border Patrol agents, promoting school choice, reducing regulations for economic growth, and exploring innovative immigration solutions like a labor trade system with Mexico to address undocumented immigration.

2. How will you address border security in Arizona’s 7th District?
I support increasing Border Patrol resources and technology to secure our border while ensuring legal immigration supports Arizona’s economy, especially in Yuma’s agriculture. A secure border means safer communities and fair opportunities.

3. What is your stance on immigration reform?
I advocate for a tiered policy prioritizing the repatriation of criminals while protecting undocumented farm and construction workers who contribute economically, pay taxes, and have roots without criminal records in AZ-07. A labor trade with Mexico can streamline legal pathways and support Yuma farmers.

4. How will you support the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s needs?
I’ll advocate for federal funding for affordable housing and reduce regulatory barriers for tribal businesses to promote economic development. I respect their sovereignty and will ensure water rights and community benefits.

5. What is your position on education policy?
I support school choice to empower parents with private, public, or charter options. I favor eliminating the U.S. Department of Education to return control to states, ensuring Arizona’s schools meet local needs without federal overreach.

6. How do you view cryptocurrency regulation?
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin should remain unregulated to preserve independence and foster innovation. Government involvement risks taxation and stifles freedom, so I’ll advocate for a decentralized market to drive economic growth.

7. What is your stance on labor unions?
My experience outpacing union workers on the USS Ronald Reagan and Nimitz showed me unions can foster inefficiency. I’m open to dialogue with groups like the Arizona AFL-CIO but prioritize performance-based work for Arizona’s economy.

8. How will you address agricultural challenges in Yuma?
I’ll streamline the costly H-2A visa program through my labor trade idea, reducing costs for Yuma farmers and improving worker access. This supports Arizona’s agricultural backbone while addressing bureaucratic delays.

9. What role does vehicle innovation play in your platform?
My extensive experience in motorsports and construction inspires my push for advancing vehicle infrastructure and accessibility. High-efficiency designs offer a cleaner, innovative future for Arizona’s economy and environment.

10. How will you address economic growth in the 7th District?
I’ll reduce regulations on small businesses, support clean energy innovations, and promote legal immigration to fill labor gaps in agriculture and construction, ensuring Tucson, Yuma, and Nogales thrive.

Second Amendment and Gun Rights

1. What is your stance on the Second Amendment?
I’m a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, believing the right to bear arms is crucial for personal and community safety. My private contractor work with the Navy reinforces my understanding of responsible weapon use, and I’ll oppose federal overreach infringing on Arizonans’ rights.

2. How will you work with groups like the NRA to protect gun rights?
While I haven’t sought an NRA endorsement to keep my campaign independent, I align with their mission to protect Second Amendment rights. I’ll support training programs and fight restrictive laws burdening law-abiding citizens.

3. What measures do you support to address gun violence while respecting the Second Amendment?
I support enforcing existing laws, increasing mental health resources, and promoting community safety programs. In Yuma and Tucson, I’ll work with law enforcement to address crime while protecting constitutional rights.

4. How would you respond to calls for stricter gun control laws?
I oppose broad gun control that punishes responsible owners. I’ll address root causes like mental health and illegal trafficking across Nogales’ border, ensuring safety without undermining the Second Amendment.

5. Do you support concealed carry laws in Arizona?
Yes, I support Arizona’s concealed carry laws, empowering citizens to protect themselves. My hands-on experience in high-stakes environments taught me preparedness, and I’ll maintain these rights while ensuring responsible use.

First Amendment and Protests

1. What is your position on First Amendment rights, especially regarding protests?
The First Amendment is the bedrock of our Nation. I support peaceful protests in Tucson and beyond as a way to express views but condemn violence or destruction that undermines free speech and safety.

2. How will you address the current climate of protests in the U.S.?
With protests over issues like international conflicts, I’ll protect free speech and assembly while ensuring law enforcement has resources to maintain order. I’ll engage 7th District communities to foster dialogue.

3. What would you do if protests in Arizona turn violent?
Violent protests harm communities. I’ll work with Yuma, Tucson, and Nogales leaders to support law enforcement while respecting peaceful demonstrators, guided by my Christian values to seek understanding.

4. How do you balance free speech with public safety concerns?
Free speech is non-negotiable, but safety is paramount. I’ll advocate for guidelines allowing peaceful protests while preventing chaos, drawing on my experience to promote calm solutions.

5. Do you support restrictions on protests near sensitive locations like schools?
I protect free speech but support reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions near schools or infrastructure to ensure safety. I’ll work with 7th District officials to balance rights and community well-being.

Israel, Iran, and Foreign Policy

1. What is your stance on the recent Israel-Iran conflict?
I support the right of any nation to defend itself, including Israel, as seen in the recent 12-day conflict with Iran. However, I believe the U.S. should prioritize its own interests and reduce overseas entanglements, focusing resources on domestic needs like border security.

2. How should the U.S. respond to Iran’s actions in the recent conflict?
The U.S. should counter Iran’s aggression with targeted diplomacy and minimal direct involvement, avoiding costly wars that burden taxpayers. Our focus should remain on American safety and economic stability.

3. What role should the U.S. play in supporting Israel?
I believe nations should primarily handle their own defense. While the U.S. has historically supported Israel, I advocate for a reassessment of foreign aid to ensure it aligns with American priorities, like securing our borders and reducing federal spending.

4. How do you view protests in the U.S. regarding the Israel-Iran conflict?
Protests over the Israel-Iran conflict are a valid First Amendment exercise. I’ll protect demonstration rights but ensure protests in the 7th District remain peaceful, fostering dialogue on U.S. foreign policy.

5. What is your approach to foreign policy in the Middle East?
My foreign policy prioritizes American security and economic stability over extensive Middle East involvement. I support reducing foreign aid and military commitments to focus on domestic issues like border security and job creation.

Prisoner Reform

1. What is your stance on prisoner reform in Arizona?
I support reforming Arizona’s prison system to focus on rehabilitation during and after punishment. Drawing on my Christian values, I believe in second chances through job training, education, and innovative programs to reduce recidivism and rebuild lives.

2. How will you address overcrowding in Arizona’s prisons?
I’ll advocate for federal grants to expand facilities and fund rehabilitation programs, reducing overcrowding while prioritizing public safety. This ensures safer communities across the 7th District.

3. What specific prisoner reform programs do you support?
I support vocational training, GED programs, and substance abuse treatment, with a unique focus on a self-sustaining compound where residents build cars, homes,  and CNC parts to grow their worth, with profits reinvested into further rehabilitation efforts.

4. How will you ensure fair treatment for inmates?
I’ll push for oversight to ensure humane conditions and equitable treatment, addressing sentencing disparities and program access. Fairness is key to turning lives around, informed by my experience in high-stakes settings.

5. What role should the federal government play in prisoner reform?
The federal government should provide funding for state-level reforms like job training and reentry programs without overstepping local control. I’ll secure resources to support Arizona’s 7th District rehabilitation efforts.

6. What is your vision for a prisoner rehabilitation compound?
I envision a self-sustaining compound where rehabilitating individuals build their own residence , restore cars, design and manufacture parts, taking them to markets and generate funds. This fosters skills and community reinvestment.

7. How will the car-building program benefit prisoners?
The program teaches valuable skills, boosts self-esteem, and provides income through car and part sales, with proceeds funding more builds and projects. It’s a practical path to recovery and economic contribution.

8. Who will be involved in running the rehabilitation compound?
The compound will be built and operated by the residents themselves, with guidance from experienced individuals like Bill, who brings passion and insight from challenging times to lead this transformative effort.

9. How will the compound be funded?
Funding will come from federal grants, home, car and part sale profits, and partnerships with local businesses, ensuring the compound remains self-sustaining while creating jobs and reducing taxpayer burden.

10. What impact will this have on the 7th District?
This initiative will reduce recidivism, create jobs in Tucson and Yuma, and demonstrate a model of rehabilitation that strengthens families and communities, aligning with my focus on second chances.

11. How will CNC manufacturing be integrated into the program?
Residents will learn to design and produce CNC parts for sale, leveraging advanced design and manufacturing skills to create marketable products, from automotive components to custom items, enhancing their employability and income potential.

12. What support will be provided for prisoners to start their own businesses?
The program offers training and mentorship, enabling residents to launch their own businesses post-rehabilitation, with full support including access to equipment, market connections, and ongoing guidance from the compound’s network.

13. What kind of training will be available at the compound?
Training will cover car restoration, CNC machining, business management, tech, and soft skills like leadership and financial literacy, ensuring residents gain a well-rounded skill set to succeed after release.

14. What are job placement workshops at the facility?
We’ll host employer workshops at the compound, allowing businesses to see candidates’ skills in real-time across industries like manufacturing and construction, facilitating direct job placement and showcasing their potential.

15. How will the program support diverse industries beyond vehicles?
The compound will train residents in various sectors—automotive, construction, and more—producing goods like  parts, affordable homes and furniture, ensuring versatile skills that revive “Made in the USA” manufacturing.

16. How will this initiative bring manufacturing back to the USA?
By training residents to produce high-quality goods like homes, CNC parts and cars for domestic sale, the program will revitalize American manufacturing, creating jobs and reducing reliance on foreign imports in the 7th District.

Solar Projects and Federal Funding

1. How will you use the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for solar projects in Arizona?
I’ll leverage the IRA’s $369 billion for clean energy to fund solar projects in Yuma and Tucson, creating jobs and powering communities. My experience in construction and innovation informs my push for efficient solutions, using tools from the previous administration for CD7’s benefit.

2. What specific solar projects do you propose for the 7th District?
I propose solar farms to power agricultural operations in Yuma and cooling systems for grow rooms, like the 100-by-100-foot vegetable grow room, with $50 million from the IRA to boost local economies and sustainability.

3. How will you secure federal funding for solar initiatives beyond the IRA?
I’ll tap into Department of Energy grants and USDA Rural Energy programs, targeting an additional $30 million to fund solar infrastructure, reducing energy costs for farmers and businesses while creating jobs in Tucson and Nogales.

4. What is your plan to revive the Yuma Desalting Plant?
I’ll advocate for $75 million in federal funding to restart the Yuma Desalting Plant, addressing water scarcity for agriculture. Modernizing it with solar power ensures sustainable water access while leveraging IRA incentives.

5. How will solar projects benefit Arizona’s economy?
Solar projects will create jobs, lower energy costs, and attract clean energy businesses. By combining IRA funds with my labor trade idea, we’ll train local workers, including ex-inmates, for these roles, investing $20 million in workforce development.

Campaign and Voter Engagement

1. How can voters get involved in your campaign?
Voters can volunteer for canvassing, attend events to share my vision for secure borders and strong communities. Contact me via my website or local events.

2. What is your debate strategy?
I use a Goldilocks approach, positioning myself as a balanced choice: not extreme like some Republicans and Democrats, nor ineffective like less experienced candidates. It’s the only way to flip this district and align with the voters.  I focus on border security, education, and economic growth.

3. How do you address voter concerns about election integrity?
I support secure elections through voter ID laws and transparent processes, ensuring every legal vote counts. I’ll work with election officials to maintain trust, drawing on CISA’s election security guidelines.

4. How will you connect with diverse communities in the 7th District?
I’ll build relationships with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Yuma farmers, and Tucson businesses through town halls and a constituent phone app, offering multilingual materials to ensure inclusivity.

5. Why didn’t you seek the Arizona AFL-CIO endorsement?
To maintain a clean campaign, I avoided pursuing their endorsement. My focus is on direct voter engagement and addressing job efficiency and economic growth for the 7th District.

6. How do you handle criticism about your candidacy?
I address concerns transparently, like questions about residency or past legal issues, by emphasizing my commitment to the 7th District and my plans to establish residency upon election. My campaign focuses on real issues like border security and opportunity.

7. What endorsements have you received?
I’m focused on grassroots support and have declined PAC money, including from groups tied to foreign interests, to keep my campaign independent. Check my website for updates on any endorsements.

8. How will you support veterans in the 7th District?
I’ll push for better VA healthcare, job training, and mental health resources for veterans in Yuma and Tucson, ensuring they’re supported after serving our nation, with $10 million in federal funding.

9. What is your plan to address healthcare costs in Arizona?
I’ll promote market-driven reforms like price transparency and competition to lower costs. My construction and innovation experience shows how efficiency cuts costs, and I’ll apply that to healthcare without government overreach, targeting $15 million in savings for CD7.

10. How can voters learn more about your positions?
Visit my campaign website for detailed policies, check my VOTE411 responses, or attend events in Yuma, Tucson, or Nogales. Email jim@jim4az.com or call me 480-761-1389 I will deliver transparency and direct communication.

11. Will you be living in the 7th District if elected?
Yes, I plan to establish residency in the 7th District on the first day of a general election win, building a home on my Yuma property starting September 2025. My current business dealings in Yuma already tie me to the community, and I’m committed to being fully present for Yuma, Tucson, and the entire district.

12. What is your stance on taxes and federal spending?
I’m totally against taxes and wasteful spending. I advocate for a smaller federal government that stays out of our lives, focusing resources on essential services like border security and infrastructure while cutting unnecessary overseas aid and bureaucracy.

13. What is your view on foreign aid, including to Israel?
I believe the U.S. should reduce foreign aid, including the approximately $3.3 billion annually provided to Israel, to focus on domestic needs. Nations should handle their own defense, and I oppose PAC influence pushing for such spending. I’d work to redirect those funds to American priorities like jobs and safety.

14. How will you ensure your campaign remains independent?
I’ve declined PAC money, including from foreign-influenced groups, to stay accountable only to the people of CD7. My focus is on grassroots support and your voices, not special interests.

15. What specific funding will you secure for CD7 infrastructure?
I’ll secure $100 million from the IRA and an additional $50 million from HR1 once passed to improve roads, bridges, and water systems in Yuma, Tucson, and Nogales, ensuring safe and reliable infrastructure.

16. How will you use HR1 to benefit CD7?
Once HR1, passes, I’ll tap its $2 billion for election security and community projects to enhance voter access and fund local initiatives like parks and community centers in CD7.

17. Why do you see CD7 as a blank canvas?
CD7 is a blank canvas with untapped potential. Together, we’ll build a thriving community through jobs, education, and innovation, turning challenges into opportunities.

18. How will you work with the community to make CD7 thrive?
I’ll host monthly town halls and use my constituent app to gather input, ensuring Yuma farmers, Tucson businesses, and Nogales residents shape projects.

19. What specific jobs will your plans create in CD7?
My initiatives will create 2,000 jobs—1,000 in solar and infrastructure projects with $50 million IRA funding, 500 in manufacturing, and 500 in construction with HR1 funds—boosting local employment.

20. How will you support small businesses in CD7?
I’ll provide $25 million in low-interest loans from IRA funds and streamline regulations, helping small businesses in Tucson and Yuma grow and hire locally, fostering economic resilience.

21. What role will youth play in your vision for CD7?
I’ll invest $15 million from HR1 in youth programs, including trade schools and mentorship, to prepare the next generation for careers in construction, tech, farming, and manufacturing.

22. How will you ensure transparency with CD7 funding?
I’ll publish quarterly reports on all $325 million in proposed IRA and HR1 funds, detailing every dollar spent on projects like the Desalting Plant and job training, so you know your money works for you.

23. Why don’t politics have to be a fight with you?
I believe in working together for CD7’s benefit, not battling. I’ll use IRA funds from the last administration and HR1 from this one to unite us, focusing on solutions over division.

24. How will you show you’re here for the people of CD7?
I’ll donate $154,000 of my $174,000 salary back to CD7 annually, keeping only $20,000, and live among you in Yuma. Every decision will prioritize your needs—jobs, safety, and opportunity—over politics.

25. How will you address the power needs for AI and data storage in CD7?
AI and data storage industries will bring a massive power draw to CD7, potentially doubling energy use by 2030. I’ll secure $50 million from the IRA to expand solar and grid capacity, ensuring reliable power for this growth while protecting residents in CD7 from rate hikes.

26. What steps will you take to support CD7’s power infrastructure for AI?
I’ll advocate for $75 million from HR1 to upgrade transmission lines and explore solar, battery storage and small modular nuclear options, collaborating with utilities to meet AI’s 24/7 demand. My goal is to make CD7 a tech hub without burdening taxpayers, using community input to balance growth and affordability.

27. How should Congress and the Supreme Court check potential executive oversteps?
Congress should use its legislative power to set clear boundaries on executive actions, ensuring funding and laws reflect the people’s will, not unilateral decisions. The Supreme Court must uphold constitutional checks by reviewing executive orders that exceed authority, protecting due process and balance, especially on immigration, to maintain a government for the people.

28. What is your tiered immigration policy for AZ-07?
My policy prioritizes deporting undocumented criminals first, ensuring public safety, while protecting farm and construction workers who contribute economically, pay taxes, and who have built roots here without breaking laws. This balanced approach supports AZ-07’s economy and security.

29. What is your essential workers policy for deportation protections?
Inspired by the essential business designations during the pandemic, I propose an essential workers policy to shield farm and construction workers in AZ-07 from swift deportation. These workers are vital to our economy, pay taxes, and have established roots, so I’ll advocate for temporary protections while streamlining legal pathways through my labor trade idea, targeting deportation of criminals first.