By admin 
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (13 News) – Rep. Juan Ciscomani and challenger Joanna Mendoza faced off Thursday night in their first debate in the race for Arizona’s Congressional District 6.
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The entire debate can be watched HERE or in the player below. 13 News’ coverage can be seen in the player above.
Both candidates took questions on the economy, border security, and healthcare, and both accused the other of lying during the debate.
Ciscomani, a Republican, said his focus is on tax cuts.
“What we don’t need is more taxes,” Ciscomani said. “It only hurts families in Arizona across the country,” Ciscomani said.
Mendoza, a Democrat, said Ciscomani’s approval of tariffs has harmed southern Arizonans.
“My opponent voted nine times for tariffs, tariffs that are raising prices for everywhere we go,” Mendoza said.
After the debate, Mendoza spoke about new SNAP requirements and benefits, which she said Ciscomani and others in Congress did not properly plan.
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“These requirements really are barriers for people accessing these programs that really need it, so I would say there should’ve been a well more thought out plan on how to roll this out,” Mendoza said.
The candidates also addressed the water supply, elections, and border security.
Ciscomani said his record on border security speaks for itself.
“Every law enforcement organization endorsed me and endorsed against my opponent. Why? Because they trust me,” Ciscomani said.
The debate’s most heated moment centered on the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and Ciscomani’s support for it. Mendoza said the incumbent has not fought enough for rural Arizonans and their access to healthcare.
Both candidates plan to make more campaign stops in southern Arizona in the coming months. Election Day is 54 days away.
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