JoAnna
Mendoza
Democrat and retired Marine JoAnna Mendoza is challenging incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani in Arizona's competitive 6th Congressional District in 2026.
- sources
- 28
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 33
Background
JoAnna Mendoza is a Democratic candidate running to represent Arizona's 6th Congressional District in the November 2026 general election, challenging incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani. She grew up in a farmworker family in Pinal County (Eloy, Arizona) and enlisted in the Navy at age 17, going on to serve a 20-year military career that included service in the Marine Corps as a drill instructor and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. 238
After her military career, Mendoza worked as a nonprofit leader, veterans' advocate, congressional staffer, and policy expert, according to her campaign biography. She holds a master's degree in leadership from Grand Canyon University; the Leadership Now Project additionally lists a B.A. in Intelligence Studies from American Military University and an M.A. in Political Psychology from Arizona State University. 86
Mendoza raised over $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2026, positioning her campaign as a serious effort to flip the competitive AZ-06 district. Her policy platform addresses veterans' issues, healthcare, immigration and border security, and climate and water security for rural Arizona. 11112131516
The available sources do not indicate that Mendoza has previously held elected office. A 2020 state Senate candidacy is mentioned in a Force Multiplier biography, but she did not hold that office. 108
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 6, Arizona
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- joannamendoza.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 11newsArizona Daily Star publishes overview of all Arizona congressional races
The Arizona Daily Star published a roundup of Arizona's congressional races, describing AZ-06 as competitive and slightly Republican-leaning, with Mendoza challenging incumbent Ciscomani alongside Libertarian and Green Party candidates.
These are all of Arizona's congressional races · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 10newsArizona Daily Star covers economy and immigration as key issues in AZ-06 race
The Arizona Daily Star reported on the AZ-06 race, covering Mendoza's debate positions on the economy, immigration, and health care, as well as the controversy over her deleted social media posts on policing.
Economy, immigration shape key Arizona congressional race · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 9newsMendoza's Press Room interview airs on PBS
The interview with Mendoza discussing immigration, health care, and the war in Iran aired on PBS's The Press Room on October 9, 2026.
The Press Room - October 9, 2026 · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8newsMendoza appears on AZPM's The Press Room for interview
Mendoza joined PBS affiliate AZPM's The Press Room to discuss immigration, health care, and the war in Iran as she seeks election in AZ Congressional District 6.
Congressional candidate JoAnna Mendoza joins The Press Room as he seeks election in AZ Congressional District 6 · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6newsKJZZ and Daily Kos publish candidate profiles on Mendoza
KJZZ and Daily Kos published profiles of Mendoza, noting she was running to restore services for working families—including SNAP and Medicaid—and to support veterans in Arizona's 6th Congressional District.
2026 Arizona 6th Congressional District race: The candidates · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2newsMendoza reports raising $3.3M in Q3, a record for AZ-06
Mendoza's campaign announced she raised more than $3.3 million in Q3 2026, calling it a record for an AZ-06 candidate. Combined with prior FEC data, the two candidates had raised more than $13.5 million total, with Mendoza about $1.2 million ahead of Ciscomani.
Mendoza raises $3.3M in Q3, Ciscomani rallies with House ... · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 29newsArizona congressional race coverage highlights Mendoza's candidacy
Yahoo News published a overview of Arizona's 2026 congressional races, including the AZ-06 contest between Mendoza and incumbent Ciscomani.
What to know about Arizona's 2026 congressional races · Sep 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 23endorsementGiffords endorses Mendoza for AZ-06
The Giffords gun-safety organization endorsed Mendoza, citing her support for universal background checks, stronger safe-storage requirements, and regulation of ghost guns.
Meet a Few of the Gun Lobby Darlings We Plan to Vote Out ... · Sep 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 22newsMendoza campaign FAQ page published
Mendoza's campaign published a FAQ page on her official website outlining her positions and background.
FAQ - JoAnna Mendoza for Congress - Frequently Asked Questions · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 10debateMendoza and Ciscomani hold their only debate
At the sole debate, Mendoza called for reversing aspects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, revoking tariffs, and restoring social programs like SNAP. On immigration, she said some border wall construction makes sense but opposed encroachment on tribal territories.
Economy, immigration shape key Arizona congressional race · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 1newsMendoza backs Medicaid expansion at American Cancer Society event
At an appearance with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Mendoza said she supported expanding Medicaid access, arguing health, work, and financial stability are interconnected.
Economy, immigration shape key Arizona congressional race · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 22endorsementCHC BOLD PAC congratulates Mendoza on winning Democratic nomination
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus's political arm, CHC BOLD PAC, congratulated Mendoza on securing the Democratic nomination for Arizona's 6th Congressional District.
CHC BOLD PAC Endorses Eliott Rodriguez for Congress in Florida's ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 21filingMendoza secures Democratic nomination for AZ-06
JoAnna Mendoza won the Democratic primary, receiving 78,310 votes. She reportedly ran unopposed within her party. CHC BOLD PAC congratulated her on the win on July 22.
CHC BOLD PAC Endorses Eliott Rodriguez for Congress in Florida's ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 1pollPolls show Mendoza leading Ciscomani by 1–3 points (July 2026)
A report published October 2 cited the most recent polls available at that time showing Mendoza ahead of Ciscomani by 1 to 3 percentage points. Pollsters, sample sizes, and field dates were not identified.
Mendoza raises $3.3M in Q3, Ciscomani rallies with House ... · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- LCV Action Fund organizationListed Mendoza as endorsed for the 2026 general election lcv.org
- Gabby Giffords officialFormer U.S. Representative; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Rex Scott officialPima County Supervisor; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Mark Kelly officialU.S. Senator; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Teresa Leger Fernández officialU.S. Representative (New Mexico); listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Arizona NOW PAC organizationListed as endorser in iVoterGuide candidate profile; no individual endorsement date provided ivoterguide.com
- Greg Stanton officialU.S. Representative (Arizona); listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Kirsten Engel officialFormer AZ-06 nominee; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Emily Randall officialU.S. Representative (Washington); listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Charlene Fernandez officialArizona Democratic Party Chair; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Ruben Gallego officialU.S. Senator; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Democracy for America organizationListed as endorser in iVoterGuide candidate profile; no individual endorsement date provided ivoterguide.com
- Mikie Sherrill officialNew Jersey Governor; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Ron Barber officialFormer U.S. Representative; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund organizationListed as endorser in iVoterGuide candidate profile; no individual endorsement date provided ivoterguide.com
- Kris Mayes officialArizona Attorney General; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Patrick Murphy officialFormer U.S. Representative; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Equality Arizona organizationListed as endorser in iVoterGuide candidate profile; no individual endorsement date provided ivoterguide.com
- Pete Buttigieg officialFormer U.S. Transportation Secretary; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Tom O'Halleran officialFormer U.S. Representative; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Chris Deluzio officialU.S. Representative (Pennsylvania); listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Raquel Terán officialFormer Arizona Democratic Party chair; listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- Arizona AFL-CIO unionLists Mendoza among 2026 labor endorsements for Congress in CD-6; no announcement date specified azaflcio.org
- Elissa Slotkin officialU.S. Representative (Michigan); listed on Mendoza campaign endorsement page joannamendoza.com
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) unionLargest federal employee union; announced endorsement on August 26, 2026 afge.org · Aug 26, 2026
- Blue Dog PAC organizationAnnounced endorsement in race to flip AZ-06 joannamendoza.com · Aug 11, 2026
- EMILYs List organizationIdentified Mendoza as endorsed candidate following her primary win emilyslist.org · Jul 22, 2026
- VoteVets organizationListed among endorsers in campaign release dated April 3, 2026; individual endorsement date not specified joannamendoza.com · Apr 3, 2026
- CHC BOLD PAC organizationListed among endorsers in campaign release dated April 3, 2026; individual endorsement date not specified joannamendoza.com · Apr 3, 2026
- GIFFORDS PAC organizationListed among endorsers in campaign release dated April 3, 2026; individual endorsement date not specified joannamendoza.com · Apr 3, 2026
- J Street PAC organizationListed among endorsers in campaign release dated April 3, 2026; individual endorsement date not specified joannamendoza.com · Apr 3, 2026
- NewDem Action Fund organizationListed among endorsers in campaign release dated April 3, 2026; individual endorsement date not specified joannamendoza.com · Apr 3, 2026
- Equality PAC organizationAnnounced endorsement to kick off Pride Month 2025 lgbtequalitypac.org · Jun 3, 2025
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $7.35M
- Spent
- $4.09M
- Cash on hand
- $3.26M
As of Jul 1, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6AZ06099(opens in a new tab)
Sources 28
- [1] These are all of Arizona's congressional races(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] Economy, immigration shape key Arizona congressional race(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [3] JoAnna Mendoza (D) – AZ-06 House 2026 | Smarter.Vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [4] The Press Room - October 9, 2026(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [5] Voter Guide Profile for AZ State Senator, Dist. 11 candidate(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [6] Congressional candidate JoAnna Mendoza joins The Press Room as he seeks election in AZ Congressional District 6(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [7] Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [8] 2026 Arizona 6th Congressional District race: The candidates(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [9] Candidate profile: Democrat JoAnna Mendoza for ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [10] JoAnna Mendoza wants to uplift working families and ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [11] CHC BOLD PAC Endorses Eliott Rodriguez for Congress in Florida's ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [12] 2026 Candidate Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [13] Arizona Congressional District 6 2026 Election Guide(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [14] Mendoza raises $3.3M in Q3, Ciscomani rallies with House ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [15] What to know about Arizona's 2026 congressional races(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
- [16] Meet a Few of the Gun Lobby Darlings We Plan to Vote Out ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 23, 2026
- [17] FAQ - JoAnna Mendoza for Congress - Frequently Asked Questions(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
- [18] JoAnna Mendoza for U.S. House 2026 | Battleground Vote(opens in a new tab) Sep 14, 2026
- [19] Rivals Juan Ciscomani and JoAnna Mendoza clash in high-stakes debate(opens in a new tab) Sep 10, 2026
- [20] 2025-2026 Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Aug 28, 2026
- [21] Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Arizona's ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 26, 2026
- [22] Blue Dog PAC Endorses JoAnna Mendoza in Race to Flip AZ-06(opens in a new tab) Aug 11, 2026
- [23] EMILYs List Candidates Gov. Katie Hobbs, Attorney ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 22, 2026
- [24] "Just awful. I'm keeping those injured in my prayers. ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 19, 2026
- [25] Restoring Trust and Accountability in Government(opens in a new tab) May 22, 2026
- [26] JoAnna Mendoza Raises Over $2.3 Million in Q1, Building ...(opens in a new tab) Apr 3, 2026
- [27] www.joannamendoza.com · 2026/02/02 · joanna-mendozaJoAnna Mendoza Hosts Public Safety Roundtable on Stopping Gun ...(opens in a new tab) Feb 2, 2026
- [28] To Kick Off Pride Month, Equality PAC Endorses Three ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 3, 2025