Conor O'Callaghan

Environment / Energy We must pursue options such as ocean desalination, cloud seeding, and resilient technologies that will ensure our long-term success. We must also be more vigilant: we cannot allow foreign governments to have access to our water supply. We cannot afford to export such a precious resource. Environment / Energy In addressing Arizona's water challenges, I believe we must recognize that while our situation may seem less dire than other climate change dilemmas, we must take action now to manage our water resources effectively. Arizona has a commendable history of water management, but we need to translate new ideas into a cohesive framework that guides our path forward. Education Furthermore, we must hold charter schools, (including online charter schools and for-profit charters) to the same accountability standards/requirements as public schools. Fair is fair. Education In Congress, I would push for federal funding for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Education I firmly believe that we need more federal funding to modernize our public school buildings and facilities across the country, including schools in Arizona and schools in AZ01. Lawmakers should prioritize increased federal investments to help states expand public high-quality prekindergarten programs and to ensure all children have access to full-day kindergarten. This is a win for kids and it's a win for the economy. Education We should eliminate federal barriers that make it harder for states to replace archaic standardized tests with new innovative assessments. Education I'll fight for a living wage for public school educators and employees. We should increase the federal minimum wage to at least 15 per hour by 2030. If we can't get that done then we must make an exception for educators. Education Finally, I support amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of public education. Education While I respect school choice, I believe public schools deserve every available resource and chance to succeed. In Arizona, we have seen the public school system gutted and demonized. While key solutions will have to come from the State Legislature, there is more that the federal government can do to help public schools. Taxes / Budget I am a finance executive with nearly two decades of economic experience -- and the degrees to back it up. David Schweikert talks a big game on the economy, but his numbers are upside down. In Congress, I will advocate for the closure of tax loopholes that disproportionately benefit large corporations. I think we need to see more tax brackets, not less. Too many groups are lumped together in one-size-fits-all brackets, which leads us to false choices that result in heinous legislation like the Trump Tax Cuts. Most importantly, we need a tax policy that lasts beyond one Presidential term or one Congressional cycle. It has been whiplash for too many Americans over the last decade. Let's expand tax brackets and make sure everyone is paying the appropriate taxes. Taxes / Budget Federal law should play a pivotal role in curbing offshore tax haven abuse. By advancing legislation on this issue, Arizona will benefit from collecting millions of dollars in tax revenue that would otherwise be lost. We have to be honest about this situation. To achieve this objective, it is imperative to treat a proportionate share of the income that corporations book to recognized tax havens as domestic income for state tax purposes. This approach ensures that corporations cannot exploit tax loopholes and evade their fair share of tax obligations. Taxes / Budget I support the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Employer-Provided Childcare Credit as I know they will provide greater financial assistance and support to low-income and middle-class families. Taxes / Budget I am in favor of suspending the federal gas tax to provide relief for individuals and businesses. This temporary measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on American taxpayers while boosting economic activity. However, we must crack down on price gouging. Inflation is falling but bad actors are nefariously keeping their prices at historic highs. We need stronger federal laws to police these dishonest actors who are exploiting American families. Taxes / Budget We don't talk enough about international tax avoidance and what it entails to recoup lost revenue. One potential solution is the implementation of a worldwide tax system. Bold yes, impossible no. Economy I am a proponent of closing the carried interest loophole. Closing this loophole would not only address the unfair advantages that are reaped by hedge funds but would also generate billions in much-needed tax revenue. Infrastructure / Transportation I believe we need to continue to steadily invest in infrastructure for our state so that we grow and prosper. We must also pursue federal solutions to support affordable housing initiatives -- such as protecting renters and pushing for more housing grants -- as this will help our local economy and middle-class families n AZ01. Guns Let’s talk about the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This act, passed in 2005, has shielded gun manufacturers and sellers from legal liability in cases where their products are used in criminal activities. I believe that this blanket immunity hampers accountability within the industry and impedes efforts to enhance firearm safety standards. Repealing PLCAA will create an environment where the gun industry is held responsible for its products. This move would not only encourage manufacturers to prioritize safety in their designs but also prompt sellers to exercise greater diligence in the distribution process. Guns Central to my vision is the idea that businesses involved in the production and sale of firearms should prioritize innovation and responsibility. I want to see a future where manufacturers actively engage in developing and implementing new technologies that enhance the safety features of firearms. For instance, fingerprint sensor technologies play a pivotal role in firearm safety, allowing the weapon to function solely when handled by an authorized individual whose unique biometric data is recognized by the firearm. This progressive approach not only heightens firearm safety by restricting access and operation to authorized users but also effectively prevents unauthorized individuals from using the weapon. Guns In Congress, I would pursue universal background checks for gun sales and enhanced red flag laws. These initiatives, previously approved by the U.S. House, enjoy broad support. In the absence of an assault weapons ban passing, I would introduce a bill that would raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. Wages / Job Benefits Childcare: We all know there's an urgent need for universal pre-K, a fundamental aspect of ensuring every child has access to quality education from the beginning. This dual focus on early education and comprehensive family support is crucial for creating a society where all families can thrive. Wages / Job Benefits Paid Leave: In Congress, I’ll advocate for a robust paid family and medical leave program. My proposal would guarantee a minimum of 10 paid weeks of leave for new parents, especially mothers, promoting a balance between career and caregiving responsibilities. My plan prioritizes inclusivity, recognizes the unique needs of families regardless of employment status or company size, and aims to narrow the gender pay gap by addressing economic and job security. Wages / Job Benefits Transparency: We need transparency in the workforce and to federally mandate disclosure of salary scales to prospective employees to promote transparency in the workforce. Too often, women and minorities are put at a disadvantage in the job market because they are paid less and don’t have available resources to show that they are being underpaid. Government Reform There are also issues when it comes to traveling long distances to polling places. Many of these communities are rural and the infrastructure is not there to support easy access to polling locations, which are sparse to begin with. We need federal leadership and coordination with agencies like USPS and other partners to ensure that tribal voices are not silenced and that citizens are not disenfranchised. Government Reform I will push for federal legislation concerning missing and murdered indigenous people. I will also fight for federal dollars and infrastructure that focus on the protection of our environment. Specifically, I'll focus on protecting water rights for tribal nations and preparing communities to be more resilient to threats like climate change and pandemics. Government Reform I believe gaming facilities provide tribes with funding sources to support education, health care, housing, and basic services. They are economic boosters. Therecently modernized gaming compactis good for tribes and good for AZ01. I support the continued modernization of an industry that has become a staple of Arizona's economy since the early 90's and has grown to support approximately 40,000 jobs. Government Reform Finally, I will support increasing funding to IHS to improve healthcare for tribal communities. Tribes can count on me to be an ally in Congress, advocating for and honoring federal treaties with tribal nations that guarantee sovereignty. Government Reform When it comes to Democracy, Arizona already has strict voter ID laws, but there are attempts underway right now to enhance these further which would put thousands of legitimate Indigenous voters at risk of vote suppression through their ballots being uncounted. A lack of traditional mailing addresses and voter identification requirements causes many Native voters to be placed in the wrong precinct when they register to vote, which leads to either not being able to register or having their ballots rejected. Immigration I'll push for a 21st-century simplified path to legal entry and long-term federal funding for increased border technology that transcends Presidential administrations and congressional turnover. I will prioritize funding for improved border infrastructure and security, along with legislation that provides a pathway to citizenship -- especially for DACA recipients -- so that our communities and our economy can benefit. Healthcare When elected, I will work with health and reproductive rights organizations to pursue legislation that guarantees high-quality, affordable care for everyone regardless of individual circumstances. Foreign Policy Make no mistake -- our adversaries are testing the resolve of American democracy and the liberal world order that was established in the wake of World War II and solidified with the fall of the Berlin Wall. To allow Ukraine to be conquered by Russia would send a terrible message to our allies and embolden authoritarianism across the globe. Foreign Policy My policy seeks to fortify America’s relationship with Israel. It supports Israel in achieving its regional objectives while actively pursuing peace in the Middle East. At its core, my platform is anchored in a resolute dedication to realizing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Foreign Policy I support Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. The October 7th attacks from Hamas were an affront to humanity. Israel deserves the support of the United States as it charts a path forward. However, we must prioritize the lives of innocent civilians caught up in the crossfire of this conflict. I am in favor of a cease-fire so that the innocent can be spared and will back any good-faith efforts for a sustained pause in fighting that results in all of the hostages being returned and civilians being kept out of harm's way. I firmly believe Hamas must be dismantled. We must provide ongoing humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza. Foreign Policy I firmly oppose boycott measures and vehemently condemn any expressions of anti-Semitism. Instead, I am committed to constructing bridges of understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders. Foreign Policy In Congress, I will fight like hell to support Ukraine and nations threatened by authoritarianism. I believe Ukraine should be adopted into NATO upon their victory over Russia. Foreign Policy The pillars of my policy include: achieving a Two-State Solution, cooperating with Israel on security, fostering economic prosperity with our ally, strengthening democratic values, opposing boycott measures and aid restrictions, countering Iran and hostile actors through diplomacy and careful application of force, and combating Anti-Semitism everywhere. Abortion / Contraception In Congress, I’ll advance legislation that equips healthcare services to be accessible TO ALL. We must remove barriers posed by the Hyde Amendment and the Helms Act, these policies impede access to essential reproductive healthcare services. Abortion / Contraception I am a fierce advocate for the preservation of individual autonomy in private healthcare decisions, particularly when it comes to the right to an abortion. This commitment is deeply personal to me. It is rooted in my wife, Tina's, experience with a D&E procedure after a miscarriage, an act considered illegal in some states. After the fall of Roe, this procedure could be out of reach for millions of women.