Juan Mendez (politician)

Juan Mendez
Member of the Arizona House of Representatives
from the 26th district
Assumed office
2013
Personal details
Born (1985-05-18) May 18, 1985
Political party Democratic
Residence Tempe, Arizona
Alma mater Phoenix College
Arizona State University
Website mendezforaz.com

Juan Jose Mendez (born May 18, 1985) is an American politician and state representative from Arizona. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Personal life and education

Mendez attended Tolleson Union High School, and received an associate degree from Phoenix College. He later received a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University, majoring in political science.[1] Mendez describes Cesar Chavez as the Arizonan political figure he admires most.[2]

Political career

Mendez was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2012. He serves on the Insurance and Retirement Committee and the Reform and Human Services Committee.[1]

Mendez supports closing "tax loopholes" for out-of-state corporations, raising education funding, and more restrictions on gifts to legislators. He opposes Arizona SB 1070 and allowing guns in schools.[2]

Mendez gained national attention in 2013 for choosing to open a House meeting with a secular speech, rather than a traditional religious prayer.[3] During his speech, Mendez quoted astronomer Carl Sagan.[4]

Mendez serves on the City of Phoenix Human Services Advisory Committee, and manages the nonprofit Community Voice Mail, an organization devoted to helping the impoverished.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Juan Mendez". Arizona State House. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  2. 1 2 "Phoenix Arizona Election Questionnaire for State Legislature, JUAN MENDEZ". Arizona Central. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  3. ↑ Reinhart, Mary (May 22, 2013). "Ariz. lawmaker comes out as atheist during meeting". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  4. ↑ Hendley, Matthew (May 21, 2013). "Atheist State Lawmaker Quotes Carl Sagan Instead of Doing Prayer Before House Session". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
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