Ahead of the March primary, The Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Matt Gunderson
Current Job Title: Small business owner
Political Party Affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Ladera Ranch
Campaign website or social media: www.gowithgunderson.com
How much assistance should the U.S. provide — military and/or financial — to foreign countries at war, like Israel or Ukraine? What, if any, should be the litmus test for American allies to receive assistance from the U.S.?
The U.S. should stand with our allies when they are threatened by dictators and terrorists. Yet we must always demand accountability for every dollar spent; there should be no blank checks.
The U.S. must stand with Israel against the terrorists who attacked innocent Israelis. We must work with our allies to help the Jewish people and stop the rise of antisemitic behavior around the world.
And we must never lose sight of the fact that America’s leaders must put American interests above all else.
Border security continues to be a concern for many Americans. What is one proposal, that you believe could get bipartisan support, to address the border?
The United States’ border security is non-negotiable. The crisis at our southern border isn’t about politics; it’s a dire safety and humanitarian concern that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
President Joe Biden and Rep. Mike Levin have allowed an open border, creating a massive fentanyl crisis. It’s unacceptable, and I plan to work to secure the border on day one in Congress.
With more lives lost each day due to the fentanyl crisis, the border should be the top priority in Congress. It’s time for action, not just words. We must confront this crisis collectively to protect our nation’s safety from human traffickers, terrorists and drug smugglers.
As AI technology continues to rapidly expand, what do you see as the federal government’s role in creating and enforcing a regulatory framework?
AI brings both great opportunities and risks. As this new technology unfolds, it is important to set safeguards in place while not restricting the positive potential of this emerging technology.
The role — and size — of the U.S. Supreme Court has come under scrutiny in recent years. Do you believe more justices should be added to the nation’s highest court, or would you support any kind of reform, like term limits?
The radical left has waged a PR war with the intention of discrediting and pressuring the Supreme Court. I will not support their efforts to pack the court with liberal activist judges.
What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?
Many areas along our coast are experiencing erosion, causing the loss of our Southern California beaches. We need to increase sand replenishment projects to help reverse the loss of our eroding coastline. We must also take action to stabilize our bluffs, many of which are at risk of eroding into the sea.
The George Santos saga made for numerous memes and “SNL” skits. But what is one thing Congress should take away from the former congressman’s expulsion from the House?
Serving in Congress should be treated as an honor. Unfortunately, some treat it as a personal achievement or a means to gain power. We should expect America’s best and brightest to serve in Congress with dignity and respect.
2023 was a year for labor in California. What is one policy you’d champion to support workers, if elected?
I will always put American workers first. That means supporting policies that will encourage economic growth, more job opportunities and an economy that works for the middle class again. In California, we have seen what over-regulation and red tape have caused: an economy of the very rich and very poor. We must protect the middle class and support policies that grow and protect middle-class jobs.
If you are an incumbent, tell us the most significant accomplishment of your most recent term. If you’re a newcomer, tell us how you, as a freshman, would stand out.
As a business owner and married father of four daughters, I bring a common-sense approach to the complex problems facing our country.
Washington, D.C., is broken and isn’t working to address the problems faced by ordinary Americans. As a newcomer in Congress, I will work to reduce inflation, improve our economy, lower taxes and secure our border so that our communities can again be free of the crime and drug epidemic sweeping our nation.
Elected officials must prioritize serving our districts and country. My guiding principle, encapsulated by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words, “Your purpose in life is not to be happy, it is to be useful,” steers my actions each day. In Congress, I’m dedicated to reminding everyone that my purpose is to serve the people I represent every time I speak on the House floor or address the press.
Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.
Fiscal conservative with a commonsense approach to personal responsibility.
What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?
Diet Mountain Dew (but if there is time I am always up for a beer).
