Phillip Chen, AD-59 candidate, 2024 primary election questionnaire

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: Phillip Chen

Current Job Title: State Assemblymember

Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: Walnut Valley Unified School District, Board of Trustees

City where you reside: Yorba Linda

Campaign website or social media: Website: www.phillipchen.org; Social: @PhillipChenCA

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

California is the fifth largest economy in the world. Many global companies choose to do business here, and that is wonderful. However, our state has many problems from the rising cost of living, crime and a budget deficit that deserve our attention. We must place the needs of hardworking Californians first.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

I support safe and secure elections.

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

Stop the high-speed rail boondoggle. Audit statewide homelessness spending, and end programs that waste our tax dollars.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

– Public safety.- Infrastructure.- Mental health funding.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

I was proud to support and help pass into law SB 14 in the legislature to combat child sex trafficking. As a former reserve deputy sheriff, the safety of our communities is my top priority. We need to repeal AB 109, Prop 47 and Prop 57 which have lowered the penalties for criminals and tied the hands of the justice system.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

Mandatory substance abuse and mental health services in addition to housing are needed to combat the homelessness epidemic in our state.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

It should be up to the free market to decide.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

My office is a strong proponent of protecting and expanding our open spaces for current and future generations to enjoy. I am proud to have co-authored legislation to grow and safeguard Chino Hills State Park.

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

The 59th Assembly district is a bedroom community and commuter district. My office is proud of our work with Caltrans, OCTA and our local partners to grow our infrastructure to meet future needs along the 55, 57, and 91 freeways and important thoroughfares like Imperial Highway and Carbon Canyon Road.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

We need to build on the CARE courts program with mandatory mental health and substance abuse services for homeless individuals.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Hope, opportunity and freedom.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

Girl Scouts’ Samoas cookies.