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: Linda Sánchez
Current Job Title: U.S. Representative
Political Party Affiliation: Democrat
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: Executive director of the Orange County Central Labor Council; current vice president of the U.S. delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly
City where you reside: Whittier
Campaign website or social media: www.voteforlinda.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.?
Our allies must know they have the full backing and support of the U.S., especially as they face down threats from terrorist groups like Hamas and unprovoked aggression from leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin. But when it comes to assistance from the U.S., we have a responsibility to ensure humanitarian needs are met and that any military offenses are done within the bounds of international law.
Right now, it is critical that we deliver already-delayed aid to Ukraine in their efforts to stop Russian aggression, deliver aid to Israel as it works to defend itself from Hamas and deliver humanitarian assistance to the millions in Gaza who are without food, water, fuel and more.
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?
Earlier this year I introduced the U.S. Citizenship Act. This legislation would finally fix our broken immigration system and update our policies to deal with the problems we face in the 21st century. The U.S. Citizenship Act would build upon existing funds to provide smarter and safer border management, specifically by directing new resources to where they are most needed — at ports of entry where we must invest in technology, infrastructure and screening capacity. Additionally, and equally as important, it would provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living and working in the U.S. and reform our asylum system to better address the challenges we face today.
Immigration reform has historically been a bipartisan issue. I’m proud that my legislation has the support of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. I am ready and willing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to mark up and debate this legislation so that we can finally deliver the solutions Americans are asking for.
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 has the potential to change the landscape in business, politics, the arts and more. The federal government has a responsibility to ensure that these new tools are safe, specifically to ensure that an individual’s private, sensitive information remains protected. Furthermore, the federal government has a responsibility to create a regulatory framework that ensures these new tools are equally accessible to everyone who wants to use them. That includes looking out for communities of color, specifically minority-owned businesses so that they have the same access to these new tools as multimillion-dollar corporations.
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?
I support expanding the bench and adding more seats to the Supreme Court.
What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?
One of the best things we can do to protect our environment for the next generation is to reduce our carbon footprint. However, the tax incentives given to larger companies to switch to green, renewable and solar energy are not extended to single-family households. That is why I’ve long supported policies that would make solar energy and electric vehicles as accessible and affordable for working families and small businesses as they are for large companies.
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?
Don’t lie on your resume.
2023 was a year for labor in California. What is one policy you’d champion to support workers, if elected?
2023 was a big year for labor in California because our unions brought employers to the table — from the Kaiser Permanente employees striking for fair wages across the state to school employees in Los Angeles walking out and UAW workers across the country picketing for their fair share of record profits.
We need to expand on this moving forward and ensure every worker who wants to can join a union. That’s why in Washington, especially alongside my colleagues on the Labor Caucus, I remain committed to preventing companies from using union-busting tactics and empowering workers like ours in California to bring companies to the bargaining table.
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.
Over the last three years, I am proud to have secured nearly $40 million for community projects right here in Southern California. From creating more affordable housing to improving public transportation and revitalizing local parks, these investments directly benefit families in our community. And I’ll keep fighting for the federal funds our local communities need every single day.
This year, I also became the first woman to lead BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. I’m proud to be the first woman to ever hold the seat and to continue the work of electing strong, Latinas and Latinos up and down the ticket across the country.
Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.
Kick ass for the working class.
What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?
Tierra Mia Coffee.
