Juan Ciscomani

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Juan Ciscomani
Official portrait, 2022
Juan Ciscomani
BornJuan Ciscomani III
31 8, 1982
BirthplaceHermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, former government adviser
Known forU.S. Representative for Arizona's 6th congressional district
EducationUniversity of Arizona (BA)
Pima Community College (attended)
Spouse(s)Laura Ciscomani
Children6
Website[[ciscomani.house.gov ciscomani.house.gov] Official site]

Juan Ciscomani III (born August 31, 1982) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Arizona's 6th congressional district since January 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Ciscomani is the first Mexican-born Republican elected to the U.S. House from Arizona. Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, he immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in Tucson, Arizona. Before entering electoral politics, Ciscomani served as a senior adviser to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and as vice chair of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, roles that placed him at the intersection of border policy, trade, and U.S.–Mexico relations.[1] He won election to Congress in 2022 in a closely watched swing district, and was selected to deliver the Republican response to the 2023 State of the Union Address in Spanish. Ciscomani has positioned himself as a moderate Republican voice on immigration and border security, drawing national attention as part of a cohort of Hispanic Republicans who gained seats in the 118th United States Congress.[2]

Early Life

Juan Ciscomani III was born on August 31, 1982, in Hermosillo, the capital of the Mexican state of Sonora.[3] His family immigrated to the United States when he was a child, settling in Tucson, Arizona, located near the U.S.–Mexico border. Ciscomani grew up in a Spanish-speaking household and has frequently discussed his immigrant background in public life, framing his personal story within the broader narrative of the American Dream.[3]

Ciscomani's upbringing in the border region of southern Arizona shaped his perspectives on immigration, trade, and cross-border relations—issues that would later become central to his political career. He has described his family's immigration experience as lawful and has used it to advocate for legal immigration pathways while also supporting stricter border enforcement measures.[2]

Growing up in Tucson, Ciscomani was immersed in the bilingual and bicultural community that characterizes much of southern Arizona. His fluency in both English and Spanish would later prove politically significant, as it enabled him to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking constituents and audiences, including when he was chosen to deliver a nationally broadcast address in Spanish.[2]

Education

Ciscomani attended Pima Community College in Tucson before transferring to the University of Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[4] His educational path through a community college to a four-year university has been cited in profiles as reflective of a route taken by many first-generation college students in Arizona.

Career

Government Service Under Governor Ducey

Before running for elected office, Ciscomani built his career in Arizona state government. He served as a senior adviser to Republican Governor Doug Ducey, who held office from 2015 to 2023. In this capacity, Ciscomani served as a key liaison between the governor's office and communities in southern Arizona, as well as between Arizona and Mexico.[1]

Ciscomani also served as vice chair of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, a state agency that promotes trade, economic development, and cooperation between Arizona and the Mexican states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and other regions. The commission addresses issues including cross-border commerce, environmental cooperation, water resources, and security. Ciscomani's role placed him in regular contact with business leaders, government officials, and community organizations on both sides of the border.[1] According to the Flinn Foundation, Ciscomani carried the governor's message throughout southern Arizona and Mexico, serving as an important bridge between the Ducey administration and the border region.[1]

His work in the Ducey administration gave Ciscomani extensive experience in the policy areas that would define his congressional campaigns, particularly immigration, border security, and economic relations with Mexico. It also provided him with a network of political contacts and supporters within the Arizona Republican establishment.

2022 Congressional Campaign

In August 2021, Ciscomani announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent a southern Arizona congressional district.[5] Following redistricting after the 2020 census, the seat was designated as Arizona's 6th congressional district, a newly drawn district encompassing portions of southeastern Arizona including parts of Tucson and surrounding areas. The district had been previously represented in part by Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick, who did not seek reelection.[5]

The 6th district was considered one of the most competitive House races in the country during the 2022 midterm elections. Ciscomani ran in the Republican primary, which he won, advancing to the general election.[6]

In the general election, Ciscomani faced Democratic nominee Kirsten Engel, a state legislator. The race attracted significant national attention and spending from both parties, as control of the House of Representatives hung in the balance. Ciscomani's campaign emphasized border security, economic issues, and his personal immigration story. He also benefited from an endorsement by Governor Ducey and support from national Republican organizations.[3]

Ciscomani won the general election, and his victory was seen as a key pickup for Republicans as they secured a narrow majority in the House.[7] The Wall Street Journal reported that Ciscomani's win in the swing seat bolstered the Republican Party's chances of achieving a House majority.[7] Fox News also covered his victory, noting the significance of the race in the context of the broader midterm results.[8]

The Arizona Republic confirmed Ciscomani as the representative for the 6th congressional district following the official canvass of election results.[9][10]

118th Congress (2023–2025)

Ciscomani was sworn in as a member of the 118th United States Congress on January 3, 2023.[4] He was part of a notable cohort of Hispanic Republicans elected in the 2022 cycle, a group that received considerable media coverage for its potential to reshape the Republican Party's relationship with Latino voters.[2]

Shortly after taking office, Ciscomani was selected by Republican leadership to deliver the party's official response to the 2023 State of the Union Address in Spanish. This was a symbolically significant assignment, as it placed Ciscomani on a national stage and underscored the Republican Party's outreach efforts to Spanish-speaking voters. The selection reflected both Ciscomani's personal background as a native Spanish speaker and the party's strategic emphasis on Hispanic engagement.[2]

During the 118th Congress, Ciscomani focused on issues related to border security, immigration, veterans' affairs, and economic development in rural Arizona. He represented a district that included significant agricultural interests, military installations, and border communities, requiring attention to a diverse set of policy priorities.

119th Congress (2025–present)

Ciscomani won reelection in 2024, securing a second term representing Arizona's 6th congressional district. His reelection campaign was again closely contested, reflecting the competitive nature of the district.

In his second term, Ciscomani has continued to focus on constituent services and federal funding for his district. In February 2026, he presented federal funding to school districts in Casa Grande, as well as to the city of Eloy and the Oracle Fire Department, at an event held at Vista Grande High School in the Casa Grande Union High School District.[11]

Also in February 2026, the town of Duncan in Greenlee County received approximately $1.9 million in federal funding to repave roads that had not been resurfaced in 48 years, a project secured with Ciscomani's support. The funding was earmarked for road upgrades and other infrastructure improvements in the small rural community.[12]

For the February 2026 State of the Union Address, Ciscomani invited Ben Menges, a fifth-generation Arizona rancher and president of the Graham County Farm Bureau, as his guest. The invitation was intended to highlight the concerns of Arizona's agricultural and ranching communities.[13][14]

Ciscomani has also been involved in healthcare-related legislation. He was among the members of Congress who supported measures related to Medicare cancer screening, an effort that drew public commendation from constituents in the Phoenix metropolitan area.[15]

2026 Reelection Prospects

Arizona's 6th congressional district remains one of the most closely watched House races in the country heading into the 2026 midterm elections. According to NOTUS, Democratic challenger JoAnna Mendoza raised nearly $1 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating that the race is expected to be highly competitive.[16] AZPM News reported that fundraising data from October 2025 showed Mendoza outraising Ciscomani in that quarter, though Ciscomani maintained an overall fundraising lead.[17]

Ciscomani's record on trade and tariff policy has also drawn scrutiny. The Daily Kos reported that critics have questioned his stance on tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, noting the economic impact on Arizona businesses and consumers.[18]

Personal Life

Ciscomani is married to Laura Ciscomani. The couple has six children and resides in the Tucson, Arizona, area.[2] Ciscomani has spoken publicly about his family and his identity as a Mexican-born American, and his bilingualism has been a prominent feature of his public profile. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.[3]

Ciscomani's personal narrative as an immigrant who came to the United States from Mexico as a child and went on to serve in Congress has been a recurring theme in media profiles. The New York Times featured him in a 2022 article about Republicans and the American Dream, highlighting how his biography intersected with the party's messaging to Hispanic and immigrant communities.[3]

Recognition

Ciscomani's selection to deliver the Republican response to the 2023 State of the Union Address in Spanish was one of the most prominent moments of his early congressional career. The assignment was seen as a recognition of his communication skills and his potential to serve as a prominent Hispanic voice within the Republican caucus.[2]

His 2022 election victory received national coverage from outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, CNN, The New York Times, and The Hill, all of which noted the significance of his win in a competitive swing district and his role within a new generation of Hispanic Republican officeholders.[7][8][2][3][4]

Ciscomani's work in state government was recognized by the Flinn Foundation, which profiled his role in carrying the governor's message to southern Arizona and Mexico during his tenure as a senior adviser to Governor Ducey.[1]

His campaign and congressional activities are tracked by the Federal Election Commission, which maintains financial disclosure records under his candidate identification.[19] His official congressional biography is maintained by the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.[20]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Juan Ciscomani Carries Governor's Message Throughout Southern Arizona, Mexico".Flinn Foundation.https://flinn.org/juan-ciscomani-carries-governors-message-throughout-southern-arizona-mexico/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 CNN,"Juan Ciscomani is part of a new generation of Hispanic Republicans in Arizona".CNN.2022-10-30.https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/30/politics/juan-ciscomani-hispanic-republicans-arizona/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Republicans and the American Dream".The New York Times.2022-08-21.https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/21/us/politics/republicans-american-dream.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Arizona New Members 2023".The Hill.2022.https://thehill.com/new_members_2023/3739121-arizona-new-members-2023/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. 5.0 5.1 "Juan Ciscomani, Republican, eyes southern Arizona congressional seat".The Arizona Republic.2021-08-03.https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/08/03/juan-ciscomani-republican-southern-arizona-congressional-seat/5470558001/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. "2022 State Primary Election Canvass".Arizona Secretary of State.https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/20220822_state_canvass_master_report_signed.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Republican Juan Ciscomani Wins Swing Seat in Arizona, Bolstering Chance of GOP House Majority".The Wall Street Journal.2022-11.https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/midterm-elections-congress-house-results/card/republican-juan-ciscomani-wins-swing-seat-in-arizona-bolstering-chance-of-gop-house-majority-jgNLa5ENXfS28NSCFhwm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "Arizona congressional district: Republican Juan Ciscomani wins House race".Fox News.2022-11.https://www.foxnews.com/politics/arizona-congressional-district-republican-juan-ciscoani-wins-house-race.amp.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. "Juan Ciscomani to represent Arizona's 6th Congressional District".The Arizona Republic.2022-11-14.https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/11/14/juan-ciscomani-to-represent-arizonas-6th-congressional-district/10700205002/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. "2022 General Election Canvass".Arizona Secretary of State.https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/2022Dec05_General_Election_Canvass_Web.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. "Ciscomani presents funding to CG school districts, Eloy, Oracle FD".PinalCentral.com.2026-02-20.https://www.pinalcentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/ciscomani-presents-funding-to-cg-school-districts-eloy-oracle-fd/article_9a002308-3b9b-4bb8-8006-b8ffb6b23574.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. "Greenlee County town gets nearly $2 million to repave roads for the first time in 48 years".AZPM News.2026-02-21.https://news.azpm.org/s/102774-greenlee-county-town-gets-nearly-2-million-to-repave-roads-for-the-first-time-in-48-years/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. "Arizona rancher Ben Menges joins Ciscomani for State of the Union".KVOA.2026-02-24.https://www.kvoa.com/news/national/arizona-rancher-ben-menges-joins-ciscomani-for-state-of-the-union/article_883fc929-769d-432a-9a85-c06bffea7427.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. "Safford rancher to be Ciscomani's guest at State of the Union".Eastern Arizona Courier.2026-02-24.https://www.eacourier.com/free-access/safford-rancher-to-be-ciscomanis-guest-at-state-of-the-union/article_c1d14fe4-8280-4bf4-b65f-53785ebb927c.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. "Thanks to Congressmen for supporting Medicare cancer screening".Your Valley.2026-02-24.https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/thanks-to-congressmen-for-supporting-medicare-cancer-screening,664310.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. "The Democrat Challenging Juan Ciscomani Raised Nearly $1 Million in the Fourth Quarter".NOTUS.2026-01.https://www.notus.org/2026-election/juan-ciscomani-challenger-joanna-mendoza.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. "Fundraising numbers show District 6 congressional race heating up".AZPM News.2025-10-17.https://news.azpm.org/p/azpmnews/2025/10/17/226891-fundraising-numbers-show-district-6-congressional-race-heating-up.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. "Arizona Paid for Trump's Illegal Tariffs. Juan Ciscomani Still Won't Admit It".Daily Kos.2026-02-21.https://www.dailykos.com/story/2026/2/21/2369714/-Arizona-Paid-for-Trump-s-Illegal-Tariffs-Juan-Ciscomani-Still-Won-t-Admit-It.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. "Juan Ciscomani — Candidate Overview".Federal Election Commission.https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H2AZ02360.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. "CISCOMANI, Juan, III".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C001133.Retrieved 2026-02-24.