Juan Mendez (politician)

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. 

External links

• Official page at the Arizona State Legislature
• Campaign Website
• Profile at Project Vote Smart
• Biography at Ballotpedia
• Financial information (state office) at the National Institute for Money in State Politics