Christopher John Hocevar II

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Christopher Hocevar completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hocevar's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading-bio-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to a hardworking, working-class family. My father’s roots are in Montana farming and ranching, and my mother also grew up in Ponca City. Growing up, I was taught that hard work and education were the keys to success. But today, many Americans work hard and go to college only to be weighed down by crippling student loan and medical debt.\r\n<p>As a current graduate student at the University of Arkansas, I’ve experienced firsthand the struggle of low pay and overwhelming debt. Many face impossible interest rates on student loans that make escaping debt feel out of reach. Medical debt is a similar burden that leaves families struggling to make ends meet.\r\n</p><p>Housing costs continue to rise, pushing working families out of their communities. In a country with abundant resources, working 40 hours a week should be enough to support yourself and your family.\r\n</p>\nI am running to fight for Arkansas and America — to tackle student loan and medical debt, improve teacher pay, make housing affordable, and reduce poverty. Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed without being buried in debt.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading-key-message-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I come from a hardworking family and know firsthand how education opens doors, but today many are burdened by overwhelming student loan debt. As a graduate student at the University of Arkansas, I’ve experienced how low pay and high interest rates trap students in debt for decades. Medical debt is another crisis leaving families financially devastated. No one should face bankruptcy for seeking care. I’m committed to fighting for affordable education, lower loan interest rates, expanded forgiveness, and policies that reduce medical debt so every American can build a secure financial future.</li><li>Teachers are the backbone of our communities, yet many struggle with low pay and limited resources. I believe we must invest in educators by raising wages and improving school support, so every child has the chance to succeed. Rising housing costs push families out of the neighborhoods they love. No one working full-time should be priced out of their community. I will advocate for affordable housing policies that protect working families, help first-time buyers, and keep communities strong and vibrant for generations to come.</li><li>Growing up in a working-class family taught me the value of hard work, but many Americans today work full-time and still struggle to get by. Poverty remains a barrier too many face. I’m dedicated to expanding economic opportunity by creating good jobs with fair wages, improving access to education and training, and ensuring support for those in need. Everyone deserves the chance to succeed without being held back by debt or poverty. Together, we can build an Arkansas and America where hard work truly pays off.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading1-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI come from a hardworking, working-class family and understand the struggles many face today. I’m passionate about addressing crushing student loan and medical debt that hold back so many Americans. I support requiring publicly traded and federally funded corporations to assist employees with student loan repayment, funded by fair corporate tax policies. I also fight for better teacher pay, affordable housing, reducing poverty, and regulating AI by banning harmful deepfakes—ensuring technology serves people, protects communities, and helps create real opportunity for all Arkansans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading2-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI look up to my high school track and cross country coach as well as my research professor during my master's degree. Both took mentorship on naturally and found ways to teach each of their mentees based on their needs. My track coach led by example in treating others with respect and valuing the time spent with others in the community. Their actions in making everyone included and important have been an example I have sought to follow. My research professor had been in the field for longer than I had been alive when I met him. I saw how he did everything with purpose while teaching his mentees. He intentionally guided me based on my own needs in my education and research compared to others. Most importantly, he taught me to take criticism as a way to really improve myself and learn rather than take criticism personally. I look up to these two mentors and follow their example because they saw the value in others. Everyone's ideas were important, and embracing failure is an important step towards overall success.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading3-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity, Independence &amp; People First Leadership, Commitment to Important Issues, Ability to Take Criticism, and Capable to Represent Everyone Not Just Those Who Agree On Issues.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading4-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEmpathy, ability to take criticism, ability to listen, commitment to creating change, and importance I put in to data driven policy making.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading5-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRepresent everyone not just a party, address local issues with real solutions not just apart of a campaign, hold town halls to hear the voices of those you represent, and be transparent and accountable.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading6-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI wasn't owned by either party but was a public servant to my district. Remembered as someone who helped working families feel at ease again by lifting burdens of healthcare costs, crushing debt, and unfair wages. Use tools of Congress to not just write laws but expose systems and institutions that rigged the game against everyday Americans. Help rewrite rules to opportunity wasn't just for the privileged, but was for teachers, nurses, single parents, students, renters, and workers. I fought hard for the people when it felt like no one else would fight for the overlooked, underpaid, and the unheard. I want to be remembered as a representatives who showed politics doesn't have to be corrupt, cruel, or disconnected. I served with integrity, fought for what's right, and I never forgot who I worked for, the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading7-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI vaguely remember being at my grandmothers house seeing 9/11 on the television. I was 2 1/2.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading8-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked at a grocery store in Oklahoma during high school, and I worked there for almost 2 years.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading9-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntroduction of Electrodynamics by Griffiths. Really explained Electricity and Magnetism well and made me enjoy a topic I otherwise may have found difficult.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading10-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDick Grayson - Nightwing \"Overwhelmed? Underwhelmed? Why isn't anyone just whelmed?\"\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading11-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tSomething Real - Post Malone\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading12-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy mother going through ovarian cancer. Even after being cancer free, the everyday anxiety doesn't go away. There will always be worry of the cancer returning. I drove an hour back and forth multiple days a week during the 3rd year of my Bachelors degree to be with my mother through treatments, blood tests, and er visits. It is a struggle I have lived with and it is a struggle I know many other families live with. I have also dealt with increasing rent prices and the inability to find affordable places to live while getting a higher education. I have struggled going paycheck to paycheck through my entire college education. Even working multiple jobs to cover expenses.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading13-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRather than a representative of an entire state, the U.S House of Representatives is able to represent individual districts that all face unique problems. It allows for direct representation of areas that may not get heard when looking at the representatives of a state as a whole like the Senate or Governors. Allows for more views on issues and a much larger group to work with on creating bills to really help people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading14-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think it can be, but is not necessary. It is a public servant role and not a career. It can be beneficial in the sense of writing and creating bills, but as a nation we should be looking at all ideas to ensure we do not leave out great candidates.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading15-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe party system used to give people a set of ideas to register under. We have all always agreed on the same issues, but different ways to work on them. That created the parties. Today, money and corruption is the greatest challenge we face as a nation over the next decade. Creating a country where representatives work for their constituents, not PAC money or Party money. The greatest challenge we face is removing the money from our politics and creating a nation where the government really is working in the betterment of the people it represents rather than working for self profit. Another challenge we face and discuss constantly is our over spending and national debt crisis that over the next 10 years we have to fix to ensure it is not passed onto the next generation of Americans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading16-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI do, things can change quickly in districts as they represent smaller individual areas. Sometimes things change and a different representative is needed. Term length is right, but the lack of term limits is where we see issues.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading17-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think term limits are a great thing. Situations change and leadership should change with it. Without term limits financial barriers are able to be set causing good candidates to not be able to run or campaign. We need term limits in every position helping limit corruption.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading18-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tKatie Porter is someone I'd like to model myself after. Their ability to speak on issues with facts and data rather than just word of mouth is very important to me. In a time where a lot of citizens see lying as a political skill, being able to present facts and data through presentations or printouts is much needed. The American people need to see where the discussions come from and what decisions are being based on. The transparency she provides in discussing legislature and issues is something we should all look to achieve.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading19-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRecently I met with a member of the Chamber of Commerce, they are working on creating a spectrum independence living organization to provide work training and assistance for those on the autistic spectrum. I have done a lot of research preparing to run for Congress, but this is an issue I myself had not looked into. Hearing 1:31 children have autism, and 85% are unemployed out of college was really impactful for me. These are people very capable of working these jobs they worked hard to achieve degrees for. Without proper training to help move them from their college degrees to the workforce, they see high risk for homelessness. Those without college degrees see similar issues. There is already a huge homeless issue throughout our country and having capable working people unable to get jobs because of their disability is adding to issues we are already struggling to fix. These are people who want to work. It was very touching and impactful to hear about this and this is a project I have hanging above my desk and will work with and keep track of while I'm in office. I will not forget this project and will give it any help that I can.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading20-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tClassical Electrodynamics by Jackson..........\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading21-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCompromise is very necessary. We have seen so many issues that are treated as one way or the other rather than finding a compromise. Even with raising the minimum wage, there is always the argument for \"well some jobs shouldn't pay up to that\". Though I disagree, there is always a compromise on that point. Yet, we see the same argument with no compromise and the minimum wage is still yet to change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading22-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThis role would play into making sure our tax dollars work for working people. Tackling student debt, investing more in our healthcare, or making housing affordable, I would use this power to ensure my priority of using our nation's resources wisely and fairly is met. No more raising working class taxes to pay for the rich or big corporations to get tax cuts. Instead they should pay their fair share allowing for reducing the struggle of many working class Americans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading23-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt should be investigating price gouging by many pharmaceutical companies taking advantage of the sick. Investigate insurance companies industry practices that deny care or inflate costs, like trying to use AI to deny claims that cost the company money. Investigate real estate speculation and corporate landlords inflating rent prices as well as their misuse or under-allocation of federal housing funds. Ensure the impact of federal education funds is investigated making sure no one is getting shortchanged or underfunded. Investigating For-profit charter school abuses as well as state-level misuse of the teacher pay grant money or funding for public schools. Investigate loan service practices as well as the role of accrediting bodies enabling for-profit schools to access student loan dollars. Finally, Investigate wage theft, corporations relying on public benefits to subsidize low wages, and the failures in federal anti-poverty programs to reach their intended communities. This would help in exposing corporate abuse, inform smarter legislation, provide better insight to Americans where their money is being used, as well as ensure across all areas there is no waste of the American budget.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading24-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHouse committee on financial services, Education and the Workforce, Oversight and Accountability, Budget, and Ways and Means.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-360127-2025-08-17\" id=\"heading25-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-360127-2025-08-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-360127-2025-08-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-360127-2025-08-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRunning for Congress or other positions is a public service not a career. Government should be accountable for our money spent and ensure their constituents that the don't hold a financial stake when making and passing laws. Representatives shouldn't hold stocks and should be transparent with money made while in office.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nChristopher Hocevar completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hocevar's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to a hardworking, working-class family. My father’s roots are in Montana farming and ranching, and my mother also grew up in Ponca City. Growing up, I was taught that hard work and education were the keys to success. But today, many Americans work hard and go to college only to be weighed down by crippling student loan and medical debt. As a current graduate student at the University of Arkansas, I’ve experienced firsthand the struggle of low pay and overwhelming debt. Many face impossible interest rates on student loans that make escaping debt feel out of reach. Medical debt is a similar burden that leaves families struggling to make ends meet. Housing costs continue to rise, pushing working families out of their communities. In a country with abundant resources, working 40 hours a week should be enough to support yourself and your family. I am running to fight for Arkansas and America — to tackle student loan and medical debt, improve teacher pay, make housing affordable, and reduce poverty. Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed without being buried in debt. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I come from a hardworking family and know firsthand how education opens doors, but today many are burdened by overwhelming student loan debt. As a graduate student at the University of Arkansas, I’ve experienced how low pay and high interest rates trap students in debt for decades. Medical debt is another crisis leaving families financially devastated. No one should face bankruptcy for seeking care. I’m committed to fighting for affordable education, lower loan interest rates, expanded forgiveness, and policies that reduce medical debt so every American can build a secure financial future. Teachers are the backbone of our communities, yet many struggle with low pay and limited resources. I believe we must invest in educators by raising wages and improving school support, so every child has the chance to succeed. Rising housing costs push families out of the neighborhoods they love. No one working full-time should be priced out of their community. I will advocate for affordable housing policies that protect working families, help first-time buyers, and keep communities strong and vibrant for generations to come. Growing up in a working-class family taught me the value of hard work, but many Americans today work full-time and still struggle to get by. Poverty remains a barrier too many face. I’m dedicated to expanding economic opportunity by creating good jobs with fair wages, improving access to education and training, and ensuring support for those in need. Everyone deserves the chance to succeed without being held back by debt or poverty. Together, we can build an Arkansas and America where hard work truly pays off. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I come from a hardworking, working-class family and understand the struggles many face today. I’m passionate about addressing crushing student loan and medical debt that hold back so many Americans. I support requiring publicly traded and federally funded corporations to assist employees with student loan repayment, funded by fair corporate tax policies. I also fight for better teacher pay, affordable housing, reducing poverty, and regulating AI by banning harmful deepfakes—ensuring technology serves people, protects communities, and helps create real opportunity for all Arkansans. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to my high school track and cross country coach as well as my research professor during my master's degree. Both took mentorship on naturally and found ways to teach each of their mentees based on their needs. My track coach led by example in treating others with respect and valuing the time spent with others in the community. Their actions in making everyone included and important have been an example I have sought to follow. My research professor had been in the field for longer than I had been alive when I met him. I saw how he did everything with purpose while teaching his mentees. He intentionally guided me based on my own needs in my education and research compared to others. Most importantly, he taught me to take criticism as a way to really improve myself and learn rather than take criticism personally. I look up to these two mentors and follow their example because they saw the value in others. Everyone's ideas were important, and embracing failure is an important step towards overall success. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, Independence & People First Leadership, Commitment to Important Issues, Ability to Take Criticism, and Capable to Represent Everyone Not Just Those Who Agree On Issues. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Empathy, ability to take criticism, ability to listen, commitment to creating change, and importance I put in to data driven policy making. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Represent everyone not just a party, address local issues with real solutions not just apart of a campaign, hold town halls to hear the voices of those you represent, and be transparent and accountable. What legacy would you like to leave? I wasn't owned by either party but was a public servant to my district. Remembered as someone who helped working families feel at ease again by lifting burdens of healthcare costs, crushing debt, and unfair wages. Use tools of Congress to not just write laws but expose systems and institutions that rigged the game against everyday Americans. Help rewrite rules to opportunity wasn't just for the privileged, but was for teachers, nurses, single parents, students, renters, and workers. I fought hard for the people when it felt like no one else would fight for the overlooked, underpaid, and the unheard. I want to be remembered as a representatives who showed politics doesn't have to be corrupt, cruel, or disconnected. I served with integrity, fought for what's right, and I never forgot who I worked for, the people. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I vaguely remember being at my grandmothers house seeing 9/11 on the television. I was 2 1/2. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked at a grocery store in Oklahoma during high school, and I worked there for almost 2 years. What is your favorite book? Why? Introduction of Electrodynamics by Griffiths. Really explained Electricity and Magnetism well and made me enjoy a topic I otherwise may have found difficult. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Dick Grayson - Nightwing \"Overwhelmed? Underwhelmed? Why isn't anyone just whelmed?\" What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Something Real - Post Malone What is something that has been a struggle in your life? My mother going through ovarian cancer. Even after being cancer free, the everyday anxiety doesn't go away. There will always be worry of the cancer returning. I drove an hour back and forth multiple days a week during the 3rd year of my Bachelors degree to be with my mother through treatments, blood tests, and er visits. It is a struggle I have lived with and it is a struggle I know many other families live with. I have also dealt with increasing rent prices and the inability to find affordable places to live while getting a higher education. I have struggled going paycheck to paycheck through my entire college education. Even working multiple jobs to cover expenses. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? Rather than a representative of an entire state, the U.S House of Representatives is able to represent individual districts that all face unique problems. It allows for direct representation of areas that may not get heard when looking at the representatives of a state as a whole like the Senate or Governors. Allows for more views on issues and a much larger group to work with on creating bills to really help people. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? I think it can be, but is not necessary. It is a public servant role and not a career. It can be beneficial in the sense of writing and creating bills, but as a nation we should be looking at all ideas to ensure we do not leave out great candidates. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? The party system used to give people a set of ideas to register under. We have all always agreed on the same issues, but different ways to work on them. That created the parties. Today, money and corruption is the greatest challenge we face as a nation over the next decade. Creating a country where representatives work for their constituents, not PAC money or Party money. The greatest challenge we face is removing the money from our politics and creating a nation where the government really is working in the betterment of the people it represents rather than working for self profit. Another challenge we face and discuss constantly is our over spending and national debt crisis that over the next 10 years we have to fix to ensure it is not passed onto the next generation of Americans. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? I do, things can change quickly in districts as they represent smaller individual areas. Sometimes things change and a different representative is needed. Term length is right, but the lack of term limits is where we see issues. What are your thoughts on term limits? I think term limits are a great thing. Situations change and leadership should change with it. Without term limits financial barriers are able to be set causing good candidates to not be able to run or campaign. We need term limits in every position helping limit corruption. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Katie Porter is someone I'd like to model myself after. Their ability to speak on issues with facts and data rather than just word of mouth is very important to me. In a time where a lot of citizens see lying as a political skill, being able to present facts and data through presentations or printouts is much needed. The American people need to see where the discussions come from and what decisions are being based on. The transparency she provides in discussing legislature and issues is something we should all look to achieve. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Recently I met with a member of the Chamber of Commerce, they are working on creating a spectrum independence living organization to provide work training and assistance for those on the autistic spectrum. I have done a lot of research preparing to run for Congress, but this is an issue I myself had not looked into. Hearing 1:31 children have autism, and 85% are unemployed out of college was really impactful for me. These are people very capable of working these jobs they worked hard to achieve degrees for. Without proper training to help move them from their college degrees to the workforce, they see high risk for homelessness. Those without college degrees see similar issues. There is already a huge homeless issue throughout our country and having capable working people unable to get jobs because of their disability is adding to issues we are already struggling to fix. These are people who want to work. It was very touching and impactful to hear about this and this is a project I have hanging above my desk and will work with and keep track of while I'm in office. I will not forget this project and will give it any help that I can. Tell us your favorite joke. Classical Electrodynamics by Jackson.......... Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is very necessary. We have seen so many issues that are treated as one way or the other rather than finding a compromise. Even with raising the minimum wage, there is always the argument for \"well some jobs shouldn't pay up to that\". Though I disagree, there is always a compromise on that point. Yet, we see the same argument with no compromise and the minimum wage is still yet to change. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? This role would play into making sure our tax dollars work for working people. Tackling student debt, investing more in our healthcare, or making housing affordable, I would use this power to ensure my priority of using our nation's resources wisely and fairly is met. No more raising working class taxes to pay for the rich or big corporations to get tax cuts. Instead they should pay their fair share allowing for reducing the struggle of many working class Americans. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? It should be investigating price gouging by many pharmaceutical companies taking advantage of the sick. Investigate insurance companies industry practices that deny care or inflate costs, like trying to use AI to deny claims that cost the company money. Investigate real estate speculation and corporate landlords inflating rent prices as well as their misuse or under-allocation of federal housing funds. Ensure the impact of federal education funds is investigated making sure no one is getting shortchanged or underfunded. Investigating For-profit charter school abuses as well as state-level misuse of the teacher pay grant money or funding for public schools. Investigate loan service practices as well as the role of accrediting bodies enabling for-profit schools to access student loan dollars. Finally, Investigate wage theft, corporations relying on public benefits to subsidize low wages, and the failures in federal anti-poverty programs to reach their intended communities. This would help in exposing corporate abuse, inform smarter legislation, provide better insight to Americans where their money is being used, as well as ensure across all areas there is no waste of the American budget. What committees interest you? House committee on financial services, Education and the Workforce, Oversight and Accountability, Budget, and Ways and Means. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Running for Congress or other positions is a public service not a career. Government should be accountable for our money spent and ensure their constituents that the don't hold a financial stake when making and passing laws. Representatives shouldn't hold stocks and should be transparent with money made while in office.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]