Max Eliot Diaz

[{"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>Max Diaz 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 Diaz'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-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading-bio-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-360277-2025-09-02\" 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-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-360277-2025-09-02\" 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 Buffalo, NY in 2000 and have been a resident of Hanahan, SC since I entered seventh grade in 2012. I developed the itch to serve my community in the Scouting Program where I dedicated much of my time to personal growth and community service, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. I continued my support of the Scouting Program by becoming an assistant scoutmaster in my old troop and mentoring those who came after me.\r\n<p>After graduating from Hanahan High School in 2018 with a focus on Engineering, I earned my Aircraft Mechanic’s license and an associate degree from Trident Technical College. In 2022, I graduated from Southern Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology. I earned my Private Pilot License in 2023.\r\n</p><p>As far back as Middle School, I have continuously and ardently followed news of the political, economic, and societal issues facing America. I have made it a habit to always stay educated on these issues so I could be an informed voter and an informed voice to those around me.\r\n</p>\nI am a thoroughly working-class individual, with all of my formal higher education being dedicated to my blue-collar trade. I know very well what it’s like to experience the financial worries of the average American. I believe my life as a well-informed working-class citizen makes me the ideal candidate to take our issues to Washington and fight for them, tooth and nail.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading-key-message-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-360277-2025-09-02\" 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-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Transparency and honesty are paramount for any leader. I will always be upfront about what policies I support. I will never deflect or sidestep questions. I will fully answer any questions I am asked. I will be upfront and honest about what I do and don't know. And I will always take to heart, and carefully consider the concerns and suggestions given to me by my fellow Americans.</li><li>This campaign is based on a pragmatic approach to serving Americans. I do not and will not blindly serve the will of any ideology, politician, or special interest. I am strictly interested in enacting carefully considered legislation that will solve real, practical problems and better the lives of average Americans.</li><li>The best time was yesterday; the second-best time is today. There will never be a better time to put aside party differences and support candidates across the nation who will put the needs of the average, working class American first and foremost at all times. Corporate and elite interests are not the lifeblood of America, we working citizens are the lifeblood of America. It’s time the government considered the needs of the many rather than the greed of the few.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading1-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading1-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-360277-2025-09-02\" 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\tEnacting safeguards against political corruption. Positive changes in government aren't sure to last unless greed cannot seep back into the system. That's why I support measures like term limits, restrictions on politician stock ownership, and others.<br/><br/>\n<p>Releasing the stranglehold of private equity on the housing market. Large scale home and rental buyup by massive firms has driven housing prices far beyond the point of affordability for everyday Americans.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nConsumer Data Protections. In today's information economy, we are now effectively the product. Our private information should not be a commodity that is bought and sold for the purpose of manipulating consumers and getting people addicted to social media algorithms.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading2-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading2-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-360277-2025-09-02\" 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 Theodore Roosevelt. The progress he made in the realms of diplomacy, worker's rights, consumer rights, and conservation was incredible.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading3-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading3-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-360277-2025-09-02\" 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, honesty, compassion, perseverance, good critical-thinking, and a strong sense of justice.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading4-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading4-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-360277-2025-09-02\" 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\tTo enact fair and just policies that will promote the wellbeing and prosperity of all Americans, both present and future.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading5-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading5-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-360277-2025-09-02\" 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 would like to leave a legacy as a leader with uncompromising integrity who helped to bring genuine improvement to the lives of average Americans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading6-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading6-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-360277-2025-09-02\" 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 believe it would be helpful to already have experience maneuvering within the political system. However, I do not believe it is necessary. <br/><br/>\r\nI even think it can be healthy for our institutions when we elect a certain number of people who haven't had any contact with the political machine.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading7-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading7-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-360277-2025-09-02\" 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\tGetting the national budget under control, ensuring that our industry keeps up with China and other industrial powers, restoring the American middle class, managing the effects of climate change, implementing solutions to stop global temperature rise, and repairing the damage done to our alliance structures.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading8-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading8-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-360277-2025-09-02\" 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\tNo. When you consider that politicians typically spend one year out of each term actively campaigning for their re-election in the next cycle, you realize that, with their two-year terms, representatives only spend half of their career focused on actually governing. I believe the term length should be extended to four years.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading9-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading9-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-360277-2025-09-02\" 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\tTerm limits are imperative for preventing the rise of corrupt career politicians.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading10-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading10-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-360277-2025-09-02\" 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\tYes. It is the best way to let all Americans know that they are being heard by their elected officials.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading11-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-360277-2025-09-02\" 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=\"heading11-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-360277-2025-09-02\" 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\tBesides investigating and releasing all possible information relating to Jeffery Epstein and his many associates, I would most want to see those powers used to THOROUGHLY investigate sources of big money and how it is used to manipulate our elections and politicians so all financial avenues for the blatant manipulation of our election system can be identified and eliminated.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading12-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tCandidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-360277-2025-09-02\" 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 remember an old scouting mentor of mine describing the changes he has seen Shem Creek undergo since he was a young boy. <br/>\n<p>He recounted to me how, over time the commercial development along Shem slowly funneled the creek into a smaller mouth than it used to have. The smaller mouth stifles the flow of the creek and reduces its ability to carry sediment from the creek bottom out to the harbor.<br/>\r\nWithout the ability to naturally dredge itself, Shem Creek has slowly become shallower and the plants and animals that require deeper, cooler waters to thrive in the creek cannot flourish the way they used to.<br/>\n</p>\nThis story always makes me think about how delicately balanced ecosystems can be and how they can be damaged without any intention of harm.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading13-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-360277-2025-09-02\" 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 field needs to be strictly monitored and regulated. The potential for future AI tools to create video and audio meant to blur truth or surveil populations is a very dangerous power to have out there.<br/><br/>\r\nAt the same time, AI has very valuable military applications and we will have to keep up with other countries in that realm.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-360277-2025-09-02\" id=\"heading14-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-360277-2025-09-02\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-360277-2025-09-02\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-360277-2025-09-02\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-360277-2025-09-02\" 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\tVoter participation is of highest importance in a democracy, so I believe that federal and state election days should be holidays or at least moved to weekends. <br/><br/>\n<p>All voter redistricting nationwide should be required to be done by independent, non-partisan commissions.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAll elections should be held with either paper ballots or machines that leave a paper trail so that results can be securely counted and/or audited without fear of hacking or outside interference.\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\nMax Diaz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Diaz's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I was born in Buffalo, NY in 2000 and have been a resident of Hanahan, SC since I entered seventh grade in 2012. I developed the itch to serve my community in the Scouting Program where I dedicated much of my time to personal growth and community service, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. I continued my support of the Scouting Program by becoming an assistant scoutmaster in my old troop and mentoring those who came after me. After graduating from Hanahan High School in 2018 with a focus on Engineering, I earned my Aircraft Mechanic’s license and an associate degree from Trident Technical College. In 2022, I graduated from Southern Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology. I earned my Private Pilot License in 2023. As far back as Middle School, I have continuously and ardently followed news of the political, economic, and societal issues facing America. I have made it a habit to always stay educated on these issues so I could be an informed voter and an informed voice to those around me. I am a thoroughly working-class individual, with all of my formal higher education being dedicated to my blue-collar trade. I know very well what it’s like to experience the financial worries of the average American. I believe my life as a well-informed working-class citizen makes me the ideal candidate to take our issues to Washington and fight for them, tooth and nail. 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? Transparency and honesty are paramount for any leader. I will always be upfront about what policies I support. I will never deflect or sidestep questions. I will fully answer any questions I am asked. I will be upfront and honest about what I do and don't know. And I will always take to heart, and carefully consider the concerns and suggestions given to me by my fellow Americans. This campaign is based on a pragmatic approach to serving Americans. I do not and will not blindly serve the will of any ideology, politician, or special interest. I am strictly interested in enacting carefully considered legislation that will solve real, practical problems and better the lives of average Americans. The best time was yesterday; the second-best time is today. There will never be a better time to put aside party differences and support candidates across the nation who will put the needs of the average, working class American first and foremost at all times. Corporate and elite interests are not the lifeblood of America, we working citizens are the lifeblood of America. It’s time the government considered the needs of the many rather than the greed of the few. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Enacting safeguards against political corruption. Positive changes in government aren't sure to last unless greed cannot seep back into the system. That's why I support measures like term limits, restrictions on politician stock ownership, and others. Releasing the stranglehold of private equity on the housing market. Large scale home and rental buyup by massive firms has driven housing prices far beyond the point of affordability for everyday Americans. Consumer Data Protections. In today's information economy, we are now effectively the product. Our private information should not be a commodity that is bought and sold for the purpose of manipulating consumers and getting people addicted to social media algorithms. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to Theodore Roosevelt. The progress he made in the realms of diplomacy, worker's rights, consumer rights, and conservation was incredible. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, honesty, compassion, perseverance, good critical-thinking, and a strong sense of justice. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? To enact fair and just policies that will promote the wellbeing and prosperity of all Americans, both present and future. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like to leave a legacy as a leader with uncompromising integrity who helped to bring genuine improvement to the lives of average Americans. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? I believe it would be helpful to already have experience maneuvering within the political system. However, I do not believe it is necessary. I even think it can be healthy for our institutions when we elect a certain number of people who haven't had any contact with the political machine. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Getting the national budget under control, ensuring that our industry keeps up with China and other industrial powers, restoring the American middle class, managing the effects of climate change, implementing solutions to stop global temperature rise, and repairing the damage done to our alliance structures. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? No. When you consider that politicians typically spend one year out of each term actively campaigning for their re-election in the next cycle, you realize that, with their two-year terms, representatives only spend half of their career focused on actually governing. I believe the term length should be extended to four years. What are your thoughts on term limits? Term limits are imperative for preventing the rise of corrupt career politicians. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes. It is the best way to let all Americans know that they are being heard by their elected officials. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? Besides investigating and releasing all possible information relating to Jeffery Epstein and his many associates, I would most want to see those powers used to THOROUGHLY investigate sources of big money and how it is used to manipulate our elections and politicians so all financial avenues for the blatant manipulation of our election system can be identified and eliminated. Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable? I remember an old scouting mentor of mine describing the changes he has seen Shem Creek undergo since he was a young boy. He recounted to me how, over time the commercial development along Shem slowly funneled the creek into a smaller mouth than it used to have. The smaller mouth stifles the flow of the creek and reduces its ability to carry sediment from the creek bottom out to the harbor. Without the ability to naturally dredge itself, Shem Creek has slowly become shallower and the plants and animals that require deeper, cooler waters to thrive in the creek cannot flourish the way they used to. This story always makes me think about how delicately balanced ecosystems can be and how they can be damaged without any intention of harm. What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence? The field needs to be strictly monitored and regulated. The potential for future AI tools to create video and audio meant to blur truth or surveil populations is a very dangerous power to have out there. At the same time, AI has very valuable military applications and we will have to keep up with other countries in that realm. What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States? Voter participation is of highest importance in a democracy, so I believe that federal and state election days should be holidays or at least moved to weekends. All voter redistricting nationwide should be required to be done by independent, non-partisan commissions. All elections should be held with either paper ballots or machines that leave a paper trail so that results can be securely counted and/or audited without fear of hacking or outside interference.\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."}]