(The Center Square) – Republican candidates for Arizona Congressional District 7 supported President Donald Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard during a debate Monday night.
Daniel Francis Butierez, Jorge Rivas and Jimmy Rodriguez are competing in the Republican primary in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Arizona, who died in March. They fielded questions about the Trump administration during a debate presented by the Arizona Media Association.
Butierez said he supported Trump sending the California National Guard to deal with anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.
“It is a mess over there. I’ve been following it, and something has to be done,” said Butierez about Los Angeles, which saw a weekend of riots following a week of 118 arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rivas said Trump is trying to enforce the laws on the books. Rivas then blamed former President Joe Biden and his administration for the nation’s border problems.
“(Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro) Mayorkas was lying when he said the border was secure,” said Rivas.
Rodriguez also supported Trump’s decision on deploying the National Guard.
“I blame the governor of California for not being strong enough to get illegals out of California,” said Rodriguez on the same day as Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta’s lawsuit over Trump sending in the National Guard.
“We need to finish the wall and have more border patrol and drones,” said Butierez.
Regarding the border issue of drug control, Rivas said other countries including China have tough laws and even the death penalty for drugs. Rivas believes the U.S. should also have tougher laws.
When moderators changed the subject and asked candidates about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and whether they support cuts to Medicaid, Rodriguez stressed what Republicans want are changes to combat waste, fraud and abuse.
“From what I’ve read, those cuts come to people who are able-bodied to go out and work, and that’s where they’re going to have to qualify,” said Rodriguez. “I don’t support cuts for people who genuinely need the coverage, but I do feel like able-bodied Americans that are on the system now need to prove they’re working part time, going to school, doing what they need to do in order to stay qualified.”
Butierez told voters that he “will always fight to protect your Medicaid and Medicare.” He, too, said Republicans in Congress are only cutting out the fraud and abuse.
Rivas also said he supports the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
On another subject, Butierez said he thinks Trump’s tariffs on nations around the world are necessary. “We’ve been getting ripped off for too long.”
Rivas called Trump a deal maker and said the president is trying to make the best deal for our country. “I support what he’s doing.”
Later, when candidates were asked about the Big Beautiful Bill including a new savings account for children that comes with a $1,000 deposit from the federal government, all three Republican candidates agreed families could use some support.
“Mothers do need help and some assistance,” said Butierez.
Rodriguez said his wife raised their children, adding that it was difficult at times with his long work hours.
“I would support a bill to help families with daycare,” said Rodriguez.
Rivas said his family also faced difficulties, but added that parents could do more to teach their children to be responsible, get an education, and find a job before getting married and starting a family.
“Life will be easier,” said Rivas.
To watch a video recording of the Republican candidates’ debate, click here, at this portion of The Center Square website.
The candidates include one who lost to Grijalva in November: Butierez, a small business owner.
Rivas is a Tucson restaurant owner. Rodriguez is a general contractor.
The five candidates for the Democratic primary for Grijalva’s seat will debate issues from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The live stream will be available here, at The Center Square.
The five Democratic candidates are Adelita Grijalva, the late congressman’s daughter and a former member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors; former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez; Deja Foxx, a single mom from Tucson who spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August and worked on former Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign; Jose Malvido Jr., who has worked on health care and family services at Chicanos por la Causa; and Patrick Harris Sr., a single father with 43 patents in health care technology.
The primary election will take place July 15, followed by the general election Sept. 23.
