David Garcia in 2018 AZ Governor's race


On Abortion: I'll veto anti-abortion bills

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Doug Ducey (R): Mostly Ban. Has signed restrictions requiring doctors to ask if abortion is related to rape, incest, or domestic violence; telling patients that effect of abortion pills can be undone; & banning use of ObamaCare exchanges for abortion insurance.

David Garcia (D): Legal. "As governor, I'll veto anti-abortion bills & work to overturn laws that erode any rights to make our own personal health care decisions."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Abortion: Public funding for Planned Parenthood

Q: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it based on religious beliefs?

Doug Ducey (R): Yes. Called it "a win for religious freedom."

David Garcia (D): Unclear, but strong supporter of access to birth control.

Q: Allow Planned Parenthood to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

Ducey: No.

Garcia: Yes. Important for comprehensive health education, access to family planning & women's health services.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Civil Rights: No discrimination based on sexual orientation

Q: Support LGBTQ rights?

Doug Ducey (R): Somewhat. Personally supports "traditional marriage" but supports letting married same-sex couples adopt & raise foster children.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Will prohibit state employees & state contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Drugs: Decriminalize marijuana use & possession

Q: Legalize or decriminalize legalize marijuana?

Doug Ducey (R): No. Opposes recreational legalization. Campaigned heavily to defeat a ballot measure supporting adult use.

David Garcia (D): Expand medical marijuana & decriminalize marijuana use & possession.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Education: Make community college tuition-free for in-state students

Q: Increase state funding for higher education?

Doug Ducey (R): Mixed. Cut college funding by $99 million in 2015. Increased by $32 million in 2016-2017, including $5 million for Koch Brothers-founded "economic freedom schools." Ended all state aid to Maricopa & Pima County community college systems.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Make college tuition-free for in-state students who attend local community colleges or trade schools. Then develop a plan to make 4-year schools free.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Education: Expand Prop 301: sales tax for $500M for public schools

Q: Increase funding for K-12 education?

Doug Ducey (R): Mixed. Increased funding distributions from state land trust through Prop 123, though this erodes long-term reserves. Opposed initiative funding education by taxing individuals earning over $250,000 a year.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Would support extra funding by expanding Proposition 301 sales tax initiative, which now provides $500 million a year to K-12. Also close corporate tax loopholes & raise taxes on top 1%.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Education: Vouchers are unaccountable & discriminatory

Q: Provide vouchers so parents can send their children to private schools with public money?

Doug Ducey (R): Yes. Signed school voucher expansion bill that extended eligibility to all 1.1 million state schoolchildren.

David Garcia (D): No. Opposes school vouchers as "harmful, unaccountable & discriminatory."

Q: Support recent AZ teacher's strike?

Ducey: Eventually came to a settlement.

Garcia: Yes. "Teachers are standing up & saying they've had enough! I stand proudly with our educators."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Energy & Oil: Climate change is a real & urgent threat

Q: Is climate change a serious threat, and should government respond to that threat? Stand on Proposition 127, which requires utilities to produce 50% of energy from renewables by 2030.

Doug Ducey (R): Unclear. In 2015 said skeptical that it's human caused. More recently said he's convinced that it is. Undercut Prop 127 by signing bill that minimizes fines on utilities for not complying if it passes.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Real & urgent threat. Politicians doing nothing are putting all Arizonans at risk, while ignoring "an enormous economic opportunity to make Arizona the nation's leader in solar energy."

Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?

Ducey: No. Allowed utilities to avoid major penalties for not producing renewable energy under Prop 127.

Garcia: Yes. Supports Prop 127 to require 50% of energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Government Reform: Takes no money from lobbyists or corporate PACs

Q: Campaign Finance Reform: Should there be restrictions or disclosure requirements on large and anonymous political donations?

Doug Ducey (R): No. Prohibited AZ cities from requiring organizations sponsoring campaign ads to reveal major financial backers. Considers it a First Amendment issue.

David Garcia (D): Criticizes money in politics but specific position unclear. Has pledged not to take money from lobbyists or corporate PACs & returned $7,000 to donors identified as lobbyists.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Government Reform: Supports automatic voter registration

Q: Voting Rights: Support voting rules that prioritize preventing the possibility of fraud, even if they limit access?

Doug Ducey (R): Yes. Signed a bill making it a felony to turn in another voter's ballot--even with the person's permission.

David Garcia (D): No. Supports Automatic Voter Registration to ensure all eligible Arizonans can cast their vote.Q:

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Gun Control: Universal background checks; ban assault weapons

Q: Support more gun control legislation including restrictions on semi-automatic weapons?

Doug Ducey (R): Somewhat. Revoke firearm permits of those convicted of violent offenses. Has not sought to restrict assault weapons.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Supports universal background checks, preventing domestic abusers & other predators from gaining access & banning assault weapons.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Health Care: Support ACA; move toward Medicare-for-All

Q: Support or Repeal ACA, aka ObamaCare? Accept ACA's Medicaid expansion to subsidize low-income participants?

Doug Ducey (R): Repeal. "ObamaCare has been a disaster for Arizona." Medicaid should focus narrowly on the "destitute & the disabled."

David Garcia (D): Support ACA. Keep coverage for pre-existing conditions. Expand on Arizona's cost-efficient & successful Medicaid programs & let healthier & younger Arizonans buy-in. Ultimately move toward Medicare for All.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Immigration: In-state tuition and driver's licenses for DREAMers

Q: Support legal status for "DACA" recipients or "Dreamers," who grew up in the US after being brought here illegally as children?

Doug Ducey (R): No. His administration refused to grant drivers licenses to DACA recipients, but later was overruled by a federal judge.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Treat "like any other young Arizonans." Ensure "basic supports like in-state tuition or a driver's license are not obstacles to becoming the future business & civic leaders."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Jobs: Raise the minimum wage

Q: Raise the minimum wage?

Doug Ducey (R): No. Threatened loss of revenue sharing to cities increasing local minimum: "Will. bring California-style chaos."

David Garcia (D): Spoke at rally to protect recently passed $10.50/hr law.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Tax Reform: Arizona has one of the most regressive tax systems

Q: Support proposed initiative to fund education through increasing taxes on the wealthy?

Doug Ducey (R): No. Opposed initiative. "I don't support tax increase. Government should live within its means."

David Garcia (D): Yes. Arizona has "one of the most regressive systems" in the nation. Proposed initiative would help.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Technology: Repeal of net neutrality jeopardizes economic growth

Q: Net Neutrality: Support requiring internet providers to provide equal access to all users?

Doug Ducey (R): No statement found.

David Garcia (D): Yes. "Repeal of net neutrality jeopardizes economic growth. Will push state-level net neutrality law."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

On Budget & Economy: 15-county strategy to invest in Arizona businesses

We need to put Arizona first which means investing in and supporting Arizona businesses and entrepreneurs every chance we get. It means prioritizing and encouraging the use of local businesses for public contracts and encouraging local investment in Arizona innovation. Putting Arizona first means that we have a 15-county strategy that invests beyond Maricopa and Pima Counties and identifies and supports the economic engines in the rural parts of our state. One way to grow our agricultural economy is to improve sustainable agriculture and value-added agriculture practices, including craft breweries, vineyards, locally grown and made products, and farmers markets. Arizona's agriculture industry already has a $23 billion impact on our state's economy and there's more room to grow. Improving sustainable irrigation techniques through technology will also benefit farm driven communities.
Source: 2018 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website dg4az.com Mar 21, 2018

On Crime: Prisons are costly substitute for mental health treatment

Under Ducey's failed leadership, Arizona has risen to 4th highest in mass incarceration in the nation. Mass incarceration is a tremendous social and financial drain on our communities. Arizona's jails and prisons have become an inefficient and costly substitute for addiction and mental health treatment; and money that could go to public education, healthcare, and community-oriented crime prevention instead goes to prop up a failing prison system.

Arizona's corrections system is in shambles. The recidivism rate has risen to an all-time high of 50%. Incarceration of women is on the rise, with the majority of women behind bars for non-violent, low-level drug offenses. We cannot continue to waste money--and lives--propping up this failed system.

We aren't going to build a better future for our state by tearing families apart with counterproductive--and costly--prison sentences. Investments in early childhood education can lead to reduced incarceration later in life.

Source: 2018 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website dg4az.com Mar 21, 2018

On Government Reform: Right to vote--and to have your vote counted--is sacred

Democracy means every Arizonan having a voice, and being heard when the most important decisions facing out state are made. Voting is the foundation of our democracy. The right to vote--and to have your vote counted--is sacred.

In 2016, we saw long lines that made national headlines, our voter database targeted by foreign actors, and consistent miscommunication or outright incorrect information sent to voters.

Voter registration systems in Arizona are outdated and error-prone, blocking thousands of eligible Arizonans from casting a ballot. Too many Arizonans attempt to vote but find themselves left off the rolls, deleted or purged. Automatic Voter Registration will modernize our voter registration system, bringing us into the 21st Century and ensuring that all eligible Arizonans can cast their vote. In particular, automatic voter registration would save taxpayer money, increase electoral accuracy & voter participation while making sure our elections are safer and more secure against attacks.

Source: 2018 Arizona Gubernatorial campaign website dg4az.com Mar 21, 2018

On Energy & Oil: Make solar a priority

Garcia called for attention to renewable energy and climate. He said Arizona must make solar a priority as its economic energy driver and re-train those working in the coal industry for solar jobs.
Source: Fountain Hills Times on 2018 Arizona gubernatorial race Nov 18, 2017

On Foreign Policy: Rebuild relationship with Mexico

The relationship with Mexico has been damaged by President Trump, particularly plans to build a wall on the border. "We want to change the perception of Arizona," Garcia said. "Let's go from (SB)1070 to electing Garcia for governor!" He said rebuilding relationships--in their language--and "getting down there and talk to them" is crucial to send the message that Arizona "is a place that's changing, it's a place to invest."
Source: Green Valley News on 2018 Arizona gubernatorial race Nov 18, 2017

On Tax Reform: Raise taxes on wealthy to support schools

Garcia immediately jumped on teacher pay and underfunded capital improvement projects for schools as his most important issues. Garcia pledged to close tax loopholes and raise taxes on the wealthy in order to generate the revenue needed to increase teacher pay and funding for new schools.
Source: Arizona Daily Sun on 2018 Arizona gubernatorial race Nov 4, 2017

On Health Care: Single payer may be way to go

On health care Garcia said he thought a state-sponsored Medicaid-for-all health insurance option might be a good idea.
Source: The Arizona Republic on 2018 Arizona gubernatorial race Aug 19, 2017

On Education: Expert edu-scholar in education research and policy

David R. Garcia is a native Arizonan and a product of Arizona's public schools.

He has been recognized nationally for his expertise in education research and policy. In 2008, he was awarded the National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship, one of the most prestigious academic awards in the country. In 2015 and 2016, he was named a RHSU Edu-Scholar, as one of the most influential public scholars in the country.

He is an author with several research articles, book chapters, national academic presentations and policy reports to his credit. He is a member of the editorial team for two of the highest ranked academic journals in education. He has also studied international academic standards, including a presentation at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

David teaches courses in research methods, data analysis and statistics.

He has been recognized by Phoenix magazine and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to public education.

Source: 2018 Arizona gubernatorial campaign website dg4az.com May 2, 2017

On Homeland Security: Trained as a nuclear/bio/chemical warfare specialist

Prior to attending college, David R. Garcia proudly served in the U.S. Army Infantry, where he excelled as an expert marksman, was awarded the Humanitarian Award and the Army Achievement Medal, and was trained as a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare Specialist.
Source: 2018 Arizona gubernatorial campaign website dg4az.com May 2, 2017

On Education: Vouchers hurt public schools

The new law allows up to 30,000 Arizona students to use state money for private schools instead of public schools, expanding the system that previously gave vouchers to kids who were disabled or lived in low-income districts. "Governor Ducey landed the most devastating blow to public education in state history," Garcia said. "Make no mistake, [it] will drain hundreds of millions of dollars away from our public-school system."
Source: Phoenix New Times on 2018 Arizona gubernatorial race Apr 13, 2017

The above quotations are from 2018 Arizona Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
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Page last updated: Jan 06, 2019