By Matthew Holloway |
Republican congressional candidate Dr. Zuhdi Jasser confronted Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) over health care costs, border enforcement, tariffs, and the conflict with Iran during an Arizona PBS candidate forum for Arizona’s Fourth Congressional District.
The Arizona Republican Party highlighted the exchange Tuesday, days after Jasser and Stanton appeared together on the Sept. 10 edition of “Candidates in Conversation.” Arizona PBS described the program as an open exchange rather than a formal debate.
Jasser, a primary-care physician and Republican nominee, identified rising health-insurance premiums as the most pressing issue facing the district. He blamed the Affordable Care Act and a lack of competition and price transparency for making coverage increasingly expensive.
Stanton, the Democratic incumbent who has served in Congress since 2019, said the broader cost of living was the leading issue. He pointed to tariffs, energy costs, and federal health care policy as contributors to household expenses.
The discussion became contentious when Stanton accused Jasser of supporting repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Jasser denied advocating repeal and said his position was to make health insurance more affordable through competition and transparency.
Jasser then argued that Congress needed a physician’s perspective on health policy, telling Stanton that “the House needs a doctor, not a politician that has been there since the iPod was made.”
The Arizona Republican Party paraphrased the remark in its post by referring to the introduction of the iPad and wrote that it was time for Stanton to leave office.
Stanton said he would continue defending Affordable Care Act protections, including coverage for people with preexisting conditions, and work to reduce insurance costs. Jasser said Stanton’s years in elected office had failed to produce an affordable health care system.
The Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010, nine years before Stanton entered Congress. Stanton previously served on the Phoenix City Council and as the city’s mayor from 2012 through 2018.
The candidates also found limited agreement on tariffs. Jasser said he disagreed with President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs and the administration’s involvement with Intel. Stanton called the tariffs unlawful and said they were increasing consumer costs.
Their sharpest foreign-policy disagreement involved Iran. Stanton characterized the conflict as a war of choice and linked it to higher gasoline prices. Jasser defended presidential authority to respond to national-security threats and criticized Stanton’s approach to military and border policy.
On immigration, Stanton acknowledged that the Biden administration mishandled the southern border. He said he supports border security alongside a comprehensive immigration overhaul.
Jasser called for continued enforcement of immigration law along with support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local police. He also criticized Stanton for appearing with Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03) during a congressional oversight visit to a federal detention facility.
Stanton responded that members of Congress have an obligation to inspect federal facilities and review how federal agencies are carrying out immigration enforcement.
Jasser also rejected the suggestion that he would vote in lockstep with Trump or Republican leadership. He cited his disagreement with the administration on tariffs and Intel while describing himself as an independent voice with medical, military, and business experience.
Jasser served for 11 years in the U.S. Navy and founded the American Islamic Forum for Democracy. He has also served as a commissioner and vice chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Stanton serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee. He is also chairman of the NewDem Action Fund, which supports candidates affiliated with the centrist New Democrat Coalition.
Stanton won the Democratic primary with 35,551 votes, while Jasser received 39,431 votes as the Republican nominee.
Arizona’s Fourth Congressional District lies entirely within Maricopa County and includes portions of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
