JoAnna
Mendoza

JoAnna Mendoza is a daughter of farmworkers, a military veteran, and a community organizer who is committed to taking bold action on climate and strengthening voting rights.

At 17 years old, Mendoza enlisted in the U.S. Navy and went on to serve for 20 years, leading as a drill instructor, an officer for sexual assault prevention and response, and more. After earning degrees from American Military University and Grand Canyon University, Mendoza brought her experienced leadership back to Arizona. She served as veterans outreach coordinator for Pima Community College, program manager at A Place Called Home, a nonprofit organization supporting underserved youth, and veteran services representative for former Congressman Tom O’Halleran. In her relentless efforts to fight for economic opportunities for all, Mendoza has also served as executive director for multiple nonprofit organizations, including VetsForward and the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, where she championed clean energy as a climate and economic solution for her state.

As a representative, Mendoza will continue to fight to strengthen voting rights and keep our communities safe from worsening natural disasters including heat, intense droughts, and wildfires.

Mendoza joins the U.S. House after defeating Representative Juan Ciscomani, who earned a spot on LCV Victory Fund’s 2026 Dirty Dozen with a 7% lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard.

“I have worked on clean energy policy in the state of Arizona and look forward to serving in Congress to deliver further clean energy investments, lead the charge on policies that strengthen a just transition so hard working families aren’t left behind, and address the ongoing climate change domestically and globally that threatens our national security.” – LCVAF Questionnaire