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Yassamin Ansari

DEMOCRAT

Yassamin Ansari is running for Arizona US Representative, District 3.

Personal background

Yassamin was born in Seattle, Washington, and raised in Arizona as the daughter of immigrants. She attended Stanford University, where she graduated with honors in international relations, and then earned her master's degree from the University of Cambridge.

Professional background

Yassamin previously served as a deputy policy director for the Global Climate Action Summit under California Governor Jerry Brown and as a senior policy advisor to UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierres. She began her career as an advisor in the Executive Office of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, focusing on climate change and contributing to the Paris Climate Agreement.

Political background

Yassamin Ansari currently serves as the Vice Mayor of Phoenix. She has served on the Phoenix City Council.

Economy

Wants to create new jobs to support a "greener economy" and advocates for a “just transition” for workers in fossil fuel, manufacturing, and automotive industries.

Believes in a comprehensive tax system that ensures "the top 1%, Wall Street, and large corporations pay their fair share." Supports tax policies that benefit working people.

Believes in replacing the "trickle-down economy" with one that strengthens the middle class and expands economic mobility. Supports prioritizing an economy that benefits everyone by addressing wage stagnation and rising living and healthcare costs.

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Healthcare

Supports abortion and believes in protecting a "woman’s right to choose" by codifying Roe v. Wade. Supports comprehensive healthcare policies, including medical marijuana, insurance reform, public health initiatives, and COVID-19 response.

As a City Council Member, Yassamin Ansari approved a resolution to deprioritize enforcement of strict state laws on family planning and abortion, protecting healthcare providers and patients from legal prosecution.

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Voting & Elections

Believes in ending partisan gerrymandering, cracking down on dark money, establishing automatic voter registration, and combating voter suppression.

Believes in ending the "Jim Crow-era filibuster" and expanding the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure democracy benefits "everyday people, not just the powerful and rich."

Believes in restoring the "strength of the Voting Rights Act of 1965" through the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

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Public Safety

Wants to reduce police involvement in enforcing state abortion laws. As a City Council member, supported a resolution to lower police priority on investigating reported violations of state abortion laws.

Supports funding the Violence Against Women Act to enhance public safety.

Believes in prioritizing public safety and neighborhood equity through federal investments. Supports initiatives funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Education

Believes access to education empowers individuals and communities. As a Phoenix City Council member, established the Phoenix Promise scholarship program for low-income students.

Supports increased funding for public schools to help students and teachers reach their full potential.

Supports forgiving student loan debt to help younger generations achieve economic freedom.

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Foreign Policy and Immigration

As a city official, created Phoenix’s first Office of Refugee Support to aid families with employment, healthcare, and housing services.

Believes comprehensive immigration reform requires moving beyond "political games." Supports electing lawmakers who prioritize effective solutions over partisan conflicts.

Wants to make legal counsel for refugees and immigrants more accessible.

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Energy & the Environment

Believes in prioritizing renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Plans to “transition Phoenix to 100% clean energy by 2050.”

As a City Councilmember, passed the Climate Action Plan and created the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation. Plans to electrify Phoenix’s bus fleet by 2040 to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Supports passing the Build Back Better Act to allocate $555 billion for address climate change.

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Endorsements

Endorsed by political action committees such as Foreign Policy for America and Climate Hawks Vote.

Endorsed by labor unions such as the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Southwest Carpenters Union Local 1912, the Arizona Federation of Teachers, the Laborers International Union of North America, the Arizona Pipe Trades, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the Ironworkers Local 75, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and more.

Endorsed by Former President Barack Obama’s Deputy National Security Advisor, Ben Rhodes.

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