What Would Dr. Hiral Tipirneni Do if Elected to Congress?

Tipirneni is facing a Republican incumbent who admitted to 11 Congressional ethics violations. 

Dr. Hiral Tipirneni wants to turn Arizona’s District 6 blue. 

The Democratic newcomer came to the US from India as a toddler. She studied medicine, worked as an emergency room physician, and now serves on the board of directors for multiple nonprofits in Arizona. 

Tipirneni entered politics in 2018 when she ran against Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko in a District 8 special election. She lost that race but almost immediately set her sights on 2020.

Tipirneni handily won the Democratic primary in her new district 6, and has raised about half a million dollars more than her Republican opponent, Rep. David Schweikert. 

Schweikert’s scandals

Schweikert has drummed up controversy during his tenure over the way his campaign raised and spent its money. 

As part of a Congressional ethics investigation in July, he admitted to 11 violations and agreed to pay a $50,000 fine. 

The House Ethics Committee said they had found “substantial reason” to believe Schweikert had misused money meant to be spent on operating his office, pressured staff to do campaign work for him, and has not been upfront when asked questions about his actions during the investigation, among other misdeeds. 

Yet, he continued on with his campaign and chose not to resign. 

Tipirneni’s platform

While Schweikert stands on weak ground, Tipirneni hopes to knock him out and claim the district for Democrats. 

Here are six of her stances on the top issues for Arizonans:

Health care

Tipirneni wants to expand choice in health care and allow anyone to buy into Medicare. She has also committed to fighting for protections put in place through the Affordable Care Act, including those for people with pre-existing conditions. 

Economy

Tipirneni wants the US to simplify its federal tax code, support affordable child care programs, close the pay gap between men and women, and fund vocational training. 

Education

Tipirneni opposes the privatization of education and wants to see more investment in public schools. She also wants to work toward reducing student loan debt and making college more affordable. 

Immigration

Tipirneni wants secure borders but believes the money President Donald Trump has spent building a wall could be better used. She supports the passage of the DREAM Act, which lays out a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children, as well as wider immigration reform to address asylum seekers and more. 

Guns

Tipirneni supports Americans’ right to own guns but wants to see “common sense” reforms to address violence. These proposals include removing background check loopholes and restricting firearms access for people on terrorism watch lists. 

Climate

Tipirneni opposes the president’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and wants to see the US set an example of sustainability for the rest of the world. She wants to see more investment in solar energy, especially in Arizona.

MORE: The Copper Courier’s Guide to Voting in Arizona in 2020