Justin Poff

Justin Poff (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Arizona's 5th Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary on July 21, 2026.

Poff completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Justin Poff was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Wickenburg High School. He attended Rio Salado College. His career experience includes working as an operations manager and in technology.^[1]

Elections

2026

Arizona's 5th Congressional District election, 2026 (July 21 Republican primary)

Arizona's 5th Congressional District election, 2026 (July 21 Democratic primary)

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for U.S. House Arizona District 5

Elizabeth Lee and Mark Lamb are running in the general election for U.S. House Arizona District 5 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Elizabeth Lee (D)
		Mark Lamb (R)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 5

Elizabeth Lee defeated Chris James and Brian Hualde in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 5 on July 21, 2026.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Elizabeth Lee	64.5	22,377
	Chris James	22.2	7,692
	Brian Hualde	13.3	4,609

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 34,678
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Arizona District 5

Mark Lamb defeated Daniel Keenan in the Republican primary for U.S. House Arizona District 5 on July 21, 2026.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mark Lamb	58.6	34,086
	Daniel Keenan	41.4	24,114

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 58,200
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Green primary election

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Richard Grayson (G)

Endorsements

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Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Justin Poff completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Poff's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a lifelong Arizonan—born in Phoenix, raised in Wickenburg, and now living in Mesa. Growing up in a small, conservative town shaped my ability to engage respectfully across political divides. Civil discourse has been part of my life from the beginning, and I believe it’s essential to rebuilding trust in our democracy.

My Progressive values were shaped by lived experience as a member of the working class. I’ve felt the pressure of rising costs, stagnant wages, and systems that overlook ordinary people. These realities drive my commitment to fairness, transparency, and practical solutions that reduce suffering and expand opportunity. Professionally, I’ve built systems that empower others—whether through training or process design. I value clarity, accountability, and outcomes over ideology. I believe legislation should be lean, measurable, and focused on improving lives.

I’m motivated by a desire to make government more responsive and rooted in lived experience. I believe in the dignity of work, the power of community, and the importance of listening—especially to those most affected by public policy

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We must overturn Citizen's United through a coalition between likeminded elected officials and community organization.
We need to prioritize legislation that halts the rising cost of living, such as rent-freezing measures, anti-price gouging reforms, and pricing transparency on corporate goods.
We must create and pass Universal Healthcare. Profits don't belong in the conversation of one's health.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic Justice and Healthcare Reform

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to a lot of people, but there’s a common thread: courage, fairness, and integrity.

George Carlin showed me how powerful it is to speak truth to power with a sharp tongue and a curious mind. He didn’t just make people laugh—he made them think, and he never backed down from uncomfortable truths.

Bernie Sanders inspires me with his relentless energy and consistency. He’s spent decades fighting for working-class values without wavering, and that kind of devotion—especially in a system designed to wear you down—is something I deeply admire.

I look up to journalists like Mehdi Hasan, who ask the hard questions without flinching. His ability to absorb complex facts and fire them back with clarity and speed is a masterclass in accountability.

And I look up to my wife. Her kindness, her pursuit of fairness, her honesty, and her unconditional love keep me grounded. She reminds me that strength isn’t just about being loud—it’s about being steady, compassionate, and true.

If I had to sum it up, I look up to people who refuse to compromise their values, who challenge power with integrity, and who never forget the human cost behind every policy, every headline, every decision. That’s the example I try to follow.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Empathy, accountability, humility, and communicating a bold vision.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Representing the lived experience of constituents, Crafting lean, outcome-driven legislation, ensuring economic justice through policy, and reforming our democracy to be more responsive to the needs of it's citizens.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I’ve never been much for the word “legacy.” It sounds like something you carve into marble after you’re gone, and I’m more interested in what we build while we’re here. I’m not chasing credit or trying to write my name into history books. I care about whether the work actually moves people—whether it lights a fire in someone who thought they were alone, powerless, or invisible.

I believe every person has a spark inside them. Sometimes it’s buried under struggle, doubt, or the weight of a system that wasn’t built for them. If I can help ignite that spark into a raging fire—like my heroes did for me—I’ll consider that a win.

And if I can contribute in any way to reducing corporate influence and elevating working-class power, I’ll be satisfied. That means shifting the balance—away from billionaires and lobbyists, and toward the people who actually make this country run. Not just in policy, but in culture, in courage, in voice.

If something I say or do helps someone believe they matter, that they can fight back, that they can lead—then that’s enough. That’s the kind of impact I want to leave behind.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember? Honestly, it was probably watching Kevin Johnson and Charles Barkley try to take down Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals. I was a kid, fully convinced the Suns were destined for greatness. That felt like history at the time—at least in my living room.

But the first real historical moment that stuck with me was the Oklahoma City bombing. I was 9 at the time. I didn’t understand the full scope of it then, but I remember how obsessed the media became with the man who did it. His face was everywhere. The coverage was relentless. And even as a kid, I could feel something shift. It was the first time I realized the world could be dangerous in ways I hadn’t imagined—violent, unpredictable, and close to home.

That moment was a turning point. It was when the innocence started to crack. I think a lot of young people today are living in that same space, but on a much larger scale. They’re growing up with mass shootings as a regular headline, with lockdown drills as part of their school routine. That sense of danger isn’t a one-time realization—it’s a constant background hum.

For me, Oklahoma City was the first time I saw that darkness. And it’s part of why I care so deeply about building a world where safety isn’t a privilege, and violence isn’t just accepted as part of the landscape.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Technically, my first job was flipping burgers at McDonald’s when I was 15, which I had for around 6 or 7 months, if I remember correctly. I started on the grill with a crew of Mexican coworkers who didn’t speak much English—but we got along great. I picked up just enough Spanish to crack jokes and keep the line laughing during the lunch rush. It was hot, fast, and chaotic, but I loved it. That job taught me how to hustle, how to work as a team, and how humor can bridge just about any gap.

But if we’re talking first real job—the kind that sticks with you—I’d have to go back to when I was 9 or 10. My dad used to take me to work with him during the summer. While other kids were riding bikes or watching cartoons, I was learning how to install door hardware and trim in new homes. No blueprints, just a screwdriver, a tape measure, and a dad who believed in doing things right the first time. I didn’t get paid, but I got something better: a work ethic, a sense of pride, and the kind of hands-on experience that stays with you for life.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I don’t have just one favorite book—I’ve got a few that hit different parts of me.

My wife recommended A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, and it’s been a game-changer. It helps you recognize your own ego, disarm it, and actually be present in your life. That book taught me how to step back from the noise and see myself more clearly—and I’m grateful to her for that.

I’m also a huge fan of A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn. I think it should be required reading for anyone with even a passing interest in this country’s history. It tells the stories we weren’t taught in school—the ones that actually matter if you care about justice, power, and how change really happens.

And then there’s the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer. I’m a sci-fi nerd at heart, and those books are wild, eerie, and brilliant. The movie Annihilation was based on the first book, and it’s one of my favorites—equal parts beautiful and unsettling.

So yeah, I guess my favorite books are the ones that challenge me—whether it’s my ego, my understanding of history, or my sense of reality.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I’ve probably spent more time thinking about this question than any of the others—which says a lot. If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek. He’s always at the center of incredibly complex situations—moral dilemmas, political standoffs, existential threats—and he navigates them with fairness, intellect, wit, and an unwavering sense of duty.

He leads a crew made up of humans, androids, aliens, and wildly different personalities, and somehow manages to earn their trust without ever losing his calm or his principles. That kind of poise, that kind of integrity—it’s something I aspire to. Plus, let’s be honest: traveling the universe while wrestling with philosophical questions and interstellar diplomacy? That’s my kind of adventure.

Picard doesn’t lead with ego. He leads with wisdom, empathy, and a deep respect for life. If I could channel even a fraction of that energy in my own work, I’d be proud of it.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life has been coming to terms with unfairness. Like a lot of people, I had that moment as a kid when someone—maybe a parent, maybe a teacher—shrugged and said, “Well, life’s not fair.” And they said it like it was gravity. Like it couldn’t be changed.

But I never fully accepted that. I struggle when I see unfairness play out—whether it’s on a global scale or happening across the parking lot. It hits me hard. Sometimes I dwell on it for days. Sometimes I try to brush it off and tell myself what the adults used to say. But deep down, I don’t believe the world has to be this way.

I want the world to be more fair. I want systems that treat people with dignity, not indifference. I want a culture that lifts people up instead of leaving them behind. That struggle—between accepting the world as it is and fighting for what it could be—is what drives me. I can’t think of a more noble pursuit than trying to tip the scales toward justice, even if it’s just a little.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives stands unique because of it's population-based structure, it's proximity between the Representatives and the communities they serve, and the fact that they are the initiators of revenue bills, which grants them a very direct and impactful way to reform taxes and federal spending.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Sure, it can be beneficialExperience can be helpful—but it’s not the only qualification that matters. In fact, some of the most effective public servants are those who’ve spent more time in break rooms than back rooms. People without government experience often bring fresh eyes, real-world urgency, and a healthy skepticism of business-as-usual politics. They’re not fluent in political theater—they’re fluent in struggle, in problem-solving, and in listening without pretense. Sometimes the best way to fix a broken system is to send in someone who hasn’t been trained to ignore the cracks.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

With the advancement of technologies and the proliferation of social media, our political polarization has become our greatest threat. Reinforced with propaganda and algorithm-driven social media content, far too many people are misinformed, leading to nationwide discord.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, I do. The shorter election cycles encourage urgency and demands productivity from those elected.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe term limits should be introduced for all Congressional officials and would be open to introducing them to Supreme Court justices as well.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Yes, I am a big fan of how Rep. Ocasio-Cortez came from the working class to Washington and has been authentic and bold throughout her entire political career to this point. I love how she engages with her constituents and brings a joyful energy everywhere she goes.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

During the debate over the most recent federal spending bill, several people in my network expressed deep concern about proposed cuts to Medicaid. One conversation that stuck with me came from a Director of Public Affairs at one of Arizona’s most respected hospitals. He had met with our district’s representative, Andy Biggs, to discuss the impact of those cuts. According to the Director, Rep. Biggs opened the meeting by stating plainly that he never breaks with Trump and votes 100% in line with the former president’s wishes. I was stunned—not just by the statement, but by the implication that loyalty to a national figure outweighed the needs of our district.

A few days later, I spoke with a friend who had just returned from Washington as part of a women’s advocacy group. Without knowing anything about the conversation with the Director, she told me her group had met with every member of Arizona’s congressional delegation. She singled out Rep. Biggs for saying, again, that he never breaks with Trump and votes in full alignment with him. Hearing the same statement from two unrelated sources—one in healthcare, one in advocacy—was a moment of clarity.

I sat with that for a long time. One of Congress’s most fundamental responsibilities is to serve constituents and act as a check on executive power. To hear that my representative had openly declared allegiance to the president over the people of our district felt like a profound abdication of duty. It reminded me why representation matters—and why accountability is not optional.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

For the most part, yes. However, there are some subjects where compromise is not an option. We cannot compromise with leaders that routinely participate in unconstitutional behavior.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The House’s power to originate revenue bills is one of its most direct tools for shaping the economic reality of everyday Americans. If elected, I would approach that responsibility with one guiding question: How does this impact the working class? Not how it affects my re-election chances, my party, or my favorability ratings—but how it affects the people who are struggling to pay rent, afford healthcare, and put food on the table. Every decision, every concern, every idea I bring to the table will be rooted in that question. Whatever power I wield in Congress will be in total service of the working class. That’s the only metric that matters.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should treat its investigative powers not as a political weapon, but as a constitutional obligation. Speaking truth to power is important—but it’s not enough. The House must demonstrate consistent accountability to those who break the law, act in bad faith, or endanger the United States and its citizens in any way. That means investigating misconduct regardless of party, status, or influence. It means protecting whistleblowers, demanding transparency, and ensuring that public trust isn’t just earned—it’s enforced. Oversight is not theater. It’s a safeguard for democracy, and it should be exercised with clarity, courage, and integrity.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Right after I announced my campaign on social media, I started getting messages from people I’d never met. Some were angry—frustrated with the system, with elected leaders, with how little seems to change. But one message in particular stuck with me. A single mother reached out to share how impossible her situation felt. She works full-time and still can’t afford childcare. She’s doing everything right, and still falling behind.

I’ve heard stories like that my whole life. But when someone I didn’t know took the time to share that with me directly, it hit different. It felt personal—like it was happening to someone in my own family. It turned my stomach.

What stuck with me wasn’t just the details—it was the quiet courage it took for her to share it. The exhaustion in her words. The way she was still trying, even when the system had clearly failed her. I’ll never forget that message. Not because it was unique, but because it was heartbreakingly common. And because she trusted me enough to tell it.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

It’s tough for me to talk about accomplishments. I’m not sure why. Maybe because when I stack them up next to the achievements of my friends and family, they don’t always feel impressive. But if I’m being honest, one thing I’m proud of is the work I’ve put into becoming a better leader—in my life and in my career.

For the past three years, I’ve worked closely with a mentor who’s held me accountable and shown me what real leadership looks like. Not the performative kind, but the kind that builds trust, empowers others, and stays steady under pressure. I’ve taken what I’ve learned from him—and from coworkers, bosses, and people I respect—and used it to grow. In just a few years, I went from working outside in the brutal Arizona summers to helping build a brand-new company from the ground up.

Now I’m running for Congress, and it feels like the next challenge. If I can take everything I’ve learned and use it to win—not just the election, but the trust of the people I want to serve—that would be the accomplishment I’m most proud of. Not because it’s flashy, but because it would mean the work mattered

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is evolving fast, and like any powerful technology, it demands serious oversight. The government’s role in its *use* should be to protect the public—by identifying risks early and introducing safeguards that prevent economic harm, especially to artists, writers, and musicians whose livelihoods are already under pressure. It should also confront the spread of misinformation and propaganda, which AI can accelerate at scale, threatening civil discourse and public trust.

But the government also has a role in *development*. That means investing in public-interest research, setting ethical standards, and ensuring that AI isn’t shaped solely by private profit. We need development that’s transparent, accountable, and focused on serving people—not replacing them. If we leave AI’s future entirely in the hands of corporations, we risk building tools that deepen inequality and undermine democracy. The government should be a steward—not just a referee—ensuring that AI evolves in ways that reflect our values, protect our communities, and strengthen the public good.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

The first piece of legislation I’d push is a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. That ruling didn’t just flood our elections with corporate money—it created a system where elected officials are intimidated into silence, afraid to challenge power for fear of being primaried by a better-funded opponent. It’s a stranglehold on democracy. Representatives should answer to their constituents, not hedge every decision based on donor pressure or party machinery.

I’d also introduce a bill to make Election Day a national holiday—so every working-class American can participate without fear of missing work or losing wages. Voting shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those with flexible schedules or generous employers. It should be accessible to everyone.
Beyond that, I’d fight for public financing of campaigns, automatic voter registration, and strict disclosure laws for political spending. Gerrymandering needs to go. Voter suppression tactics need to go. Every eligible voter should be able to cast a ballot without barriers, and every vote should carry equal weight.

Election administration should be about one thing: making sure ordinary people—not corporations, not consultants—have the power to decide who represents them. That’s the foundation. Everything else is noise.

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Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Justin Poff campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House Arizona District 5	Withdrew primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Election Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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Candidate

U.S. House Arizona District 5

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 6, 2025

[show]

Arizona's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Ruben Gallego (D)

Mark Kelly (D)

Representatives

District 1

David Schweikert (R)

District 2

Eli Crane (R)

District 3

Yassamin Ansari (D)

District 4

Greg Stanton (D)

District 5

Andy Biggs (R)

District 6

Juan Ciscomani (R)

District 7

Adelita Grijalva (D)

District 8

Abraham Hamadeh (R)

District 9

Paul Gosar (R)

Republican Party (6)

Democratic Party (5)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 6, 2025

[1]

Justin Poff

Contents

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

General election for U.S. House Arizona District 5

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 5

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Arizona District 5

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Green primary election

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

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