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    Jessica Zonia Maldonado, AD-66 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire
    • May 6, 2026

    Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

    Name: Jessica Zonia Maldonado

    Current job title: Registered Nurse

    Political party affiliation: Republican

    Incumbent: No

    Other political positions held: none

    City where you reside: Torrance

    Campaign website or social media: jzmaldonado4assembly2026.com

    Do you believe balancing the state budget should rely more on spending cuts, new revenue streams or a combination? Tell us how you would propose tackling California’s projected budget deficit. (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    I believe balancing California’s budget should rely on a combination of both spending cuts and new revenue streams. First, we need to cut inefficiencies, re-evaluate where spending is happening, and eliminate what’s no longer useful or is overfunded.

    At the same time, we must create new revenue streams by supporting both small businesses and large corporations; they’re key to job creation and economic growth. By cutting red tape and being more flexible with regulations, we empower businesses to hire, grow, and stimulate the economy. In doing so, we can tackle California’s projected deficit by curbing overspending, boosting growth, and creating a balanced, sustainable future for all Californians.

    For you, what’s a non-starter when talking about budget cuts? Why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    A non-starter for me, when it comes to budget cuts, is reducing funding for education. California currently ranks in the 38th percentile nationwide in reading and math, and we need to do better for our students. After speaking with high school and college students, I learned they lack both teachers and books. Many also feel unsafe at school, which makes it hard to focus and learn.

    We have to provide safe environments and ensure every student has the support they need: adequate teachers, a balanced student-to-teacher ratio, enough books, and a secure place to learn. We must raise the bar and challenge students to reach their full potential, instead of lowering expectations and pretending they’re doing better.

    California once had one of the best education systems in the nation, and I believe we can get back there by investing in our students and helping them succeed.

    What are the top three most pressing issues facing the state, and what would you propose, as a state legislator, to address them? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    The top three issues facing California are the cost of living, public safety, and homelessness. The cost of living is pushing people out of their homes, seniors find themselves homeless and many others are leaving the state, more are leaving California than arriving, which is causing a deficit. Seniors are struggling; their Social Security benefits cannot keep up with the escalating housing, gas, and groceries prices.

    What I would do is remove the state tax on gasoline to lower pump prices, and incentivize refineries to stay in California. We used to have 40 to 50 refineries; now we have 12, with some at risk of closing because of regulations. Keeping them here means jobs and lower fuel costs.

    For public safety, we must address the rise in homelessness. The homeless are unsafe living in the streets and our communities are unsafe having the homeless living in the streets. I would reopen mental health facilities, making it easier to admit patients by reducing bureaucratic barriers. I visited local centers, and they struggle to take in patients due to red tape.

    We need a flexible approach: partnering with cities, rehab centers, and faith-based groups, so we can help people recover, get the care they need, and restore stability.

    What specific policy would you champion in the statehouse to improve the cost of living for residents? Would you see this having an immediate impact on Californians or would it take some time? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    The policy I would champion in the statehouse is tax relief on everyday expenses to help lower the cost of living for Californians. By cutting or removing sales tax on essentials like groceries and utilities, families will get to keep more of their money so they have what they need for daily expenses. I also want to ensure seniors receive the adjusted benefits they need so their monthly checks keep up as the cost of living rises.

    In addition, I am committed to keeping California’s refineries open. Fuel is essential, whether commuting, transporting goods, or getting kids to school. Some changes will happen quickly, while others will take more time, like keeping refineries running. Still, families and seniors will see relief right away as we make real, practical changes in their lives.

    There have been numerous efforts made in the state legislature to curtail federal immigration enforcement in California, from prohibitions on agents wearing masks to banning federal officers from future employment in a public agency. Do you see any area where the state could better protect its residents from the federal government’s widespread immigration crackdown? Would you prefer the state work more hand-in-hand with the federal government on immigration? Where does the role as a state legislator fall into your beliefs here? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    I believe the state should work hand in hand with the federal government on immigration. The widespread crackdown has created fear and chaos, and I think that is a direct result of the state’s lack of cooperation with federal agencies. When the state blocks collaboration, it pushes federal enforcement into neighborhoods, leading to these aggressive raids. If we coordinate, especially by ensuring that those who have committed serious crimes go through due process, then we avoid sudden, chaotic immigration raids. This collaboration reduces fear, stabilizes neighborhoods, and gives everyone a clearer, safer process. As a legislator, my role is to foster that cooperation, ensuring the system is fair, reduces violence, and restores peace to our communities.

    Health care costs — like in many other areas — are continuing to rise. What policies, specifically, would you support or like to champion that could lower premiums or out-of-pocket expenses? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Health care costs are keeping too many patients from getting the care they need. Too often, patients can’t afford their bills, walk away without essential treatment, or avoid surgery because of cost. Many end up with crushing debt they can’t see a way out of. To fix this, the focus must be on transparency, prevention, and real competition. Hospitals and providers should publicly share the costs of common procedures, so patients can make informed decisions. Preventive care must be expanded, because early detection saves lives and money. A public option should be introduced alongside private plans, giving families a real choice. And surprise billing must end, so no one is left with sudden, unaffordable costs. By taking these steps, every Californian will get the care they need, without ending up in debt.

    Would you support expanding state health care programs to ensure more residents — including those who are not citizens — are covered? How would you propose the state fund such an expansion? Or, how would you propose the people who cannot afford health care still get the necessary care they need without expanding state programs? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    No, I would not support expanding state healthcare programs to cover non-citizens, especially when these programs are funded by taxpayers. The state is already financially strained, and our priority must be ensuring that citizens and taxpayers have access to care.

    For those who cannot afford care, the solution is strengthening community-based resources. I would expand partnerships with community clinics and nonprofit health centers that provide free or sliding-scale services. These organizations already serve vulnerable populations and can do so more effectively if properly supported.

    Preventive care is key. Screenings, patient and family education, and chronic disease management help people stay healthier and avoid expensive emergencies, reducing strain on the system without increasing taxpayer costs.

    Additionally, breaking the health insurance monopoly and increasing competition would make coverage more affordable, giving people the flexibility to choose plans that meet their specific needs.

    By focusing on community clinics, preventive care, and a competitive insurance market, we can ensure access to necessary healthcare while protecting taxpayers and maintaining a sustainable system.

    As part of combating homelessness, elected officials often talk about the need to prevent people from losing their homes in the first place. What policies or programs should the state adopt to make housing more affordable for renters and homeowners? What do you propose the state do to incentivize housing development and expedite such projects? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    To make housing more affordable, my focus is on helping current homeowners while responsibly expanding housing supply. I support protecting Proposition 13 so property taxes remain predictable and manageable. This ensures homeowners, including older residents, are not priced out and can pass their homes to the next generation without excessive tax increases. Keeping property taxes capped also helps renters because owners of rental properties can maintain affordable rates.

    At the same time, California must incentivize new housing development in underdeveloped areas rather than established neighborhoods. There is plenty of land that can be responsibly developed to provide safe, affordable housing for new homeowners and the homeless without overcrowding existing communities or harming residents’ quality of life.

    To encourage this, the state should streamline permitting, reduce bureaucratic delays, and offer incentives to developers who build in underdeveloped areas. These projects should provide options for new homeowners and those in need, helping families secure stable housing while supporting community growth.

    By combining protection for current homeowners with incentives for responsible new development, we can make housing more affordable, prevent displacement, and address homelessness while growing communities thoughtfully and sustainably.

    Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in 2023 authorizing state energy regulators to penalize oil companies making excessive profits. But the California Energy Commission put off imposing the penalties last year after two oil refineries, which represent nearly a fifth of California’s refining capacity, said they would shut down operations. Those announcements prompted many to be concerned about soaring gas prices. What do you think of the commission’s decision? And how would you, as a state legislator, propose balancing California’s climate goals with protecting consumers from high gas prices at the pump? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    I do not support Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2023 law penalizing oil companies for “excessive profits.” High gas prices in California are largely the result of strict regulations, high taxes, and limited supply, not arbitrary markups. When refineries face costly rules and compliance requirements, those expenses are passed on to consumers. The California Energy Commission was right to pause penalties after two refineries, representing nearly a fifth of the state’s capacity, threatened to shut down, which could have caused even higher prices.

    As a legislator, I would focus on lowering costs at the pump while supporting responsible energy progress. This includes loosening overly restrictive regulations, expanding responsible drilling and refining in underdeveloped areas, and reducing or removing state gas taxes and fees that directly raise consumer prices.

    Clean energy alternatives, including electric vehicles, should be optional and introduced at a pace families can afford, so residents are not forced into costly mandates. Innovation is important, but it cannot come at the expense of working families.

    By easing regulations, increasing supply, and reducing taxes, we can protect consumers from high prices, maintain energy security, and encourage responsible innovation, without penalizing companies for costs created by state policy.

    In 2024, voters approved Proposition 36 to increase penalties for certain drug and retail theft crimes and make available a drug treatment option for some who plead guilty to felony drug possession. Would you, as a legislator, demand that more funding for behavioral health treatments be included in the budget? How would you ensure that money is used properly? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Proposition 36, approved by California voters in 2024, increases penalties for certain drug and retail theft crimes while giving some people who plead guilty to felony drug possession the chance to get treatment instead of longer jail time. The goal is to hold people responsible while helping those with real drug problems get the help they need.

    I support funding for treatment programs, but only if it is used responsibly. Many programs are underfunded, which can lead to long waits and limited care. At the same time, some offenders may claim they need treatment to avoid jail, and repeat offenders must be held accountable. Funding should go to programs that show real results and help people recover, not just spend money without impact.

    To ensure this, programs should track participation, report outcomes, and undergo regular audits. Working with local governments, nonprofits, and healthcare providers can make treatment fair, accessible, and effective.

    By funding real recovery programs and holding repeat offenders responsible, Proposition 36 can reduce crime, help people rebuild their lives, and protect communities while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

    What role should the state play in ensuring hospitals and doctors are providing gender-affirming care to LGBTQ+ residents? Similarly, what role do you believe the state could play should other states adopt policies that restrict that care? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    I do not believe California should require healthcare providers to offer gender-affirming care. It should be optional, not mandatory. Taxpayer dollars should not fund these procedures, as that would force people who disagree with this care to pay for it. Gender-affirming care is different from standard medical treatments, which should continue as normal, and it involves altering the body in ways that go beyond biological sex.

    The state’s role should be the same as for any other medical procedure: ensure that doctors who choose to provide care do so safely and follow standard medical practices. All patients deserve professional and safe treatment.

    I do not support gender-affirming procedures for minors. Children and teenagers are still developing, and irreversible treatments can have lifelong consequences if they later change their minds.

    If residents must travel to another state to receive gender-affirming care, California should not fund or facilitate it, nor intervene in other states’ laws. The state’s role is to ensure safe medical care for all patients while avoiding mandates or special taxpayer funding for gender-affirming procedures.

    Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Do you believe it’s the state’s responsibility to regulate social media use? Why or why not? And what specific restrictions or safeguards would you propose as a state lawmaker? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Social media use stimulates the release of endorphins, creating an addictive “rush” that keeps users engaged, especially young people. Evidence from healthcare studies shows this can negatively impact mental health, learning, and social development. Because of this, the state has a responsibility to protect its residents, particularly vulnerable minors, from harmful digital exposure.

    As a state lawmaker, I would propose practical safeguards rather than outright bans. This includes screen-blocking tools, restricting cell phone use during school hours, providing age-appropriate content filters, and implementing automatic time limits on daily usage. Social media platforms should be required to be transparent about how algorithms affect minors and prevent exploitative or manipulative content. Schools and parents should receive education on safe usage and digital literacy so they can guide children responsibly.

    The goal is not to eliminate social media, but to protect young people, reduce addictive behavior, and give families the tools to manage usage safely. By combining state oversight with practical safeguards, we can reduce the negative mental health impacts of social media while still allowing responsible access for education and communication.

    Artificial intelligence has become a ubiquitous part of our lives. Yet public concerns remain that there aren’t enough regulations governing when or how AI should be used, and that the technology would replace jobs and leave too many Californians unemployed. How specifically would you balance such concerns with the desire to foster innovation and have California remain a leader in this space? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    AI is here to stay, and California needs to lead responsibly while protecting its people. This technology can create new jobs and industries, but it can also replace workers and disrupt communities if we don’t plan ahead. The state has a role in setting rules that keep people safe while letting innovation grow.

    I would make sure AI is transparent, so people know how it’s being used and how their information is handled. At the same time, we need programs to retrain workers whose jobs are affected by automation, so they can move into new industries. Companies should be encouraged to create AI responsibly and invest in their employees rather than replacing them.

    Regulation should be smart, not heavy-handed. It should protect workers, consumers, and communities without slowing innovation. By working with industry, schools, and workforce programs, California can stay a global leader in AI while making sure the technology works for people, not against them.

    Statistically, violent crime rates in California is on the decline, but still, residents are not feeling safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in the state legislature in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    Even though violent crime statistics show a decline, many Californians do not feel safe in their neighborhoods. People see incidents in their communities, hear about crimes in the news, or know someone affected, and it shapes how they feel. There may also be underreporting, police shortages, or policies that let repeat offenders avoid accountability, which adds to the problem.

    As a state legislator, my role is to restore safety and trust. That means supporting law enforcement with the resources and staffing they need to respond quickly and investigate thoroughly. It means holding repeat offenders accountable and ensuring penalties fit the crime. Prevention is also key. We should invest in programs that address root causes like poverty, gangs, and substance abuse while strengthening community policing and neighborhood engagement.

    Transparency is critical so residents understand what is being done to keep them safe, and so law enforcement has the tools and support to do their job effectively. Public safety is about real results, not just statistics. Californians should feel secure in their homes, schools, and streets, and my goal is to create policies that actually make that happen while supporting the men and women protecting our communities.

    What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    My hidden talent is inspiring and equipping others to serve and make a difference. For over 30 years, I’ve lived out this calling, traveling to places most people don’t go, sharing the gospel, and serving those in need. I’ve worked with the homeless, children in orphanages, and vulnerable communities, providing necessities, building water wells, supporting education, and bringing hope wherever it’s needed. I’ve been from the remote villages of India to the rice paddies of Cambodia, paddling up the Amazon River in a canoe, and to the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca in Peru.

    I love exploring new cultures and experiencing the richness of different peoples, nations, and tongues. Whether I understand the language or the culture, I feel at home, and I especially enjoy the local food. Along the way, I’ve trained and mentored teams from the U.S., equipping them to serve with compassion, work alongside local leaders, and bring practical solutions to communities.

    Now my heart is focused on serving America. The same needs I’ve seen abroad exist in the U.S., a nation rich with multicultural and multiethnic communities. Inspiring and equipping others to serve, bringing hope, and creating lasting change is what I do best, and it’s the gift I bring wherever I am called.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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