Meet Jo
JoAnna Mendoza is a proud mom, dedicated lifelong public servant, and retired United States Marine. Throughout her life, she has always answered the call to serve—whether by defending the United States from enemies abroad, training the military leaders of tomorrow, or advocating for veterans as they navigate the dysfunctional systems meant to support their transition to civilian life. Now, JoAnna is answering the call to serve by running to represent Arizona’s 6th Congressional District. Jo will bring battle-tested leadership to fix the broken systems in DC, fight for working families, and tackle the cost of food, gas, housing, and child care.
Arizona Tough. Battle-Tested. Ready to Serve.
JoAnna Mendoza, or “Jo” as she is known to friends and family, embodies the spirit of Arizona Tough. Raised in a farmworker family in Pinal County, JoAnna experienced firsthand the realities of rural poverty and the power of community. Those early lessons set her on a lifelong path of service and action.
At just 17, Jo answered the call to serve, enlisting in the U.S. Navy before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Her 20-year military career was defined by leadership, sacrifice, and service, marked by her role as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and leading the next generation of Marines. Jo stood on the frontlines for our country; now she’s ready to stand up for Southern Arizona.
After two decades in military uniform, Jo returned home to raise her son, Aidan. She is a proud single mother by choice. As a single mom, she has chosen to lead by example by continuing her education after service, obtaining her Master’s Degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She brought the same courage and determination to her community, working to ensure that veterans, working families, and rural Arizonans have an authentic voice. Jo has served as a nonprofit leader, veteran advocate, congressional staffer, and policy expert, helping families access benefits, organizing community programs, and fighting for common-sense solutions.
Jo’s life has always been about service, rooted in Southern Arizona values and shaped by the working families of Pinal County. She’s lived the struggle, fought the battles, and knows what it means to deliver results, not excuses.
In Congress, JoAnna Mendoza will bring Arizona values of honesty, integrity, and accountability to Washington. She’s committed to practical, unifying solutions that lower costs for families, expand access to healthcare and education, protect earned benefits, strengthen national security, and uphold responsible gun ownership. JoAnna will protect Arizona’s water and natural resources, tackle climate change, ensure transparent and responsive government, invest in the next generation, and defend democracy and equal rights for all.
In every conflict our nation has faced, Marines have been the first to fight. JoAnna Mendoza stands ready to take that same fighting spirit to Congress, to be the champion and the voice Arizona’s communities deserve.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.