Christopher Irizarry

Christopher Irizarry was born in Hialeah, Florida. He served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 2003. He graduated from American Senior High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University in 1994 and a graduate degree from the University of Phoenix in 2006. His career experience includes working for the Central Intelligence Agency. He has been affiliated with the Pasco Democratic Public Education Caucus, the Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida - Hernando County Chapter, and the United School Employees of Pasco R (Non-Educator member).[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Hialeah and grew up in Carol City, Florida. I earned my BFA from Florida Atlantic University in 1994, and joined the U.S. Army in 1995. I enlisted as a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Repairer and served in South Korea, North Carolina, Germany, and Colorado. I was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, The Air Crewmember Badge, and the German Schutzenschnur. I was honorably discharged in 2003.

After short stints in corporate America and military contracting for employment, I joined CIA in 2006. Beyond my time in Washington, D.C. I served in Central Asia, Africa, and Europe where I was involved in HUMINT operations in counterproliferation and counterintelligence. I retired from CIA in September 2024 and settled in Hudson, Florida.

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?

I believe healthcare is not only a right, it is a matter of national security. Because of this, I would fight to implement Medicare For All and to fully fund and staff the Department of Veterans Affairs.I believe our country should lay the groundwork to make long-term financial stability possible. I would fight for strong unions, a living wage, affordable housing, and the strengthening of Social Security.Public schools are where America's children are able to first experience the tenets of democracy. Therefore, I believe in a fully funded public education system along with an increase in salary and autonomy for teachers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I would welcome greater strides in overturning Citizens United and the development of a national Artificial Intelligence policy.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

When it comes to encapsulating the inherent level of influence the United States commands on the global stage, I can't think of a better analogy than the one used by Gen. Anthony Zinni in his book "Battle For Peace".

His analogy likens the world to a room filled with people, each representing one nation on Earth. The room itself has just enough room for all the 'people' to stand and move about and exist without causing too much ruckus for more than one or two people at a time. When it comes to the United States, however, it's not a person standing there -- it's a fully grown, silverback gorilla. If the gorilla shifts his weight while sitting, stirs while sleeping, or scratches his upper arm, a ripple effect through the crowd of 'people' is inevitable -- no matter how hard the gorilla tries not to disturb those around him.

The United States came into existence as a gorilla in a room full of people. It can't choose to not be the gorilla any more than the gorilla can. Being the gorilla comes with unintended consequences for just existing.

That summarizes why I believe the United States has to embrace it's role on the global stage -- it really doesn't have a choice and it's something Americans need to be aware of in order to appreciate.

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

They should have credibility and a sense of duty to the Constitution and their constituents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have 24 years of experience working in Federal organizations. I have worked with different officials with different priorities and views and always focused on accomplishing our goals.

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

To operate as a co-equal branch of government.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave not only an impactful legacy with legislation, but also a legacy that I had a measure of success in building the bench of up-and-coming legislatures.

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

I worked at a yogurt store near school. I believe I had that job throughout my senior high school year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut. It's a work unlike anything I can remember Vonnegut writing, and how it takes the reader through the moral dilemmas one faces when conducting espionage.

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

Well, I was a huge fan of Spiderman as a kid. Today, I think that's still my choice because of Uncle Ben's advice to Peter: 'With great power comes great responsibility.'

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

Absolutely.

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

Dealing with its damage reputation as a credible and serious world leader.

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

I believe so. A two-year term requires a representative to stay in touch with their constituents if they wish to continue serving.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I would support implementation of term limits.

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

To a point. One cannot expect to operate in government without being willing to compromise. However, one should not be willing to capitulate on promises this country made to our veterans or to those that paid into Social Security.

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

Objectively and without delay.

What committees interest you?

Because of my experience I would be most interested in the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. I would also be interested in serving on the Armed Services and Education and Workforce Committees.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

One of the first things I learned in the Army was this: Never mess with Uncle Sam's money. I am a staunch believer in holding those accountable who misuse, misdirect, or flat out steal American tax payer dollars. Full stop.