Daniel Lucio

Daniel Lucio was born in Wichita Falls, Texas. He graduated from Richland High School. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas in 1999. His career experience includes working as a systems engineer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Daniel Lucio, a System Engineer, a Democrat, and a candidate for Congress in Arizona's 1st District. For over 20 years, I have worked across the US and Europe, shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone from frontline workers to CEOs, building solutions for a wide range of industries, including government services, healthcare, and technology. I am running for Congress because I believe our political system is broken and needs that same problem-solving approach. As a product of public schools and a proud union household, I am committed to bringing a new, honest, and data-driven voice to Washington to protect our voting rights, lower the cost of healthcare, defend our commitments to veterans and the elderly, strengthen our public schools, and get our government working for the families of our district. I believe it's time to stop the partisan fighting and get back to the hard work of building a better system for all of us.

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?

Restore System Trust: Our government should be honest, accountable, and focused on solving problems. As a System Engineer, I will bring a data-driven, non-partisan approach to Washington. This means demanding transparency, ending cynical political games, and focusing on policies that actually deliver results for working families, not just special interests. It's time for "Honesty as a Policy."Build an Economy That Works for Everyone: The recent policies coming out of Washington—like the OBBBA tax giveaways for the wealthy and chaotic trade wars—have created instability and made life more expensive for Arizona families. I will fight for fiscally responsible policies that invest in the middle class, protect Social Security and Medicare, lower healthcare costs, and ensure the wealthiest pay their fair share.Defend Liberty and Democracy: Our fundamental rights and the integrity of our democratic systems are under unprecedented attack. As a System Engineer, I respect well-designed systems, and our constitutional system of checks and balances is paramount. I will be a steadfast defender of core liberties like due process and habeas corpus, and I will fight against efforts to undermine democracy through tactics like partisan gerrymandering or the suppression of voting rights. My commitment is to uphold the principle of "We the People" and protect the system that guarantees liberty and justice for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about Congress as a co-equal branch of government. Our founders designed a system of checks and balances for a reason. That system is failing because the current Republican majority, is abdicating its responsibilities. They have failed to provide meaningful oversight as the administration deploys troops to American cities, they have surrendered their authority on tariffs and trade, and they have allowed the government to shut down rather than do the hard work of governing. This dereliction of duty allows for an unbalanced and unchecked executive branch, which leads to instability and erodes public trust. I am running to restore Congress as a functioning, responsible body that serves the people, not just a president.

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

The people I look up to most are my parents. They weren't famous or powerful, but they taught me everything about integrity, hard work, and the dignity of doing a job right.

My father worked as a control supervisor for an oil company. When a mishap occurred, the company narrative was to blame a specific individual. My father knew that wasn't the whole story. He traveled out of state on his own dime to testify at the hearing, presenting the facts even though it contradicted the company line. He was soon pushed out of that job, but he never regretted standing up for the truth. He went on to build a second career as a union trainman, eventually becoming an engineer—driving the trains. He taught me that integrity means doing the right thing, even when it costs you. That's a principle desperately needed in our government today.

My mother was also an inspiration. She started in customer service at Southwestern Bell Telephone but was always focused on improving her skills. Through hard work and dedication, she became a communication technician, adapting to new technology and building a respected career in a union job. She taught me the power of continuous improvement and the value of investing in yourself and your abilities.

Their examples—my father's unwavering integrity and my mother's commitment to hard work and self-improvement—are the ones I strive to follow every single day. Those are the values I will bring to Congress as I work to build a better, more honest system for the families of our district.

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

Honesty. Integrity. Fidelity.

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

Defend the constitution. Strive to form a more perfect union, promote the general welfare, secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be that I loved the people around me. I believed in the inherent goodness of humanity. That I did my part to improve the world and humanity.

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

I was 10 years old and in 5th grade in Independence, Kansas when I watched the Challenger explode. The entire class was sitting on the floor of a gymnasium watching the launch.

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

I worked at Target from age 16 to 19 as a Cart Attendant, a Cashier, and a Customer Satisfaction Specialist.

What is your favorite book? Why?

To Kill a Mockingbird because it opened my eyes to biases not just towards people, but towards ideas as well. It taught me that most people are doing the best they can when you get to know them.

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

Lieutenant Commander Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

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

Finding the right balance between a demanding job that often required long hours and travel, and being the fully present husband and father I strive to be. It's a constant effort to prioritize and make sure I'm giving my best both at work and at home. It's taught me a lot about efficiency and the importance of being truly present in each moment.

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

Although I have built solutions for multiple government agencies or programs, I do not believe government experience is necessary.

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

Economic and political instability due to corruption and incompetence.

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

A lot should be able to be done in 2 years. Unfortunately, most in congress spend more time raising funds than legislating.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am open to the idea of implementing term limits in the house, senate, and judiciary.

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

Hands down, John Quincy Adams.

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

Compromising on core American values like liberty, democracy, and justice is a non starter. Compromising on solutions or how they are implemented is perfectly reasonable. I have always said perfect is the enemy of good. I won’t throw away a good solution in the hopes for a perfect one.

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 ultra-wealthy are paying historically low taxes due to tax policy and tax evasion schemes. At the same time, our deficit and debt have never been higher. I would use this power of raising revenue to lower the burden on the middle class and future generations by raising revenue by taxing the ultra-wealthy appropriately.

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

We need to add oversight to an administration that is out of balance and unchecked. We need to demand accountability. Sharing classified war plans on an unsecured channel is not acceptable. Demolishing historic buildings without oversight or public guidance must be investigated. Accepting a plane and spending hundreds of millions of dollars of public money to refurbish that plane that will be used privately reek of corruption.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Putting myself out there as a candidate for U.S. House is difficult, requiring courage to overcome doubt, anxiety, worry, and fear. Having the courage to say, 'I want to do this job for you, will you give me your support?' is something I am proud of.

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

We need to have a hard look at the ethics of AI and how to ensure that AI serves all of us. AI should not be allowed to act as bots posing as humans. With AI, automation, and instant communication, we are more productive than ever. We need to look at how our lives can be enriched in this new era of productivity. I believe there is justification to move to 32-hour work weeks - 4 days a week.

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

Legislation to ban gerrymandering is a priority. I would also advocate for the abolishment of the Electoral College. I support a National Holiday on election day.