Jillian Barfield

Jillian Barfield was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned a high school diploma from Hazelwood Central High School, an associate degree from Florissant Valley Community College in 1978, and a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida in 1982. Her career experience includes working as an information technology professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm not a career Politician. I'm a working American with over 20 years of business experience and I'm ready to challenge the status-quo. It's time to rebuild the middle class and close the gap between the ultra-wealthy and everyone else. Nobody working full time should struggle to afford the basics!

With over 20 years of business experience, I am firmly dedicated to bringing practical, people-first solutions to Arizona’s 8th district.

During my career, I've worked for IBM in North Carolina, Mastercard in St. Louis and Waste Management right here in District 8. I've worn many hats in business, most of which involved complex technologies in one way or another.

I am a single long time resident of District 8.

I produce music in my spare time and I'm a songwriter and lead guitarist. I have two grown children and I reside in North Glendale.

I live in the district that I hope to represent, unlike my opponent who lives in a big house in Scottsdale - and also unlike my opponent, I am dedicated to serving Arizona’s 8th district with practical solutions that prioritize the needs of her constituents, NOT the billionaires.

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'm running a people-powered campaign that refuses to take a dime from Corporate Super Pacs or Lobbyists. In Congress I won't play political games. I'll listen to ALL of the residents of District 8.

The current "representative" . . .

To date, Abe Hamadeh refuses to hold a single town hall to meet with his constituents and he doesn't even live in the district he supposedly represents!

Arizona's District 8 deserves better!There are issues that are unique to Arizona that I will take on as US Representative for Arizona District 8. To date, Abe Hamadeh has done nothing to address these issues, although he did play a strong role in gerrymandering our district!

Affordable Child Care.

A livable wage.

Affordable housing.

Intelligent water conservation.

Women's Right-to-Choose

Gerrymandered District 8

Homelessness

The Fentanyl Crisis

Teacher Equity

and more...Intimidation and Corruption are becoming the norm in all three branches of government. From Congressional Insider Trading, Billionaires and Corporations giving unlimited sums to politicians through dark money and Super PACs and Supreme Court Justices accepting extravagant gifts and travel from billionaires whose cases are before the court.

Peaceful protest is met with threats and intimidation by the current administration. Peaceful protest is one of the bedrocks of America and I will protect the First Amendment Right to protest.

This is what Abe Hamadeh considers making America great?

I will not only work on issues directly affecting Arizona, I will be a strong advocate for ending intimidation and corruption in Washington.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe that young people deserve the same chances that were available to past generations. I will do what I can to enable younger generations to control their own futures. A.I. is coming for jobs. Unlike many in the GOP, I know that Climate change is real and happening right now and must be addressed for the future of the human race. Student Loan Debt is suffocating our workforce. Education is being gutted. Teachers aren't given the respect or pay they deserve.

There are so many challenges to be addressed in a short time.

I feel that past generations have a responsibility to leave the world in better condition than they found it. I fear that won't happen, but I will work to make it better.

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

Many of those who I look up to are musicians, whose skills to me are magical. There are too many to mention, but some of the great Blues artists and innovators like Roy Buchanan and Gary Moore come to mind. I look up to them for their skill. Politically, I can't help but look up to Senator Bernie Sanders who has been absolutely consistent in his philosophies over a lifetime. Like him, or hate him - he is a man of conviction. I respect and admire that.

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

"Where We Go From Here" by Bernie Sanders and "Character Is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember" by John McCain.

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

Honesty, Trustworthiness, Empathy, Competence and Strength.

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

I listen. I listen to everyone's viewpoint before making final decisions. As a Representative of Arizona District 8, the opinions of my constituents will be paramount in any decision I make. I will REPRESENT them and their views.

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

District 8 is composed of people from many walks of life and political views. Instead of catering to only the ultra-rich, I will listen to, and take action for ALL constituents in the District. I will serve the best interests of my constituents in ALL political parties and Independents. Abe Hamadeh's record speaks for itself.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'm not concerned with leaving a legacy.

I would like to make a difference for future generations, but whether people remember what I've done is of no consequence to me.

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

I remember when the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. I would have been 7 years old.

I remember that it made a big impression on me. Even though I was very young it influenced me to become a musician in my later years. I'd never seen or heard anything like it before.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I love Isaac Asimov and JRR Tolkien. My favorite is probably 'Foundation' by Asimov, but the entire series is astounding for it's time.

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

Dewey Cox.

Not really. I'm happy being who I am. I do like to laugh though.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Aggravating . . . Gilligan's Island Theme

Damnit. Now its stuck in my head again. Thanks a lot!

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

Every day is a struggle. I try to meet them with optimism nonetheless.

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

The House controls spending. They also have the power to impeach and act as a safeguard to corruption. The House act as part of a checks and balances system that has the power to hold the Executive Branch accountable. For 250 years, this system of government has been highly effective and the envy of the world. Now it is being put to the ultimate test.

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

I do believe that it CAN be beneficial, but is not necessarily beneficial. In our system of government, anyone can run for office. This is another bedrock of our Democracy. Sometimes it takes an outsider to shake things up with the status quo and to evaluate things with an unjaded and unbiased eye.

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

The United States has lost standing in the world view, both financially and politically. Thanks to the current administration, our allies are now leery of us and are hesitant to enter into any long-term agreements with us going forward. The NATO alliance has been harmed, perhaps irreparably. The Dollar, is now being challenged as the currency of choice in the world markets. In a short 141 days as of this writing, the damage to our country has been massive. It may take a decade to recover from what has been done.

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

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am for term limits. I believe that both US Representatives and US Senators terms should be limited. The President, of course is limited to two terms. I believe that the US Supreme Court should be subject to term limits as well. Lifetime appointments are inappropriate for any office. There should be a mandatory retirement age for all Federal Offices.

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

I would like to live up to the expectations of Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Katie Porter and Jasmine Crockett among others. I admire all of these women for their choices to speak truth to power.

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?

To date, I have not yet begun campaigning, but I can tell you this. . .

I relate to those who are upset with the status quo and have taken to the streets to protest injustice, corruption and hate. We need to bring back accountability in government. Accountability to the people.

Tell us your favorite joke.

That's a tough one. I'm a big Rodney Dangerfield and Norm MacDonald fan.

A short joke would be from 'Back to School' by Rodney Dangerfield:

Diane:

I'd love to go with you, but I've got a class right now.

Thornton Melon:

Well, why don't you come and see me some time when you have no class.

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

I do, if both sides are working in good faith.

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?

I believe in fiscal responsibility. I also believe in equity in taxation.

I can't say it better than Warren Buffet, a very successful billionaire who says that fair taxation from large corporations and wealthy individuals would reduce the tax burden faced by ordinary Americans.

He argues balancing the tax system would allow the U.S. to manage the increasing fiscal deficit and provide enough funding for public services and infrastructure. (source: Investopedia.com)

For some reason, (we can only imagine why) entrenched Republicans are about to pass what Trump calls the "Big Beautiful Bill" which will tax the working poor and middle class while giving huge tax breaks to billionaires while causing the already massive US debt to skyrocket.

It's insane.

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

House ethics investigations to root out corruption within Congress from both parties. Investigations into all 'probable' illegal activities by the Executive Branch and Departments therein. Everything is not a 'witch hunt' as some would have us believe. House Oversight is essential.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have yet to announce, publicly. I'm writing this in June 2025, so I hope to have endorsements soon after officially announcing my candidacy.

What committees interest you?

The Oversight Committee is one of the committees that hasn't been utilized effectively during this administration. The House Ethics Committee would be my second choice, although I will serve on any committee leadership deems appropriate.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Obviously, anyone who answers this question will say that they are for financial transparency and government accountability. And I am absolutely an advocate of both. But answering the question affirmatively means little - when actions prove the opposite.

Abe Hamadeh supports everything that the Trump administration is doing, and they are doing a LOT to end financial transparency and government accountability.

The current administration in Washington has taken extraordinary steps to hide their actions by firing Inspector Generals whose job it is to root out fraud and corruption in the government and by giving a clandestine group of unaccountable people (DOGE), access to every piece of date in our government. I believe that history will prove these actions illegal, dangerous and harmful to the United States and the world.