Raymond Keeler

Raymond Keeler served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973. He graduated from Camelback High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in 1976. His career experience includes working as a software engineer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Our family moved to Phoenix when I was six. I attended Arizona public schools (Camelback High School), and was an Eagle Scout. I enlisted in the U.S. Army (82nd Airborne, honorable discharge) after one year at Arizona State University, and then finished at ASU with the help of the GI Bill. I graduated with a degree in math and computers. I have been married to Stephanie for over 25 years. I have two sons and three grandchildren.

Professionally and Volunteering: I have spent over 30 years as an avionics software engineer, working with the U.S. government (FAA) for aircraft flight critical systems. As a contract software engineer, I have worked for several commercial aircraft companies across the United States, leading increasingly complex projects.

My financial stability has allowed me to volunteer to help our communities locally, regionally, and nationally. I was on Maricopa County’s high angle Mountain Rescue Team for 17+ years.

I was the U.S. government liaison for an 11,000-member non-profit helping with public land management and conservation. I have been volunteering for these principles for 35+ years. The volunteer work has been to coordinate with the government at the international, federal, state and local levels in 20+ states and 4 countries.

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?

1.

Our current government is polarized. I can work with both sides to get things done. I have done this for decades both professionally (working with the FAA), and as the national government liaison, working to preserve our national parks, national forests, and bureau of land management lands.

Everyone has core values. Enacting good legislation is about creating or improving the lives of as many people as possible while limiting detrimental effects on others. For example, helping with affordability legislation in many areas.2.

Reestablishing the U.S. Congress as an independent co-equal branch of Government is a top priority. The first words of the Constitution’s Preamble are “We the People”. Without the U.S. Congress acting as an independent branch of government, enacting legislation to help Americans improve their lives becomes much harder.

The current administration is moving in the wrong directions! This campaign is about helping Americans in their everyday lives. This includes lowering groceries and gas price costs, reducing utilities, removing blanket tariffs (we pay for them), affordable healthcare (generic drugs) and more. This is about the Declaration of Independence words “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” for all Americans.3.

I am running to represent and address the needs of the constituents in Congressional District 8 to make our lives better is why I am running. It comes down to four words. “How can I help?” These needs will vary for individuals, families, as well as groups and communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Lack of affordability affects many of us. Arizona water stability is a primary concern. Water affects everyone. We are in a long-term drought that needs to be addressed immediately, both federally and internationally. I have many years working with the USFS and NPS mapping aquifers (streams). I helped map the main water source for Grand Canyon National Park. I want to save our public lands, and our need to keep our water rights. (There are near term and longer time frames to increase the “water pie.” One area would be working on bi-national agreements with Mexico. I will be happy to work with both sides of the aisle to move forward for water stability.

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

My father. He was a WWII Army-Airforce Navigator 2nd Lieutenant and went onto getting his CPA at Northwestern University and raising our family.

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

Honesty, integrity, listening to understand the intent as well as the words being presented. Working with others to effect meaningful change. Standing for my core values, while understanding others have their core values. In many cases we can agree.

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

We need more upholding the Constitution. Representing all constituents of Congressional District 8 would be my top responsibility.

What legacy would you like to leave?

would like to leave a legacy that I tried to make things better. I care, and I am pretty good at getting things done.

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

I was a paperboy. I started on one route, then added three more.

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

The U.S. Congressional Representatives can be the most direct access for many Americans to our government. The congressional representative must be able to listen, understand, and act where possible. The representative needs to understand the processes and structures available to help Americans.

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

Deficit spending. Dark money (huge unnamed donors) affecting our lives. Unnecessary conflicts and impacts to others. Protecting public lands and water rights. AI. Social media. Reestablishing partnerships with our allies. Addressing financial corruption and grift by our leaders.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe in term limits. Supreme Court: 18 years. Federal Judges: 18 years.  U.S. Senate: 18 years. Congress: 18 years.

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

Yes. Understanding my values and those of my constituents, where compromises can be made to address other Americans’ values. There are many areas where we agree. There are areas where we can work together to get along and have little adverse effect on others. I.e. Compromise. There are some areas where we will disagree.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None yet. I am working on them. I started this campaign late because of the continuing poor decisions by the current administration, and the blind following by the current CD8 incumbent.

What committees interest you?

Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Science, Space and Technology, Veteran Affairs, Ethics

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe there is a heightened need for transparency and accountability. This will help Americans understand how public funds are being managed and spent, how decisions are made and why, and the evidence and information to support decisions.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

July 20th 1969 – I was sitting on a hill with other Boy Scouts. We were listening to the reporting on a small radio about the first landing on the moon.

Note: Keeler submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on April 27, 2026.

Show past responsesHide past responses

April 24 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Our family moved to Phoenix when I was six. I attended Arizona public schools (Camelback High School), and was an Eagle Scout. I enlisted in the U.S. Army (82nd Airborne, honorable discharge) after one year at Arizona State University, and then finished at ASU with the help of the GI Bill. I graduated with a degree in math and computers. I have been married to Stephanie for over 25 years. I have two sons and three grandchildren.

Professionally and Volunteering: I have spent over 30 years as an avionics software engineer, working with the U.S. government (FAA) for aircraft flight critical systems. As a contract software engineer, I have worked for several commercial aircraft companies across the United States, leading increasingly complex projects.

My financial stability has allowed me to volunteer to help our communities locally, regionally, and nationally. I was on Maricopa County’s high angle Mountain Rescue Team for 17+ years.

I was the U.S. government liaison for an 11,000-member non-profit helping with public land management and conservation. I have been volunteering for these principles for 35+ years. The volunteer work has been to coordinate with the government at the international, federal, state and local levels in 20+ states and 4 countries.

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?

1.

Our current government is polarized. I can work with both sides to get things done. I have done this for decades both professionally (working with the FAA), and as the national government liaison, working to preserve our national parks, national forests, and bureau of land management lands.

Everyone has core values. Enacting good legislation is about creating or improving the lives of as many people as possible while limiting detrimental effects on others. For example, helping with affordability legislation in many areas.2.

Reestablishing the U.S. Congress as an independent co-equal branch of Government is a top priority. The first words of the Constitution’s Preamble are “We the People”. Without the U.S. Congress acting as an independent branch of government, enacting legislation to help Americans improve their lives becomes much harder.

The current administration is moving in the wrong directions! This campaign is about helping Americans in their everyday lives. This includes lowering groceries and gas price costs, reducing utilities, removing blanket tariffs (we pay for them), affordable healthcare (generic drugs) and more. This is about the Declaration of Independence words “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” for all Americans.3.

I am running to represent and address the needs of the constituents in Congressional District 8 to make our lives better is why I am running. It comes down to four words. “How can I help?” These needs will vary for individuals, families, as well as groups and communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Lack of affordability affects many of us. Arizona water stability is a primary concern. Water affects everyone. We are in a long-term drought that needs to be addressed immediately, both federally and internationally. I have many years working with the USFS and NPS mapping aquifers (streams). I helped map the main water source for Grand Canyon National Park. I want to save our public lands, and our need to keep our water rights. (There are near term and longer time frames to increase the “water pie.” One area would be working on bi-national agreements with Mexico. I will be happy to work with both sides of the aisle to move forward for water stability.

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

My father. WWII Army-Air Force Lieutenant, Navigator. Was in training when WWII ended. Northwestern Univ. grad, CPA. loving father.

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

Honesty, integrity, listening to understand the intent as well as the words being presented. Working with others to effect meaningful change. Standing for my core values, while understanding others have their core values. In many cases we can agree.

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

We need more upholding the Constitution. Representing all constituents of Congressional District 8 would be my top responsibility.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy that I tried to make things better. I care, and I am pretty good at getting things done.

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

I was a paperboy. I started on one route, then added three more.

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

Deficit spending. Dark money (huge unnamed donors) affecting our lives. Unnecessary conflicts and impacts to others. Protecting public lands and water rights. AI. Social media. Reestablishing partnerships with our allies. Addressing financial corruption and grift by our leaders.

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

The U.S. Congressional Representatives can be the most direct access for many Americans to our government. The congressional representative must be able to listen, understand, and act where possible. The representative needs to understand the processes and structures available to help Americans.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None yet. I am working on them. I started this campaign late because of the continuing poor decisions by the current administration, and the blind following by the current CD8 incumbent.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

July 20th 1969 – I was sitting on a hill with other Boy Scouts. We were listening to the reporting on a small radio about the first landing on the moon.