Rick McCartney

Rick McCartney's career experience includes working as a publishing executive. He earned a bachelor's degree from Fordham University.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Rick McCartney is a father, husband, small business owner, and non-profit leader who’s always stood up for those whose voices are too often ignored. He’s spent decades fighting for Arizona—lifting up small businesses, mentoring vulnerable youth, and creating opportunity where it’s needed most.

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?

Rick has always been driven to stand up for those whose voices are too often ignored. He’s volunteered with and led multiple organizations focused on early childhood development, financial literacy, and mentorship for youth facing poverty and adversity. As board volunteer and chair, Rick has led youth organizations, establishing housing and education programs that changed lives and gave people real hope for the future.Rick stepped up to lead when others wouldn’t. He ran a company that amplified the voices of Arizona’s local businesses. He oversaw job training programs that helped real people—not politicians—get ahead. And now, he’s running for Congress to stand up to Trump and end this lawless assault on our communities once and for all.But here’s the truth: we don’t need to keep playing from the same old, losing Democratic playbook. Recycled candidates are not getting the job done. Arizona’s 1st Congressional District deserves a fresh face with real results, not another name from the past hoping for a different outcome.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

-Protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid from Republican attacks and safeguard your earned benefits.

-Lower costs for working families by taking on corporate price gouging and fighting for affordable healthcare and prescription drugs.

-Invest in Arizona’s middle class through real economic opportunity, workforce development, and family-supporting jobs.

-Fight for reproductive freedom and defend women’s rights against dangerous national abortion bans.

-Take on climate change head-on by protecting Arizona’s water supply and creating clean energy jobs.

-Stand up for democracy and civil rights—from voting protections to equality to the rule of law.

-Champion small businesses and empower local entrepreneurs with the tools to grow.

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

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and the courage to lead with principle, not politics. An official should listen to the people they serve, not special interests, and be transparent about decisions that impact families and communities. They must be willing to stand up to corruption, defend our democracy, and fight for fairness, whether it’s protecting Social Security, ensuring affordable healthcare, or strengthening our economy with good-paying jobs. Above all, an elected leader should be someone who people can trust to do the right thing even when it’s not easy, because public service is about people, not personal gain.

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

The first event I remember wasn’t a headline or a news story—it was personal, and it happened right here in Arizona. I was a young boy at the Grand Canyon, fishing with my family, when a sudden monsoon rolled in. Lightning cracked across the canyon walls, and I can still hear my mother’s voice calling for us to drop our poles and run for camp. I remember the fear in that moment, but also the beauty of Arizona’s raw power and landscape. It left a lasting impression on me—that sense of respect for nature, the importance of family, and the way Arizona itself shapes who we are. I was about 6 or 7 years old at the time, and that moment has stayed with me ever since. It is why I love Arizona so much!