Orlando Sonza, if elected, would likely be the youngest Republican in Congress
Orlando Sonza would likely be the youngest Republican in Congress if elected, and that’s not stopping the 32-year-old father of four from engaging in a contentious battle for a swing district in suburban Cincinnati.
Sonza, the son of Filipino immigrants, told that minority families like his own are fed up with political extremism on both sides. He’s one of the diverse candidates with an impressive résumé the Republican campaign arm of the House of Representatives is pushing ahead at the beginning of this cycle.
“I think what you’re seeing again now is that Americans — largely minority Americans — have nothing to do with the polarization of politics,” he said.
“I think it’s the principles behind conservatism,” Sonza said of the recent trend among historically Democratic Asian Americans who voted Republican in the last election.
“I think the conservative movement — the principle being presented by the other side — is about equal outcomes versus equal opportunity, the role of big government in our daily lives, which then impacts individual freedom and ability to change your own life story through your own hardship.” Work and dedication.
Sonza and his wife Jessica have four children in suburban Cincinnati
The contestant met his wife, Jessica, while visiting West Point
And Sonza knows something about it.
The candidate met his wife, Jessica, while visiting West Point, and between settling in Cincinnati and having his four children, he served four years in the Army, went back to accounting, worked for Ernst & Young in taxation, and then earned a law degree and began a career as a district attorney in Hamilton County.
“My opponent is someone who seems more interested in making headlines that attract attention, such as B. posing shirtless on the cover of the Cincinnati Enquirer to flaunt his personal tattoos as serious leadership trying to genuinely solve the complex issues that beset our nation and I.” I intend this contrasting message to the fullest.’
Sonza is up against Democrat Greg Landsman, who unseated a Republican incumbent in the last election.
The Biden administration’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan exactly two years ago is a strong motivating factor for his candidacy.
When Kabul fell to the Taliban, Sonza said it caused “sorrow” for him and his wife, both army veterans.
The “rushed” US pullout sends a message to the 2,400 Americans who lost their lives that their sacrifice was in vain, the candidate said.
The two-decade war had lasted most of his life. But an orderly withdrawal would have taken more time, time President Biden claimed he didn’t have – he said he was bound by a treaty former President Trump signed with the Taliban.
“The message we sent to these brave men and women who were willing to die, and some did, in defense of our nation, is that we have failed you.” “Your effort was in vain” , he said.
“It shows a lack of leadership,” Sonza said. “It took more time. “On behalf of the soldiers and soldiers who have made sacrifices over the past two decades.”
The exact markings of Sonza’s 1st congressional district are not yet known — the state Supreme Court is still reviewing the redistribution map. But he certainly faces a tough political battle: In 2022, incumbent Greg Landsman won back the swing district from a Republican.
Sonza declined to say who he would vote for in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, but vowed to vote for the Republican “whoever the nominee is.”
When it came to the now four indictments against Trump and the Biden family’s business deals, Sonza said he believed the Justice Department had been “armed” against Trump.
He is fully sympathetic to a potential impeachment inquiry into Biden, despite the political ramifications such partisan efforts could have in moderate counties.
Sonza and his wife are both veterans
When Kabul fell to the Taliban, Sonza said it caused “sorrow” for him and his wife, both army veterans
In a referendum hailed as a victory by Democrats last week, Ohioans voted 57 percent to 43 percent against Issue 1 — a proposal that would have increased the vote required to change the state’s constitution from a simple majority to 60 percent.
The vote came ahead of a referendum in November to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution – following the overturning of the Roe v. Wade had triggered a six-week abortion ban that has since been imposed in lower courts.
The amendment stipulates that an abortion may only be restricted after viability – around the 22nd to 24th week – and only if this does not affect the life and health of the mother. Republicans claim the provision would allow abortions “until birth.”
Sonza insisted that the failure of Issue 1 should not be taken as a harbinger of what is to come.
“Ohioresians have said very clearly: They are satisfied with the process of amending the constitution — the 50 percent plus one hurdle.”
“I think over the next 90 days, Ohioans will be really receptive to understanding what this November amendment means: It’s the most extreme amendment we’re going to see in Ohio.”
He continued, “As a father of four, I believe our country should be a place where abortion is not available.” Because of this personal belief, I also understand the reality out there that a majority of Americans support the legalization of abortion endorsed to some extent.”
The candidate said he understands that while most Americans support abortion rights up to the 14th week of pregnancy, support quickly wanes in the third trimester.
“It’s important to educate voters exactly what they’re voting for.” So I don’t see the failure as a harbinger of things to come in November,” he added.