Greg Stanton, Zudhi Jasser trade blame on affordability in 4th Congressional District debate

Rising costs dominated Monday’s debate for Arizona’s 4th Congressional District, with U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton and Republican challenger Dr. Zuhdi Jasser offering wildly different explanations and solutions.

Stanton, a Democrat, blamed President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the war in Iran for higher grocery and gas prices. He also cited the lapse of Affordable Care Act tax credits that had lowered premiums.

“The last thing we need is another Trump sycophant in Congress,” Stanton said.

Jasser, a physician and Navy veteran, blamed inflation under Democratic leadership and accused Stanton of voting with his party’s leaders 97% of the time. He said he would propose suspending the federal gas tax and push for more competition and price transparency in health care.

“Greg, in medicine, you can’t tell a patient one thing and write something different in the chart,” Jasser said.

Tisha Benoit, a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, said she would represent voters regardless of party. She called for more skilled-trades training, preventive health care and lower everyday costs.

“I’m running to represent the people of Arizona, not a political party,” Benoit said.

The general election is Nov. 3.

Related

Lieutenant governor candidates debate role of Arizona’s newest officePresident Donald Trump calls Maricopa County ‘dishonest’ after vendor mails ballots earlyRep. Andy Biggs says ‘water’s No. 1’ as he hears from Arizonans during run for governorWhat’s on your ballot: Prop 319 would ban new red-light and speed cameras in ArizonaYour guide to Arizona’s 2026 general election debates: Candidates in big races to face offVendor error blamed for over 3,100 Maricopa County mail ballots being sent out early