Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Eric Ching
Current job title: Entrepreneur
Age: 59
Political party affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: City Councilmember and Mayor
City where you reside: Walnut
Campaign website or social media: ericchingforcongress.com
From voter ID to war powers and from immigration to tariffs, Congress has tackled many issues over the past year. What do you, though, see as the top three issues impacting Californians, and what specifically could you do as a lawmaker to address these issues? (Please answer in 250 words or less, and keep your response to future proposals.)
I agree with the majority of Americans that voter ID, immigration, and tariffs are the top issues impacting California.
Americans have overwhelmingly supported voter ID and a secure border. When elected, I will work with the House of Representatives to further strengthen these issues. As an entrepreneur for several decades, I understand how tariffs can help or harm our economy. I will share my knowledge to build up our economy.
Speaking of voter ID, the president has implored Congress to approve legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship in order to vote. What role do you believe the federal government plays in telling states how to conduct their own elections, as dictated by the U.S. Constitution? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Congress retains the power to regulate federal elections and voting rights to ensure states do not discriminate and violate constitutional protections. Federal voter ID laws will deter those who are not eligible to vote, thus protecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
What, in your opinion, should the federal government focus on when it comes to immigration policy? For example, do you place a priority on border security, visas for high-skilled workers, refuge for asylum seekers, etc., and why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
As a first-generation immigrant, I understand this issue firsthand. I believe the federal government should first consider our national interests and prioritize immigrants who can benefit our country, have the best interests, and are not a drain to our society. We should secure our borders.
It’s been over a year since Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the federal government for supplemental disaster aid to help Southern California communities rebuild after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, but neither President Donald Trump nor Congress has acted. What would you do to push for the funding, besides writing letters to the Trump administration or the leaders of Congress? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I have helped gather resources for the victims personally. When elected, I will work with congressional members so the aid goes to the victims directly.
I believe Gov. Newsom is largely to blame for the fires and mismanagement of aid. According to several investigative reports, funds raised in FireAid Relief Funds went to non-profit organizations instead of the fire victims. I believe Gov. Newsom should be investigated for why funds are not reaching the victims.
Do you support a ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks? Why or why not? And what would you propose to ensure lawmakers aren’t using their positions to engage in insider trading? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I support a ban or restriction on congressional members and their families from buying or selling individual stocks. They are in a unique position to have knowledge that gives them advantages on stock trading. I will propose a periodic audit on congressional financial reporting and heavy penalties.
Do you support stronger regulations on pollution and carbon emissions? If so, how would you ensure those regulations aren’t overly burdensome on small businesses or lower-income families? And if not, how do you propose lawmakers protect the environment and curtail the impacts of climate change? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I believe there should be a balance between dealing with pollution and the burdens on small businesses or lower-income families. I believe that while protecting our environment is very important, climate change is driven by political ideologies rather than science, which is why the term keeps changing over the decades.
President Donald Trump has significantly increased spending for the U.S. Department of Defense. Would you, as a member of Congress, approve additional dollars for the military if the president were to ask for more funding? How would you ensure that any military spending does not end up putting the American people or national security in harm’s way? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
As a congressional member, I will have access to information that is not available to the public. I will make sure that the money spent is best for our national interests.
Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Based on information provided to congressional members and in the best interests of our national interests.
Do you believe a president should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action overseas? Why, or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
The commander in chief has the power to engage in military action overseas if he/she deems it necessary under national security. This is supported by Article II of the Constitution and War Powers Resolution.
Congress, in theory, is supposed to serve as a check on the president through budgetary, legislative and oversight powers. Do you believe Congress has fulfilled that obligation during the past two administrations, with one being a Democrat and the other a Republican? Why or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
More reports are coming suggesting President Biden did not have the mental or physical ability to carry out his duties during his administration. I believe Congress has failed to fulfill its duties as a check during his term. Congressional Democrats have fought against President Trump on many subjects, as evidenced by government shutdowns.
Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Should Congress adopt such restrictions? If so, what specific restrictions do you propose? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Congress should at least consider the impacts on such restrictions. I do not have enough information to make a decision at this time. However, I believe this issue should be treated as seriously as underage drinking or tobacco use.
Statistically, violent crime rates in California are on the decline, yet residents still don’t feel safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in Congress in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Residents still don’t feel safe, despite violent crime rates on the decline, because the statistic does not reflect their actual day-to-day lives. California laws such as Proposition 47, which allows reclassifying certain felony convictions to downgrade to misdemeanors. According to CalMatters, Gov. Newsom closed five prisons. In addition, the County of Los Angeles is considering closing Men’s Central Jail with a capacity of approximately 4,000 inmates. This means there will be more criminals on our streets.
As a congressional member, I will treat crime as my top priority. I will direct federal resources to deter criminals and provide aid for the victims.
There are term limits to serve in the California Legislature, but none to serve in Congress. Would you advocate for term limits for House members? Why or why not? If you support term limits, how many years maximum should a House member be allowed to serve? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I support term limits for congressional members to allow for fresh ideas and eliminate bad ones. I understand that term limits will also remove good congressional members, but I believe the benefit outweighs to keep the bad ones. I think 12 years term limits maximum is ideal, but I am open to suggestions.
What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
As a follower of Jesus, I learned to love everyone, including those who oppose my views. I am able to have civil dialogues with anyone. I am able to speak from my heart and share truth. As a single dad, I am able to use my personal experience to help those who are suffering or have lost loved ones.