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: Christopher J. Gonzales
Current job title: Attorney
Age: 62
Political party affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Irvine City Invest Commissioner
City where you reside: Irvine
Campaign website or social media: Gonzalesforcongress.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.)
Affordability: The cost of all areas of living, especially housing, food, gas, utilities and every day living expenses. We must reduce taxes and expenses so that people can keep more of their earned money. We must find a way for our youth to go to higher educational institutions and live in the District.
Safety: We must be safe to walk our neighborhoods and safe from criminal acts, unsafe borders, human trafficking, drug use and excess government regulation.
Freedom: The exercise of individual rights like life, liberty, expression, religion, the Second Amendment and to travel safely throughout the United States.
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.)
I favor a unified approach to the right to vote. Voter Identification is a good policy. Having the federal government regulate this extremely important right, especially in regards to federal elections, makes good sense. We need to ensure that our elections are fair and proper.
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.)
The government is in need of major reform regarding immigration. I favor a strong border to prevent illegal entry. For those illegal immigrants present, a policy must be created to grant status to those who meet certain conditions, like: The individual served in the United States Armed Services, or has been here for years, is employed, does not receive government benefits and has no criminal conduct or served the United States in an exceptional capacity.
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.)
The fires in the Palisades and Eaton are a terrible tragedy. The loss to the victims is tremendous. The federal government must investigate and remedy the delay in providing funds and rebuilding. If necessary, legislation must be passed so that regulations that are delaying the rebuild can be changed. If necessary, the federal government, perhaps through the Army Corps of Engineers, should lead the rebuild.
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 absolutely support the ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks with insider trading. It is shocking that it is permitted. Allowing such activity is a great harm to society and the national stock trading industry. If allowed, stock trading by lawmakers should be monitored while the lawmaker is serving. I would favor a ban to lawmakers from insider trading.
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 do not like pollution regulations like those dictated by the Newsom administration, such as the banning of all gas-powered vehicles. There must be a balance of regulations to protect the environment and let businesses thrive. Each regulation must be closely evaluated, balanced by all factors and must be justified by the actual science. The regulation must have great merit and not be based on a political agenda.
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 former United States Army Officer, I favor a strong military. We must be at our peak when it comes to national defense. With modern destructive devices and rogue governments, the United States National Defense is a top priority to ensure that our homeland and our citizens are safe and secure. I would likely fund the President’s request if the request is for an important and needed purpose.
Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
The United States should engage in war when there is an exceptional national need, when diplomacy has failed and the timing requires immediate action. Under no circumstances is war to be taken lightly and pursued for unjust reasons. I value all life and all life should be protected.
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.)
At times, urgent circumstances and immediacy required prompt military action, such as unexpected endangerment of human life. Under these circumstances, then the President should have the power to engage our armed forces. If these conditions are not present, then the President should seek Congressional approval.
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.)
Recently, Congress has deviated from serving the people. If the President needs funding for legislation that serves the people, then Congress needs to empower the President and enact the policy, regardless of which party is in power. Voting on party lines is harmful to our nation. We need lawmakers to serve the people and legislate, vote for and fund good programs.
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.)
I am very concerned for our youth and the effects of social media. There are far too many tragic cases of young people being captured by social media. I would favor some reasonable restrictions and parental supervision for minors and social media. I would ban any patently offensive social media platforms that are harmful to our youth.
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.)
I believe we need to change hearts and look at each other differently. We need to value life and see each other as someone special, as a child of God. We must return to respecting and helping each other instead of trying to take advantage, steal or feel superior to another. Love the neighbor, as you love yourself.
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 would be open to term limits, perhaps after 20 years for House members. I am more inclined toward age limits. I am not sure of the age. But, somewhere around age 75 would be the required retirement age.
What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
My not-so-hidden talent is my calm and kind demeanor. I like people. I like to make them smile. I like to talk, and I can easily spend the whole day telling stories of the great times, music and events from the past, and all my great plans for the future. I like to dream big. With God’s blessing, let’s make the world, District 47 and the United States a better place.