Name *
Juan Dominguez
Age *
56
Office and District
U.S. Senate - Maryland
City and County of Residence *
Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Political Party *
Democrat
Education *
US Military Academy at West Point
Career/Occupation *
Business Executive
Political Experience *
Former city councilman in Bogota, NJ
Website *
Facebook Page
https://facebook.com/juanformaryland
Public Twitter Handle
Public Instagram Handle
Public TikTok Handle
Tbd
YouTube Page
Tbd
Other Public Social Media Accounts
Tbd
Why are you running for office? *
Let me ask you – If we could wave a magic wand and wipe out the poverty, child hunger, and the financial insecurity that 40% of the state and the country suffers and it would be at no cost to 99% of us, would we do it right? Now what if I told you that we could end poverty, child hunger and financial insecurity in this country during my first year in the senate? It sounds impossible, but the fact of the matter is that we absolutely can and I think must take on this incredible challenge. That is why I'm running for the United States Senate. Either through attaining 60 votes in the Senate or through budget reconciliation we will deliver a wealth tax on the top 1% of Americans— what I call the “Robin Hood and poverty wealth tax” that will yield 1 trillion dollars in Revenue and enable us to deliver the “Robin Hood and poverty dividend” to dual income households making less than $60,000 a year and single income households making less than $30,000 a year.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
I would have to point to two people FDR and MLK, Jr. Their commitment to end poverty and wealth inequality, and their mission to fight for economic justice and rights resonates with me and my cause
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
“The Ends of Freedom: Reclaiming America’s Lost Promise of Economic Rights” by Mark Paul – he demonstrates how core human rights like the right to a living wage, healthcare, and a great education are within reach, affordable, and possible if only we have the collective conscience to do it
What will be your top priority if elected? *
Fighting for a living wage
What are the three biggest issues facing your district? *
Across the state of Maryland, I see childhood hunger, poverty, and access to healthcare as the three biggest challenges
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
Across the state of Maryland, I see childhood hunger, poverty, and access to healthcare as the three biggest challenges
What are the three biggest issues facing our country? *
Across the country, I see lack of access to a living wage, affordable healthcare, and quality food/grocery options in many urban and rural areas
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I believe deeply in protecting women’s reproductive freedom and the importance of the separation of church and state. While I am a man of faith myself, I support a woman’s right to choose and as Maryland’s next Senator, I will be an unwavering champion for a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions while also ensuring those decisions are safe and affordable
What is your position on taxes, spending, and the federal deficit? *
Inflation, housing rates, and the costs of everyday goods have skyrocketed as corporate greed has gone unchecked. Workers are often exploited at the expense of multi-hundred millionaire CEOs. I will fight monopoly power, empower unions, and demand a living wage so families can afford basic necessities. I will work with other Senators to institute a wealth tax on the ultra wealthy and ensure that we all do our part and pay our fair share.
What is your position on gun rights? *
As Maryland’s Senator, I will champion gun policy reforms to reduce firearm deaths in Maryland, focused on: Requiring universal background checks for all gun sales, closing loopholes. Establishing a firearms registry and gun owner licensing. Banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Increasing oversight and security of existing guns through safe storage laws. Allowing extreme risk protection orders to disarm individuals threatening violence. Allocating more funding for community-based violence intervention programs. Gun policy should balance Second Amendment rights with responsible, evidence-based public safety measures. The reforms above are widely supported by Marylanders and lawful gun owners. We must also couple gun law changes with investments in mental health resources, community policing, and economic opportunities in the neighborhoods most impacted by violence. The roots of violence run deep
What is your position on the federal legalization of marijuana? *
As Senator, I would support efforts in Maryland to create an equitable, regulated, responsible market post legalization for adult-use in the state and strongly advocate to end the federal prohibition on marijuana via comprehensive legislation like Majority Leader Schumer, Sen. Booker, and Sen. Wyden’s Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act. I am committed to righting the past wrongs of discriminatory marijuana enforcement through record expungement and repairing the harms wrought on communities of color for decades by the war on drugs. In doing so, I would consult often and early with not only other policymakers but advocates on the ground like members of the Marijuana Justice Coalition led by the Drug Policy Alliance and local leaders like the Maryland Cannabis Policy Coalition. No one's future should be derailed by outdated views on marijuana. Maryland made history in last year’s election on marijuana reform. Marylanders made their voices heard and tangible impact in our state’s policies as on November 8, 2022, 67.2% of Maryland voters approved Question 4 — a ballot question to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over. As of July 1, adults 21+ can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to two plants for their personal use. This landmark decision represents not just a win for personal freedom, but a step toward beginning to repair the harms of the war on drugs, economic development and opportunity, and social equity. Additionally, as a Gulf War veteran who lives with PTSD, I think it is important that we recognize the potential therapeutic and medical benefits of medical marijuana. PTSD is a serious condition affecting many of our brave servicemembers and we need to ensure we meet veterans where they’re at with the treatment that works best for each individual. I would support research and development efforts at Health and Human Services and the Veterans Affairs network of care to prescribe and better understand the positive health effects of medical marijuana
What is your position on trade? *
Instead of politically motivated tariffs, we need smart trade policies developed through cooperation with allies, workers and industry. The goal should be shaping rules that foster innovation and opportunity while reducing costs for families. But partisan posturing will only undermine our economic interests. We need leaders serious about pragmatic solutions, not dangerous tariff threats
What is your position on foreign policy and military issues? *
The United States currently spends more on defense than the next 9 countries combined, with over $730 billion allocated in FY2021. Much of this spending fuels an expansive global military footprint and maintains large stockpiles of outdated weapons systems and platforms. This bloated budget strains resources without adequately preparing us for current and emerging threats. Critical domestic priorities like infrastructure, education, and healthcare remain underfunded. Our foreign policy also relies heavily on military intervention as the first resort when challenges arise. But the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan demonstrated the limits of military force while costing countless lives and trillions in taxpayer dollars. In addition to the immense monetary cost, excessive military interventions have geopolitical consequences. Civilian casualties and regional instability breed resentment and actually undermine our long-term national security interests around the world. We must recognize that 21st century threats like cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns cannot be addressed by traditional military force alone. Our security requires a balanced and targeted approach
What policies would you support to fight inflation? *
As your next Senator, I will fight to close the wealth inequality gap and ensure all Marylanders can exercise their right to a living wage. Here is how we will make this right a reality: First, I will push corporations to take responsibility and raise minimum wages within their business. I will work with executives to highlight the benefits of paying employees a living wage – including increased retention, productivity, and consumer spending power. I will push large, profitable corporations and franchisors to raise minimum wages, while protecting small businesses. A tax on those making over $5M per year could fund tax credits to enable small business owners to pay toward the $30/hour living wage benchmark. For companies resistant to change, I will galvanize unionizing efforts by workers to negotiate for fair compensation. Workers must be empowered to organize and collectively bargain. I will devote federal resources to protect and support these efforts
What is your position on Transgender issues?
Trans rights are human rights – full stop. We must protect everyone, everywhere from discrimination and ensure equal treatment for all people, all the time
Would you support the passage of the Human Life Amendment? *
No
Would you support the passage of the Balanced Budget Amendment? *
No
Do you support D.C. Statehood? *
Yes
Do you support retrocession of the District of Columbia into Maryland? *
No
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you support another round of federal stimulus payments? *
Yes
Do you support the proposed ban on TikTok? *
No
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes