EXCLUSIVE: Army veteran, 32, reflects on the chaotic end to the Afghanistan war that
Orlando Sonza would likely be the youngest Republican in Congress if elected
Orlando Sonza would likely be the youngest Republican in Congress if elected, and that isn’t slowing down the 32-year-old father of four from jumping into a contentious battle for a swing district in suburban Cincinnati.
Sonza, the son of Filipino immigrants, told DailyMail.com that minority families like his own are tired of political extremism on both sides. He’s one of the diverse candidates with an impressive resume the House Republicans campaign arm is boosting early on this cycle.
‘I think what you’re seeing now again, are Americans – in large part minority Americans – don’t ascribe to 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 have been voting for Republicans in recent elections.
‘I think the conservative movement – the principle being portrayed by the other side – it’s equal outcomes versus equal opportunity, the role of big government in our daily lives, which then impacts individual liberty and the ability to change your life’s story through your own hard work and dedication.
Sonza and his wife Jessica have four kids in suburban Cincinnati
The candidate met his wife Jessica while attending West Point
And Sonza knows something about that.
The candidate met his wife Jessica while attending West Point, and in between settling in Cincinatti and having four kids, he’s served four years in the Army, gone back to school for accounting and worked on taxes for Ernst and Young, then earned a law degree and begun a career as a prosecutor in Hamilton County.
‘My opponent is someone that appears to be more interested in attention grabbing headlines, like posing shirtless on the front page of The Cincinnati Enquirer to show off his personal tattoos than serious leadership that seeks to really solve the complex problems impacting our nation, and I intend to fully drive that contrasting message.’
Sonza is running against Democrat Greg Landsman, who unseated a GOP incumbent in the last election.
The Biden administration’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan exactly two years ago is a strong motivating factor behind his reason for running.
When Kabul fell to the Taliban, Sonza said it triggered ‘heartache’ for him and his wife, both Army veterans.
The ‘rushed’ U.S. withdrawal sent a message to the 2,400 Americans who lost their lives that their sacrifice had been in vain, the candidate said.
The two decade-long war had gone on for most his life. But to properly withdraw would have taken more time, time President Biden claimed he didn’t have – saying he was bound by a treaty former President Trump had signed with the Taliban.
‘The message that we sent to those brave men and women who were prepared to die and some did for in defense of our nation, is that we’ve abandoned you. Your effort was in vain,’ he said.
‘It showcases a weakness of leadership,’ said Sonza. ‘It required more time. For the sake of the servicemen and women who sacrificed over the last two decades.’
The exact markers of Sonza’s 1st congressional district are yet unknown – the state’s high court is still looking at the redistricting map. But he’s sure to face a fierce political fight: in 2022, incumbent Greg Landsman had wrestled the swing district back from a Republican.
Sonza refused to say who he would vote for in the 2024 GOP presidential primary but promised to vote Republican ‘whoever the nominee is.’
When it came to the now-four Trump indictments and the Biden family’s business deals, Sonza said he believes the Justice Department has been ‘weaponized’ against Trump.
He’s perfectly on board with a potential Biden impeachment inquiry, despite the political implications such partisan efforts could have in moderate districts.
Sonza and his wife are both veterans
When Kabul fell to the Taliban, Sonza said it triggered ‘heartache’ for him and his wife, both Army veterans
In a referendum Democrats touted as a win, last week Ohioans voted 57 to 43 percent against Issue 1 – a proposition that would have raised the vote needed to amend the state’s constitution from a simple majority to 60 percent.
The vote came ahead of a November referendum that would enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution – after the overturning of Roe v. Wade triggered a six-week abortion ban that has since been held up in lower courts.
The amendment stipulates that abortion may only be restricted after viability – around 22 to 24 weeks – and only if it does not interfere with the life and health of the mother. Republicans claim that stipulation would allow abortions ‘until birth.’
Sonza insisted Issue 1’s failure should not be looked at as a bellwether of what’s to come.
‘Ohioans spoke very clearly: they are content with the process of amending the constitution – the 50 percent plus one threshold.
‘I believe that in these next within these next 90 days, Ohioans are going to be truly receptive to understanding what this November amendment means: that is the most extreme constitutional amendment that we will see in Ohio.’
He went on: ‘As a father of four kids believe that our country should be a place where there’s no abortion. From that personal conviction, I also understand the reality out there that a majority of Americans support having abortion legal to some degree.’
The candidate said he understands most Americans support abortion rights up until 14 weeks, but support drops off quickly in the third trimester.
‘It comes down to is just educating voters of exactly what they’re voting for. And so I don’t see issue on failing as a harbinger of things to come for November,’ he added.