McDonald Jr., Robert “Robbie” Hernandez

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House
District:
10
Political Affiliation:
Democrat
Age:
48
Occupation:
City bus operator
Education:
College
Family:
McDonald
Religion:
Catholic
Biographical Info:

Robert Hernandez McDonald Jr. is a resilient community advocate from Mesa, Arizona, shaped by years of supporting families and navigating complex personal and caregiving challenges. Born in Mesa to Robert McDonald Sr and Elma Kulenty, he is a father of two daughters and has been married to his wife Olivia for 23 years. Robert is a graduate of Westwood High School and attended Jefferson Elementary School, Fremont Jr High and Brimhall Jr High. Returning to school at Phoenix College, he is completing the final credits toward his degree while rebuilding his academic path with determination and discipline. His experiences helping neighbors, standing by people in crisis, and overcoming obstacles have fueled his commitment to fairness, second chances, and meaningful public service. Robert is now focused on a career centered on advocacy and community empowerment, driven by empathy, lived experience, and a desire to make systems work better for everyday families.

Statement:

I’m running for office because I’ve lived the struggles that many Arizona families face, and I’m committed to making our systems fairer and more supportive. My own experiences navigating hardship, helping others through crisis, and rebuilding my life taught me how much people need leaders who understand real challenges. I want to ensure that education is funded, vulnerable communities are protected, and everyday people have someone who listens and fights for them. I’m stepping forward to serve with empathy, honesty, and a belief in second chances.

Survey

Response Legend

  • SSupports
  • OOpposes
  • *Comment
  • −Declined to respond
  • †Declined to respond, Position based on citation
Question Response Comments/Notes
1. Enacting state-level restrictions on firearm ownership beyond current Arizona law. O* I oppose blanket restraints on the ownership of firearms. However I do support red flag laws for those who are a danger to themselves and others
2. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in Arizona nondiscrimination statutes. S* Equal rights and protection under the law, to many times our LGBTQ friends and family are discriminated against. They deserve to be protected by the law.
3. Expanding state-level enforcement efforts to deter illegal border crossings. O* I oppose the use of state personnel for immigration related enforcement. It is not the job of the state to enforce immigration law.
4. Prohibiting taxpayer funds from directly or indirectly funding abortion services, except where required by federal law. S* I support the prohibition of tax dollars for abortion services.
5. Maintaining the universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program without limiting eligibility. O* The current situation with ESA is wrong and I support the limiting of these funds to those who actually need them.
6. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide for individuals seeking end-of-life assistance, regardless of terminal illness. S* I support the legalization of physician assisted suicide for those with incurable, terminal illness. It's not right to prolong someone's suffering it's cruel and inhumane.
7. Allowing licensed counselors to provide therapy to minors seeking to reduce or manage same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, with parental consent. S
8. Increasing criminal penalties for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. S
9. Requiring stronger age verification and parental consent protections for minors accessing social media platforms and downloading mobile applications. S
10. Increasing criminal penalties for individuals who purchase sex. O* I believe that consenting adults who choose to sell or purchase sex should be legal in licensed brothels like Nevada has. Increasing criminal penalties doesn't work and is not a deterrent.
11. Requiring election procedures that ensure voter identification verification and ballot security. S
12. Enacting a legislative referral that would ask voters to repeal Arizona Proposition 139, the constitutional right to abortion. O* Voters have spoken and passed proposition 139.
13. Expanding current marijuana laws to increase accessibility to recreational marijuana for adults. S