Tim Arnous, 37, a Democrat and managing director of a commodities trading firm, is running for Congress representing portions of San Diego and inland North County in California’s 50th Congressional District.
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Arnous is a San Diego native who lives in La Jolla.
The San Diego Union-Tribune emailed a series of questions to Arnous and other candidates to help inform voters about their positions, priorities and plans if elected.
Arnous said he did not use any AI tools in responding to the Union-Tribune’s questions.
1) Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate? (150 words max)
I’m running for Congress because I believe San Diego deserves a government that works as hard as the people who live here. As a self-made entrepreneur and father, I’ve seen the struggles families face with rising costs, housing affordability and economic insecurity. My experience in global energy and commodity markets has given me the skills to tackle these challenges head-on. I’m committed to listening to the community, solving problems and delivering results people can feel in their daily lives.
2) What are the top 3 issues facing this district? (150 words max)
The top issues facing our district are:
Housing affordability and rising costs of living
Economic insecurity and lack of good-paying jobs
Climate change and environmental protection for our oceans, air and water
3) What are the first 3 things you would do in your first/next term in Congress? (150 words max)
Fight to pass a renter tax relief bill to provide a refundable $2,400 tax credit for renters.
Modernize the capital gains tax exclusion to increase it to $1.5 million for single homeowners and $2.5 million for married couples.
Introduce legislation to establish a Data Privacy Bill of Rights.
4) If your party wins control of Congress, what should be its first priority? If your party loses control of Congress, what should be its first priority? (100 words max)
If my party wins, the first priority should be addressing the rising costs of living and housing affordability. If my party loses, we’ll focus on holding the majority party accountable for their actions and working across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation.
5) President Trump has made cracking down on immigration a cornerstone of his administration, ordering widespread arrests and detentions of immigrants nationwide and directing military resources to a new military zone along the U.S.-Mexico border. What impact have these had on this district? What are your goals on immigrants, immigration and the border, and how would you pursue them if elected? What is your message to constituents who are immigrants? (150 words max)
The impact of these policies on our district has been significant, with many families affected by detention and deportation. My goal is to reform immigration policies to prioritize humane treatment and due process. I’d work to abolish ICE and replace it with accountable institutions that enforce immigration law while upholding democratic values. To immigrant constituents, I say: Your voice matters, and I’ll fight for your rights.
6) It’s been nearly two months since the United States began a war with Iran. Do you believe Americans are better or worse off for it? What should Congress’s role be? Would you vote to let the president continue the war beyond the 60 days after which congressional authorization is required? (150 words max)
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I don’t have enough information to comment on this specific situation. However, I believe Congress should exercise its constitutional authority to authorize military action and ensure the president is held accountable for their decisions.
7) Recent jumps in the cost of fuel, food and other goods — combined with federal cuts to safety-net programs, new limits on certain federal loans and more — are squeezing residents already struggling with San Diego County’s high costs of living. What relief would you seek to offer, and how? (150 words max)
I’d seek to offer relief by removing sales tax on essential items, increasing funding for affordable childcare, and supporting small businesses. I’ll work with state and local leaders to identify gaps in our system and redirect federal funds to support working families.
8) Like much of California, this district has been affected by the effects of climate change. How should Congress mitigate those impacts, and what would you do to pursue such efforts? (100 words max)
Congress should mitigate climate change impacts by investing in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. I’d support legislation to protect our environment and ensure clean air, water and oceans for future generations.
9) Polling underscores that one chief concern of California voters in the 2026 midterm elections is the issue of threats to democracy. What do you believe are the greatest threats to American democracy? How would you, and how should Congress, protect against these? (100 words max)
The greatest threat to American democracy is corruption. With this issue at play, we cannot accomplish much for the people and our constituents. This is the number one issue that needs to be addressed and have accountability measures in place.
10) Do you support a ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families 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? (100 words max)
Candidate did not respond.
11) By design Congress is supposed to serve as a check on the executive branch through budgetary, legislative and oversight powers. Do you believe that Congress has fulfilled that obligation in recent years? Why or why not? Should Congress do more to hold the president accountable? Explain. (150 words max)
Candidate did not respond.
12) A recent San Diego Union-Tribune poll found voters overwhelmingly disapprove of the job Congress is doing, by higher margins than they disapprove of the job Trump is doing. Why do you think this is? How can Congress win back voters’ hope and trust, and what would you personally do to achieve this? (150 words max)
Read more Q&A: Meet Edward Musgrove, candidate for California State Senate District 40
Candidate did not respond.
