Schweikert, David

David Schweikert is a Republican representative from Arizona's 1st congressional district serving his eighth term in Congress. He chairs two significant committees: the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, which oversees the Internal Revenue Service and Medicare policy, and the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, which reviews economic conditions and recommends improvements to economic policy. As chair of these committees, Schweikert sets agendas, schedules hearings, and directs the legislative work on taxation, retirement security, and broader economic matters.

Schweikert brings substantial expertise in fiscal and tax policy from his background. He earned degrees in finance and real estate from Arizona State University and worked as a real estate businessman. Before entering Congress in 2011, he served in the Arizona State House from 1991 to 1994, chaired the Arizona State Board of Equalization from 1995 to 2004 where he oversaw billions of dollars in tax valuations, and served as Maricopa County treasurer from 2004 to 2007. By age 30, he was majority whip in the Arizona legislature and chaired the Indian Affairs Committee.

As a legislator, Schweikert has focused on tax reform and fiscal restraint. He was instrumental in authoring the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and played a key role advancing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. He has championed technological innovation as a solution to regulatory burdens and has advocated for healthcare reforms and telehealth expansion. His committee work reflects his longstanding emphasis on taxpayer protection and government efficiency.

Schweikert's political standing reflects both legislative accomplishments and controversies. In 2020, the House Ethics Committee found him guilty of 11 violations including misuse of campaign funds and improper office spending, resulting in a $50,000 fine and official reprimand. He was also a founding member of the Freedom Caucus before leaving in 2023. In September 2025, he announced he would not seek reelection to Congress and instead pursue the Republican nomination for Arizona governor.