Here are the candidates in Arizona's 5th Congressional District

Incumbent Republican Andy Biggs, Democrat Javier Ramos and independent Clint Smith are running for a U.S. House seat from Arizona's 5th Congressional District.

Arizona's 5th Congressional District covers parts of Maricopa and Pinal counties, including parts of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek and Apache Junction.

In the House, members have no term limits and can run for reelection every two years. The Republican candidate, Andy Biggs, is running for his fourth U.S. House term.

Andy Biggs, Javier Ramos and Clint Smith: US House rivals say where they stand

Here is the information you need to know before voting for your 5th Congressional District candidate:

Democrat Javier Ramos

Born in Cashion, Arizona, Javier Ramos is a Gila River attorney who is aiming to win in Arizona's 5th Congressional District in the upcoming election.

On his campaign website, Ramos says: “I do not accept donations and I never will.”

His top campaign issues include protecting and securing the Colorado River. As a Congress member, Ramos would ensure Arizona citizens will have "100 years of water supply."

To fully fund infrastructure in the East Valley, Ramos says he will seek a seat on the House Appropriations Committee. Other campaign issues featured on his campaign website include assisting the homeless population; equality; and mental health assistance for youth.

Ramos has yet to file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. In a phone call, he said he still has not reached the $5,000 threshold required for candidates to file with the FEC, sharing his opposition of candidates accepting campaign donations.

For subscribers: In Arizona's top election contests, Republicans have formed coalitions to support Democrats

Republican Andy Biggs

Andy Biggs was elected in 2016 to represent the 5th Congressional District. Biggs, R-Ariz., has served in political office since his 2002 election to the Arizona House of Representatives, where he served for eight years. Biggs spent six years in the Arizona Senate, where he rose to the leadership role of state Senate president.

For subscribers: Rusty Bowers, state House speaker, endorses independent Clint Smith over Rep. Andy Biggs

Biggs' campaign website lists his priorities, which include bills that he introduced, some of which were signed into law, such as the Ashlynne Mike Amber Alert in Indian County Act and the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan MeLinn and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act, which allows terminally ill people to take medication that has passed Food and Drug Administration safety testing but is awaiting FDA approval.

Election guide: November 2022

City races | School boards | State | Governor
| Ballot measures | Federal races | How to vote

Biggs' campaign issues also include immigration and border security and repealing the Affordable Care Act.

As a supporter of former President Donald Trump, Biggs called for a forensic audit following the 2020 election. He has been criticized in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot because of his objection to the election's results and his promotion of baseless election-fraud conspiracies.

For subscribers: In Queen Creek, Ted Cruz rallies support for Ariz. Republicans

Independent candidate: Clint Smith

Smith is the only independent candidate on the ballot for Congress in Arizona. He said that he wants to appeal to the people in the middle, especially those who have stopped voting.

On abortion, Smith believes that there are certain instances when abortion should be allowed: rape, incest, and when the mother’s life is at risk.

Smith advocates for gun violence protection laws, such as reinstituting the ban on assault weapons. Smith said that it’s about whether certain types of guns should be available to everyone and if there is a way for people to report their concerns over whether a certain individual should own a firearm.

Smith does not buy into the MAGA view on illegal immigration or "Stop the Steal," the discredited theory that former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election because of widespread voting fraud.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ's 5th Congressional District: Andy Biggs, Clint Smith, Javier Ramos