Engel Criticizes Ciscomani for Ties to Controversial Christian-Nationalist Patriot Academy

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, a noted Republican from Tucson, has longstanding affiliations with Patriot Academy, an organization aiming to advance “biblical citizenship” in governance. Ciscomani’s involvement began in 2006, leading to multiple re-attendances and serving on its board for 14 years. He brought the program to Arizona in 2013.

In a 2010 blog post, Ciscomani endorsed the Texas-based Patriot Academy, stating it provided unparalleled clarity in his life direction. The organization advocates for citizen training grounded in a biblical worldview.

Kirsten Engel, his Democratic challenger, criticizes the Academy as a “Christian nationalist” entity intent on abolishing the separation of church and state. She labels Ciscomani an extremist due to his affiliations, citing the group’s hardline anti-abortion stance.

Ciscomani’s campaign, via consultant Daniel Scarpinato, dismissed Engel’s position as “gutter politics” and emphasized inclusivity. “Juan believes everyone should have the right to make their voices heard,” Scarpinato conveyed, stressing diversity of faith and non-religious perspectives.

Patriot Academy, founded by Rick Green in 2003, aims to integrate a biblical perspective into governance. David Barton, a notable evangelical and vice-chair of the Texas GOP, leads the Academy’s citizenship classes. Barton’s organization, WallBuilders, champions the notion that America’s founders intended a Christian nation.

Frank Pavone, formerly a Catholic priest, also advises Patriot Academy. Known for controversial actions to support anti-abortion campaigns, his influence aligns with the Academy’s pro-life stance.

The Academy collaborates with Turning Point USA, led by Charlie Kirk, known for organizing January 6th Capitol attack buses and pushing for an overtly Christian America.

Journalist Laura Jedeed reported in The New Republic on her 2023 visit to Patriot Academy, highlighting its significant expansion since Ciscomani’s early involvement. She criticizes the group’s vision as resembling a state-sponsored religion.

Ciscomani maintains a moderate public image, contrasting with other Patriot Academy alumni like Reps. Burgess Owens and Lauren Boebert. Owens has criticized Vice President Kamala Harris based on perceived lack of qualifications. Boebert has openly dismissed the separation of church and state.

Ciscomani’s personal faith influences his public role to some extent, yet he has refrained from advocating for church-state dissolution directly. His views on gay marriage and abortion, though conservative, show some divergence from hardline positions.

Patriot Academy founder Rick Green staunchly opposes abortion under any circumstance. Senior advisor Allen West’s blog post on the Academy’s website accuses Planned Parenthood of unethical practices, adding to the group’s extreme conservative image.