Moms Deserve More: Celebrating Mother’s Day in Mendoza

JoAnna Mendoza, a Marine Corps veteran and single mother, is launching her campaign in the 2026 Democratic primary for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District. Her experience as both a veteran and a mother shapes her perspective on crucial issues facing families today.

Reflecting on her struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mendoza recalls needing routine medical care at the VA. Without childcare options due to restrictions, she faced the daunting choice of skipping appointments. “What was I supposed to do?” she asks, highlighting the systemic issues that leave parents, especially single mothers, without adequate support.

The financial burden of childcare in Arizona starkly illustrates the hardships families face. Costs for infant care exceed in-state tuition at public colleges in 38 states. Once, Mendoza spent nearly $700 monthly on childcare for her infant son—a figure that has only risen over the years.

Today, families are stretched even thinner. On average, single-parent households allocate 36.2% of their income to childcare, a staggering amount that consumes their paychecks. “This is the reality for millions of moms fighting to survive,” Mendoza states, emphasizing the systemic neglect endured by working families.

Now, support systems face additional threats. Expired funding and proposed cuts to federal programs have created a precarious landscape for low-income parents seeking affordable childcare. Mendoza criticizes politicians for prioritizing trivial disputes over essential funding needed to support families.

Having served in the military for over 20 years, Mendoza underscores the importance of reliable childcare for service members. Families are often left without dependable care both on and off military bases. “We need better funding and more facilities to support military families,” she asserts.

To truly assist families, Mendoza advocates for expanded paid family and medical leave, ensuring that no parent must choose between financial stability and their child’s wellbeing. She calls for affordable, high-quality childcare in underserved rural areas, tax credits that reflect the realities of today’s economy, and better onsite childcare for military families.

“Moms hold this country together, often invisibly,” she concludes. This Mother’s Day, Mendoza urges everyone to engage in the fight for better support for families, transforming motherhood from a perceived liability into a recognized strength.