Candidate Spotlight : Alex Hazen, District 5
Raised in the northern suburbs of Wilmington, Delaware — an area often associated with President Joe Biden — Alex Hazen describes a childhood shaped by middle-class stability, public schools, and strong family ties. The youngest of two siblings, he grew up in a home that balanced technology and tradition: a father whose career in engineering nurtured an early curiosity for computers, and Jewish traditions anchored family life, instilling a sense of cultural identity and community responsibility that continues to influence his worldview today.
Politics were a regular part of Hazen’s upbringing. As a child, he watched campaigns unfold up close as his father worked on Obama’s campaign. Later, the candidacy of Bernie Sanders left a lasting impression, reinforcing his belief that conviction and consistency matter in public life.
While Hazen has not held elected office, he points to a steady record of leadership that began in high school and continued through college and into his professional career. From winning student elections and helping reshape organizational bylaws to managing teams in tech-focused roles, he has built experience in governance, budgeting, and project management. Today, he works in the technology sector, where he sees firsthand how rapidly innovation is reshaping daily life — and how slowly Washington often responds.
If sent to Congress, Hazen signals that technology reform would be early priorities. He strongly communicates a desire to tackle the evolving digital landscape, particularly where it intersects with consumer protection and children’s safety.
Hazen explains his decision to run for Congress is both personal and generational. Preparing to start a family in an economy he views as increasingly unaffordable has sharpened his urgency. At the same time, he believes younger Americans remain underrepresented in Congress, particularly as lawmakers grapple with emerging technologies and shifting economic realities.
Readers can explore his detailed positions on hot topics across the political spectrum in the accompanying Q&A.
Q&A with Alex Hazen
1. What political experience do you have?
I have a proven track record of leadership and legislation administration. In both high school and college, I won multiple elections and helped amend constitutions for social organizations and advocacy programs, giving me firsthand experience in governance and organizational decision-making. I have also organized fundraisers and events and managed budgets for several organizations, building the practical skills needed to deliver results.
Professionally, I have continued to lead and organize, serving as an Orientation Leader at my university, a Lead Instructor at a summer tech camp, and as a Lead Simulation Developer at my current employer. These roles have strengthened my ability to manage teams, coordinate complex projects, and solve problems effectively.
While my experience comes from organizational and professional leadership rather than the traditional political system, it has prepared me to step into Congress with the skills necessary to serve my constituents and drive meaningful change.
2. If elected, what would be the first piece of legislation you would introduce?
I believe that, if they have not already been introduced, there are three policies that are popular across political parties that I would propose if they have not already been passed: banning stock trading for public officials, term limits for federal office, and a cap on credit card interest rates.
My background is in tech, so the legislation I would want to introduce would be measures I expect to be bipartisan and positively impact all Americans in relation to technology. This includes reforms requiring disclaimers for edited and AI-generated content on the internet, regulations against manipulative technology practices such as infinite feeds and forced app refreshes, and a bill that prevents gambling-related features like loot boxes from being used in video games aimed at children.
3. How do you view the current political climate in Florida?
I believe the political climate in Florida has become increasingly divisive, driven in part by a focus on culture war issues that often overshadow the everyday concerns of most Floridians. These debates have heightened political tensions without meaningfully addressing the challenges many families face.
Across party lines, most Floridians want similar outcomes: affordability, personal freedom, and protection of our natural environment. Unfortunately, ongoing political polarization has allowed lawmakers to prioritize culturally divisive legislation while important economic and quality-of-life issues receive less attention.
In recent years, Florida representatives have voted against health subsidies that could lower healthcare costs for many residents, supported marijuana restrictions and abortion policies that many voters view as overly restrictive, and passed legislation limiting the ability of local governments to enact environmental protections. I believe Florida’s leadership should refocus on policies that reflect the shared priorities of its people.
4. What motivated you to run for Congress?
There are two main motivating factors behind my decision to run for Congress.
First, my girlfriend and I are preparing to start a family, and like many Americans, we are facing an economy that no longer feels affordable. The costs of healthcare, housing, and everyday necessities continue to rise while solutions feel out of reach. Too many politicians making decisions today are insulated from these realities. I am not. I have skin in the game. I want to build a future where working people can afford to raise a family, buy a home, and feel secure about tomorrow. If we do not change course, the future many Americans hope for will become harder and harder to achieve.
Second, our government does not adequately reflect younger generations. There are too few young leaders at the national level who understand the technological and economic changes shaping our lives. I work in tech and see firsthand how rapidly the world is changing and how these changes impact Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Congress needs leaders who understand these challenges and are prepared to create meaningful, forward-looking solutions.
I am running to help build an affordable future and to ensure that my generation and the generations that follow have a real voice in shaping the country.
5. What three issues are most important to you?
The top issues I plan to focus on, outside of holding this lawless administration accountable and restoring our institutions, are:
Healthcare Reform
Economic Affordability
Technology Reforms
A close fourth priority is worker protections, which are closely connected to technology reform.
6. What is your stance on ICE? Abolish or reform?
We need to abolish ICE. ICE has been instructed to violate citizen’s rights. ICE has masked their identities to evade crimes that they commit. ICE has killed innocent civilians. ICE has installed thousands of undertrained law enforcement officers that are dangerous to themselves and others. ICE has ruined its reputation with the general public.
To be clear, abolishing ICE does not mean eliminating immigration enforcement altogether. What we need is serious, meaningful immigration reform.
I believe we can create immigration laws and processes that do not treat immigrants as criminals. A system that does not take seven or more years to achieve citizenship. A system that recognizes the vast majority of immigrants as contributing, kind people who deserve a stable and safe home. We need policies that actively help people find safety and stability, whether that is here in the U.S. or in another country.
7. What is your plan to reach moderate and Republican voters in the district to ensure we can flip the seat?
Focus on policies that EVERYONE cares about that will provide a positive impact in their lives. People care about affordable healthcare. People care about job protections. People care about technology regulations.
People want to have a better life than the one today. And that means focusing on the quality and cost of what people experience daily.
8. What advice would you give to those who are leaving MAGA due to the Epstein files?
It’s never too early or late to change your mind or your viewpoint on anything. Anyone who criticizes you for it isn’t recognizing the personal development, maturity, and critical skills that are required to embrace change. Whether you have realized that the MAGA movement itself has changed, or that your perspective on the MAGA movement has changed, both are valid and it’s okay to acknowledge either.
9. Where do you stand on AIPAC and Israel?
AIPAC operates as a fund that advances the interests of another country, Israel. Any fund representing the interests of foreign countries should not be accepted by U.S. representatives or political figures. I believe this is important because accepting such funds encourages elected officials to prioritize the interests of other nations over those of the American people. Taking money from a foreign-based PAC designed to influence U.S. policy constitutes a form of corruption. I will never accept any AIPAC contributions.
My stance on Israel is detailed on my website. This is what is stated there:
“Israel has the right to exist, and the United States should support its security. At the same time, we must remain critical of any actions by allies that violate human rights or U.S. interests. American aid to Israel must be used to promote peace and protect civilians—not to further conflict or violate international law.
Palestinians also have the right to exist, to sovereignty, and to self-determination. Some actions taken by the Israeli government, particularly collective punishment in Gaza following the attacks on October 7th, were unacceptable and counterproductive to the safety of Israeli hostages. Thousands of innocent Palestinians suffered as a result.
American policymakers must hold Israel accountable if it violates Palestinian rights, including continued settlement expansion in the West Bank or actions that break international law. U.S. aid should be tied to compliance with these standards. I support a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
10. What is your plan for addressing gun violence in the USA?
There are two major areas where I believe we can address gun violence in the U.S. The first is implementing common-sense gun control measures, including a basic standard waiting period and universal background checks. The second is reforming our Medicare system to expand coverage for mental health and therapy resources.
The immediate availability of firearms allows people who are experiencing emotional distress or acting on impulse to access guns too easily, which can have tragic consequences. Suicide attempts are often heavily contemplated within the first 24 hours. A national 24-48 hour waiting period could save many lives, and universal background checks would prevent violent criminals from easily obtaining firearms.
Expanding mental health coverage through Medicare would give more people access to the therapy they need. This support can help prevent individuals experiencing stressful or traumatic life events from acting out violently, whether toward themselves or others.
