‘Businesses throughout our communities have faced the growing burden of organized retail crime, making it clear that a bipartisan solution was needed to make a positive change across Arizona’s Sixth District.’
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani
Contributed Article
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani’s outstanding leadership and tireless advocacy for the retail industry and small business has earned him the 2026 Hero of Main Street Award from the National Retail Federation.
The congressman accepted the award on Tuesday at the Federation’s Retail Advocates Summit in Washington, D.C.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Hero of Main Street Award from the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. “Businesses throughout our communities have faced the growing burden of organized retail crime, making it clear that a bipartisan solution was needed to make a positive change across Arizona’s Sixth District. These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers, but they are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 provides concrete solutions to combat these crimes, which often fuel other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking.”
Congressman Ciscomani earned the recognition in part for his leadership as an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (H.R. 2853).
The legislation would:
- Strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute organized retail crime.
- Expand federal tools to combat money laundering and interstate retail theft operations.
- Establish a coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security to improve collaboration against organized retail and supply chain crime.
According to the Federation’s website, the award recognizes “members of Congress for consistent support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities” and who support policies and initiatives “that recognize the important contributions of the retail industry and have worked to encourage a vibrant, sustained and healthy retail sector.”
Since taking office in 2023, Representative Ciscomani has prioritized supporting Arizona’s small businesses and protecting Main Street in Congress. In addition to cosponsoring the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, he has cosponsored six other bills for America’s small businesses. He remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen local retailers and promote economic opportunity for hardworking men and women.
Local leaders thanked Rep. Ciscomani for his continued work on behalf of small businesses throughout Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District.
“Congressman Ciscomani has consistently made an effort to engage with Arizona’s business community and hear directly from employers about the opportunities and challenges they face,” said Kristen Sharp, President and CEO of Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate his willingness to participate in local business discussions and congratulate him on being recognized by the National Retail Federation with its Hero of Main Street Award.”
“As a small business owner here in southern Arizona, I am grateful for Congressman Ciscomani’s strong advocacy for small business,” said Josh Jacobsen, restaurant owner and co-founder of the Tucson Crime Free Coalition. “Juan has proven time and time again that he will fight to ensure small businesses have the resources and tools they need to thrive. He has our back, and we know he’s there for us when we need him. I want to thank Congressman Ciscomani for leading the effort of protecting small business and look forward to seeing the positive impact of legislation like the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 here in Arizona.”
