Who Is Running in Florida Congressional District 5th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
John Rutherford
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJohn Rutherford supported the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, citing its role in unprecedented economic growth and historically low unemployment rates. He voted for the FY2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, aiming to cut wasteful spending and fund infrastructure projects in Northeast Florida. Rutherford also applauded the House passage of H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as an economic assistance package. He advocated for $17.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to address rail congestion in Jacksonville.
Immigration
HighCongressman John Rutherford voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, emphasizing its role in securing the border and strengthening enforcement against drug trafficking and human exploitation. He states that the U.S. government must uphold its laws and prioritize the protection of citizens, while also acknowledging the U.S. as a nation of immigrants. He has taken legislative actions aimed at securing borders and streamlining the immigration process.
Healthcare
HighJohn Rutherford voted against extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. He supported the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included funding for effective education and health systems, and prioritized funding for rural health. Additionally, he voted in favor of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act in 2025, which aims to reduce healthcare costs for Americans.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | John Rutherford |
|---|---|
| Economy | John Rutherford supported the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, citing its role in unprecedented economic growth and historically low unemployment rates. He voted for the FY2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, aiming to cut wasteful spending and fund infrastructure projects in Northeast Florida. Rutherford also applauded the House passage of H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as an economic assistance package. He advocated for $17.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to address rail congestion in Jacksonville. High |
| Immigration | Congressman John Rutherford voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, emphasizing its role in securing the border and strengthening enforcement against drug trafficking and human exploitation. He states that the U.S. government must uphold its laws and prioritize the protection of citizens, while also acknowledging the U.S. as a nation of immigrants. He has taken legislative actions aimed at securing borders and streamlining the immigration process. High |
| Healthcare | John Rutherford voted against extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. He supported the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included funding for effective education and health systems, and prioritized funding for rural health. Additionally, he voted in favor of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act in 2025, which aims to reduce healthcare costs for Americans. High |
| Climate & Energy | John Rutherford voted "Yes" on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act in February 2026. He supports energy freedom. The League of Conservation Voters gives him a lifetime environmental score of 6% and a 0% score for 2024, indicating a low level of support for policies favored by this environmental group. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | John Rutherford voted for H.R. 36, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, in 2026, which restricts abortions after 20 weeks gestational age. He co-sponsored this bill, citing the belief that abortion is violence against children and that the vote aimed to save lives and protect unborn babies from pain. He received an A+ from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and Reproductive Freedom for All assigned him a score of 0. High |
| Foreign Policy | Congressman John Rutherford voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which authorizes military procurement and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. He supports military action against Iran, stating that the Iranian regime's terrorism and nuclear weapons development necessitate such operations. Rutherford has also endorsed President Trump's America First policies, emphasizing a strong military. High |
| Education | John Rutherford advocates for state and local control in education, believing that federal mandates hinder communities' ability to meet student needs. He is committed to reducing federal intrusion in education policy to empower local educators and administrators. He voted for H.R. 6157, which allocated funding to the Department of Education for FY 2019, and co-reintroduced the Luke and Alex School Safety Act to codify a federal clearinghouse for school safety best practices. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Medium |
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