Kathy Castor — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Florida, 2026

Representative Kathy Castor voted against extensions of funding for the Department of Homeland Security in January and February 2026, citing concerns over alleged abuses of power by ICE and CBP. She advocates for real pathways to citizenship for individuals willing to work and pay taxes, alongside strong laws to secure the border from criminals. Castor also supports investing in immigration courts and blames former President Trump for blocking bipartisan immigration reform efforts.

“"This is a moral moment for America. After the brutal murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the widespread abuse of power by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), I cannot support one penny more for the lawless actions of the DHS." — U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, statement after voting ‘no’ on an extension of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, February 3, 2026.”

Kathy Castor voted in favor of the House Democrats' bill to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for three years, citing the importance of affordable, consistent access to care. She also voted against a GOP budget bill that she stated would lead to health care cost increases and coverage losses for millions. Castor advocates for the principle that a strong economy requires healthy Americans and supports efforts to lower costs and expand coverage for families and children, including being a champion for Medicare.

“Neighbors across the Tampa Bay area who are grappling with huge health cost increases in the new year have hope for their pocketbooks and affordable care. House Democrats successfully forced a vote and were joined by seventeen Republicans to pass a three-year extension of enhanced tax credits. I appreciate the many Tampa Bay neighbors who shared their stories about the economic stability that affordable health coverage provides. Our health care system needs reform, but we cannot allow Republicans to sabotage health care for 22 million Americans in order to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires. People deserve affordable, consistent access to the care they need. The ACA has been a godsend for hardworking Americans since it was signed into law fifteen years ago in ending discrimination for preexisting conditions, allowing young people to stay on parents insurance until age 26, and providing true options for the self-employed. Our country and economy are stronger when Americans are healthy and can thrive. I am thankful to the handful of Republicans who worked in a bipartisan manner with Democrats to get this bill across the finish line. The Senate should immediately pass the three-year so our neighbors have greater access to more affordable health care coverage." — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Statement on House Passage of Democrats' Affordable Care Act Three-Year Tax Credit Extension, January 8, 2026.”

Representative Kathy Castor supports environmental protection, clean energy, and smart growth management, aiming to protect Florida's ecosystems and economies. She voted Nay on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R. 4758) and the Home Appliance Protection and Affordability Act (H.R. 4626). Castor has criticized the rescission of the EPA's Clean Air Act “Endangerment Finding” and the withdrawal from international climate treaties, citing concerns over scientific negligence, increased pollution, and rising costs for families.

““Rescinding the Endangerment Finding gives polluters a free pass to pollute the air we breathe while families pay the price with higher health care costs, higher insurance premiums, and greater risks to their livelihoods from extreme weather. This reckless move ignores science, puts corporate polluters first, and puts our community at risk. I will fight to restore these protections and hold polluters accountable.” — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Statement on Trump’s Latest Gift to Polluters, February 12, 2026”

Representative Kathy Castor supports abortion rights and reproductive healthcare, emphasizing that medical decisions should remain between patients and providers without political interference. She co-sponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act and voted in favor of the Right to Contraception Act (H.R. 8373) and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act (H.R. 8297). Castor is a member of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, advocating for individuals' fundamental freedom to decide their own pathways in life.

“Everyone deserves the fundamental freedom to decide their own pathways in life, regardless of where they live, which is why Democrats are taking action to protect access to health care, including contraception and abortion care. On behalf of my neighbors in Florida and across America, I was proud to vote for legislation to give people the right to control their own futures." — Representative Kathy Castor, in "Rep. Castor, House Democrats Take Action to Protect Women’s Access to Birth Control, Republicans Oppose In Another Extreme Vote"”

Kathy Castor voted against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing concerns regarding the militarization of American cities and alleged abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She also criticized the Trump administration's strikes in Iran, emphasizing that any military action should have congressional authorization and a clear endgame to avoid open-ended conflicts.

“I am deeply committed to protecting the safety of American service members and civilians in the Middle East at a moment when the president has initiated a new war without authorization from Congress or the consent of the American people. (Kathy Castor, Statement on Trump Admin Strikes in Iran, February 28, 2026)”

Representative Kathy Castor advocates for improving schools and educational opportunities, believing in providing students and families with the necessary tools for success. She has worked on initiatives from Head Start to post-doctoral research programs. Castor pressed the Trump administration to release over $6 billion in federal education funds, including $398 million for Florida public schools, and condemned an executive order that redirected support from students and teachers to fund tax cuts.

Research pending more substantial sources.