Sanford Bishop — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Georgia, 2026

Congressman Sanford Bishop voted for the FY 2026 funding bill which froze ICE funding, citing outrage over aggressive ICE actions and a need for humane enforcement. He also supported the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038 and H.R. 1603). Bishop advocates for comprehensive, compassionate immigration reform that includes strengthening border security, modernizing laws, and ensuring due process while upholding America's values and interests.

“I am outraged that ICE is aggressively sweeping up American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families. We need guardrails to protect the public’s safety and make sure immigration enforcement is just, fair, and humane. Rather than providing ICE with a blank check, this bill froze its funding," added Congressman Bishop.”

Congressman Sanford Bishop voted for H.R. 1834 to restore Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced tax credits, aiming to make healthcare more affordable for Georgians by lowering monthly health insurance premiums. He supported combined funding bills for Fiscal Year 2026, protecting investments in medical research, public health, and other healthcare programs. Bishop also advocated for restoring Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants, emphasizing accessible and affordable healthcare.

““Today, I, along with a bipartisan group of U.S. House members, passed a bill to restore the ACA enhanced tax credits and make good quality health care affordable again. The U.S. Senate must quickly pass this bill, and the President should sign this into law,” said Congressman Bishop. (Source: Press Release, January 8, 2026)”

Congressman Sanford Bishop supports initiatives promoting conservation and energy efficiency, and he advocates for utilizing alternative energy sources while also expanding domestic supplies of oil and natural gas. He has supported funding for programs to research and develop advanced batteries for hybrid vehicles to decrease dependence on foreign oil and reduce carbon emissions. Bishop voted for Fiscal Year 2026 funding legislation that included federal programs covering science, water, and the environment.

Sanford Bishop voted against banning federal health coverage for abortion in May 2011 and supports funding for contraception and abortion access, citing that it avoids discrimination against poor women. He received a 0% rating from the National Right to Life Committee in the 115th Congress, indicating opposition to anti-abortion legislation. However, he also voted in favor of banning partial-birth abortions and restricting interstate transport for minors seeking abortions.

Sanford Bishop voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 and a combined funding bill for FY 2026 that supports military families, national defense, and diplomacy. He also voted against funding cuts for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and for War Powers resolutions to limit unauthorized military force. Bishop emphasizes that an effective foreign policy enhances U.S. security and economy, advocating for human rights, allied security assistance, and non-proliferation.

““America is at the forefront of innovation which strengthens our national defense and made us a world economic leader. Scientific, technological, and telecommunications advances have improved quality of life and connected Americans in ways that previous generations could have only dreamed.” – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.”

Sanford Bishop voted for H.R. 7148, the FY 2026 funding bill, which includes appropriations for the Departments of Labor and Education. He emphasizes that investing in education is vital for national success, ensuring schools and universities have resources while remaining affordable and accessible. He has secured millions for education programs, including STEM initiatives, and supported the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act to prevent school layoffs.

“Benjamin Franklin said, “an investment in education always pays the best dividends.” America is most successful when it taps the full range of its potential. It is vital that the nation’s schools and universities have the resources needed to prepare students while remaining affordable and accessible. - Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., from his official website (bishop.house.gov/legislative-work/education, bishop.house.gov/issues)”

Congressman Sanford Bishop supports the Second Amendment right to bear arms, stating that this right is appropriately subject to reasonable measures. He advocates for background checks to limit access for individuals whose mental health or criminal history demonstrates a lack of responsibility. He approved the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 8) and the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 1112). He has also supported legislation addressing straw purchases, gun trafficking, and safe storage requirements.

“I support the Constitution of the United States in its entirety, including the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. That right, however, is appropriately subject to reasonable measures including reasonable background checks to limit access by those whose mental health or criminal history demonstrates a lack of requisite responsibility." — Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02)”