Russell Fulcher — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in Idaho, 2026

Russell Fulcher supports immigration reform and prioritizes border security as a constitutional responsibility of Congress to protect national sovereignty. He voted in favor of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which allocates resources to enhance immigration enforcement and homeland defense capabilities. He has also highlighted a "secure border" as an accomplishment.

“Through my 24 years of work in the technology industry, I visited 47 countries and found a similarity between these vastly diverse places– countries protect their borders. Protecting the sovereignty of our nation is one of the few constitutionally-granted responsibilities of Congress, and the security of our border had been neglected for far too long. — Russell Fulcher, fulcher.house.gov/legislation/key-issues-2/”

Congressman Russell Fulcher voted against extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, citing that government mandates and the ACA itself have led to skyrocketing health insurance premiums and unsustainable spending. He introduced the Removing Insurance Gaps for Health Treatment (RIGHT) Act of 2025, which aims to expand short-term limited-duration health plans from four months to one year, renewable for up to three years. He stated this bill is a practical, no-cost approach to offer families more choice, control, and flexibility.

““Idahoans deserve affordable and flexible healthcare plans that meet their needs,” said Congressman Fulcher. ... “My bill, the RIGHT Act, expands STLDI plans to a full year, with the option to renew for up to three years. This is a practical, no-cost approach that offers families more choice, control, and flexibility to select the healthcare options that work best for them.” — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher, Gem State Chronicle, December 4, 2025”

Russell Fulcher states that regulating climate change is not a government responsibility and voted against assisting rural electric renewable energy. He advocates for transferring federal lands in Idaho to state and local control, citing the federal government's inability to afford proper land management as a cause for wildfires and a hindrance to economic opportunities. He supports modernizing NEPA to address poorly managed areas and enhance local management of natural resources.

““Last year, federal land mismanagement was a major factor in nearly one million acres of our beautiful Idaho going up in flames, a level of devastation that puts significant financial strain on our local economies,” Fulcher wrote. (U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, in a letter to Idaho officials, as reported by Idaho Capital Sun, December 10, 2025)”

Russell Fulcher identifies as 'strongly and consistently pro-life,' stating that life begins at conception and unborn children have an inherent right to life, needing protection. He has voted against bills not upholding the right to life and is a sponsor of HB21, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Fulcher has earned a 100% voting score from the National Right to Life, an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony List’s 'National Pro-Life Scorecard,' and a 2% score from the League of Conservation Voters.

“I am strongly and consistently pro-life — both at the beginning and at the end of life. Life begins at conception, and every unborn child has the inherent right to life. The unborn are the least capable of defending themselves, and in the most desperate need of protection. I have voted against every bill that does not uphold the right to life for the unborn and my first speech on the House floor emphasized my pro-life values and the need to protect the unborn. [...] My concern for life doesn’t end with the child. It includes ensuring women receive general gynecological care and proper maternal care during and after pregnancy. And, it includes strong geriatric care for the elderly in our society. Finally, we must not tolerate women being coerced into having an abortion. -- Russell Fulcher, fulcher.house.gov/legislation/key-issues-2/abortion/”

Russell Fulcher voted in favor of the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, which provides a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers and enhances investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft and munitions. He advocates for a robust defense to protect U.S. sovereignty, liberties, and commerce. Fulcher opposes nation-building and prolonged engagements without clear strategy, asserting that military operations must be approved by Congress and led by the U.S. military to defend the homeland and interests.

“I oppose nation-building and excessively long engagements that lack a definition and strategy to win. The job of the military is to fight and win wars to defend our homeland and interests only. These military operations must be approved and supported by a proper act of Congress and led by the U.S. military. (Russell Fulcher, fulcher.house.gov/legislation/key-issues-2/)”

Russell Fulcher co-sponsored the Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today (STUDENT) Act. This legislation aims to rewrite the NEA's federal charter to refocus the union on its primary mission of improving education in America. He has also expressed opposition to federal funding for teachers' unions, advocating for an end to government support for these organizations.

Representative Russ Fulcher voted against the U.S. House ban on assault weapons and opposed the Senate Gun Control Act. He believes the latter curtails due process rights and imposes restrictions on law-abiding citizens, asserting that more restrictive gun control does not protect public safety. Fulcher emphasizes the constitutional right to keep and bear arms, opposing universal background checks and waiting periods for firearm purchases.

“Rep. Russ Fulcher: “The Senate Gun Control Act curtails Americans’ due process rights and singles out law-abiding citizens under 21 for additional restrictions. As the Supreme Court has affirmed time after time, including as recently as (Thursday), we have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. I oppose this legislation and voted NO.””