Who Is Running in Illinois Congressional District 13th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Nikki Budzinski
(Incumbent)Economy
HighNikki Budzinski champions an Affordability Agenda focused on reducing costs for working families in healthcare, housing, energy, family care, and groceries. She voted "Yea" on the Housing for the 21st Century Act (2026) and supports a tax credit for small businesses hiring apprentices to create opportunities. Budzinski also voted "Nay" on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (2026) and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act (2026), aligning with her goal of strengthening economic security.
Immigration
HighRepresentative Nikki Budzinski voted against additional funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing a lack of accountability measures and alleged disregard for human life and the rule of law by the agency. She advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, including provisions for a path to citizenship for Dreamers and work authorization for other undocumented immigrants. She co-sponsors legislation like the No Secret Police Act and the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act, aiming to ban masks for ICE officers, require body cameras, and limit the use of force.
Healthcare
HighNikki Budzinski voted against Republican funding bills, including the "Big Ugly Bill," citing opposition to healthcare cuts and the belief that everyone should afford reliable healthcare. She advocates for extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which she considers a "red line," and introduced legislation to lower co-pays and deductibles. As Vice-Chair of Policy for the New Dem Coalition, she supports ending surprise billing and increasing transparency.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Nikki Budzinski |
|---|---|
| Economy | Nikki Budzinski champions an Affordability Agenda focused on reducing costs for working families in healthcare, housing, energy, family care, and groceries. She voted "Yea" on the Housing for the 21st Century Act (2026) and supports a tax credit for small businesses hiring apprentices to create opportunities. Budzinski also voted "Nay" on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (2026) and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act (2026), aligning with her goal of strengthening economic security. High |
| Immigration | Representative Nikki Budzinski voted against additional funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing a lack of accountability measures and alleged disregard for human life and the rule of law by the agency. She advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, including provisions for a path to citizenship for Dreamers and work authorization for other undocumented immigrants. She co-sponsors legislation like the No Secret Police Act and the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act, aiming to ban masks for ICE officers, require body cameras, and limit the use of force. High |
| Healthcare | Nikki Budzinski voted against Republican funding bills, including the "Big Ugly Bill," citing opposition to healthcare cuts and the belief that everyone should afford reliable healthcare. She advocates for extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which she considers a "red line," and introduced legislation to lower co-pays and deductibles. As Vice-Chair of Policy for the New Dem Coalition, she supports ending surprise billing and increasing transparency. High |
| Climate & Energy | Nikki Budzinski advocates for a just and equitable clean energy transition, aiming to protect clean air and water, and public lands from oil drilling, while also seeking to create high-paying union jobs in the clean energy sector. She has a 96% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters and has been endorsed by the LCV Action Fund. Budzinski voted against measures like the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Nikki Budzinski supports reproductive rights, demonstrated by her voting record against measures limiting abortion access. She voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R.26) and the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act (H.R.6914). Budzinski also cosponsored a resolution to block a VA rule reducing veterans' abortion care, aligning with principles of ensuring veterans' freedoms. She is endorsed by Jewish Dems and has expressed concern over actions eroding reproductive rights. High |
| Foreign Policy | Nikki Budzinski voted against a FY26 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill, specifically opposing additional funding for ICE, citing it as a "blank check with no accountability." She supports the impeachment of the Homeland Security Secretary. Additionally, Budzinski has called for a vote on a war powers resolution concerning U.S. attacks on Iran, indicating a desire for congressional oversight on military actions. High |
| Education | Nikki Budzinski champions funding for education programs, securing $6.65 million for community projects. She co-sponsored and passed the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act, aiming to enhance educational opportunities for veterans in STEM fields. Endorsed by the Illinois Federation of Teachers for 2026, she advocates for strong public schools, accessible higher education, and fairness in the tax code to provide students with resources, while opposing voucher schemes. High |
| Gun Policy | Representative Nikki Budzinski voted against H.R.4225, the "Protect Children Through Safe Gun Ownership Act," in 2026. This bill aimed to regulate gun ownership. No further public statements on her gun policy position for the 2026 election are provided. Medium |
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