Janice Schakowsky — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Illinois, 2026

Janice Schakowsky advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, balancing border security with a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals. She believes this enables immigrants to legally work, pay taxes, and earn American citizenship. Schakowsky cosponsored and voted for the American Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6, to protect Dreamers and other recipients. She also opposes discriminatory "stop and check" policies, citing concerns about racial profiling and equal protection under the law.

“"As a first generation American and daughter of immigrants, I am so proud to have cosponsored, voted for, and help pass the American Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6. This legislation ensures that Dreamers, Temporary Protective Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients are protected from detention and deportation and have a pathway to U.S. citizenship." — U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, (http://schakowsky.house.gov/issues/dream)”

Janice Schakowsky voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) because it included provisions that restrict gender-affirming care for service members and their families. She stated that it is cruel to deny service members access to the healthcare they need. While acknowledging positive aspects like increased access to birth control and IVF for TRICARE members, she ultimately opposed the bill. Schakowsky also endorsed Juliana Stratton, highlighting Stratton's commitment to defending healthcare.

“Today, I once again voted against the Republican's extremist National Defense Authorization Act. Not only does this harmful bill exacerbate an already over-bloated Pentagon budget, authorizing nearly $900 billion in additional spending for the Department of Defense, it also attacks some of the most vulnerable among us. This bill reflects the wrong priorities and the wrong vision for our future. [...] It is cruel to ask our service members to defend us and our country and then, in return, trample all over their rights and access to healthcare. Despite these important provisions, this legislation does not reflect the best interests of our nation and does not provide the protection that our service members need, and that is why I ultimately could not support the FY26 NDAA’s passage." - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, in a press release titled "Schakowsky Statement on Voting Against FY26 NDAA", September 10, 2025.”

Janice Schakowsky identifies climate change as a serious threat and supports legislation aimed at reducing global warming pollution. She seeks to create clean energy jobs, save consumers energy costs, and enhance energy independence. Schakowsky also led a resolution to protect children's fundamental rights to a safe, habitable environment and offered an amendment requiring Congress to accept scientific findings on man-made carbon pollution.

“I will do everything in my power to secure equal rights for all, an economy that works for everyone, not just the rich, universal health care, reproductive rights, environmental protections and climate security, and so much more." - Janice Schakowsky, in her announcement not to seek re-election in 2026.”

Janice Schakowsky supports reproductive rights. She voted against the FY26 NDAA because it banned gender-affirming care for service members and their families, which she stated would "trample all over their rights and access to healthcare." She also opposed an amendment aiming to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions, and has explicitly vowed to continue fighting for reproductive rights. She supports increased access to birth control and IVF for military members.

“I vow to continue taking every opportunity possible to fight for my community and my country. I will do everything in my power to secure equal rights for all, an economy that works for everyone, not just the rich, universal health care, reproductive rights, environmental protections and climate security, and so much more. We must all keep the faith, continue to resist, and make our voices heard, because when we fight, we win!” — Janice Schakowsky, in a press release titled "Schakowsky Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026" (May 2025)”

Representative Schakowsky voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act due to concerns about excessive Pentagon spending and provisions she believes harm military readiness, such as those impacting gender-affirming care and diversity programs. She argues that the budget should prioritize social investments like healthcare and education. While opposing the overall bill, she supported provisions like a service member pay raise and the repeal of past Authorization for Use of Military Force acts. She has also expressed opposition to military action in Iran.

“Today, I once again voted against passage of the Republican’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While I support several important components of this legislation, I could not in good conscience vote for the bill in its entirety. The FY26 NDAA authorizes over $890 billion in additional Pentagon spending. That is $8 billion more than the Pentagon itself said it needed. Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflects that. We must instead make the investments in health care, education, housing, clean air and water, and public transit that Americans deserve. (Jan Schakowsky, Statement on Vote Against FY26 NDAA, December 10, 2025)”

Janice Schakowsky has stated her support for investments in education. She emphasized this position when explaining her vote against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA), arguing that funds should instead be directed towards areas like education, healthcare, housing, clean air and water, and public transit, which Americans deserve.

“Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflects that. We must instead make the investments in health care, education, housing, clean air and water, and public transit that Americans deserve. — Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Press Release, December 10, 2025”

Research pending more substantial sources.