Nikki Budzinski — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Illinois, 2026

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.

“I am horrified by the Trump Administration’s deployment of ICE into our communities. Masked officers abducting people off the streets – many of whom have lived here for decades, raised families, and contributed to our communities – is unacceptable. The recent deaths of two American citizens at the hands of ICE and CBP officers underscore the urgent need for congressional accountability. That is why I voted NO on additional ICE funding both times it came before the House this year. I cannot support a single additional dollar until meaningful, enforceable reforms are in place. I have been outspoken in condemning these extreme and reckless tactics, and I am actively supporting legislation to rein in ICE’s abuses. I am proud to cosponsor the No Secret Police Act and the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act.”

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.

“We live in the richest country in the world, and everyone should be able to afford reliable health care. But Republican policies under Donald Trump have pushed us into a health care crisis, and I’ve been fighting back. I’ve met with Medicaid patients facing $900 billion in proposed cuts, rural hospitals worried about closing their doors, and families whose ACA premiums are skyrocketing. Their stories are heartbreaking. That’s why I voted against the disastrous “Big Ugly Bill” and pushed for months to protect ACA tax credits. That fight paid off—but it’s not enough. I’m taking on pharmacy benefit managers who drive up drug prices, fighting for rural health funding, and working to deliver lasting solutions that lower costs and protect care for everyone. As Vice-Chair of Policy for the New Dem Coalition we just unveiled our healthcare agenda that includes efforts to end surprise billing and increasing transparency, and extending out-of-pocket prescription caps to more hardworking Americans. Again, healthcare should be affordable for everyone and the cuts coming down the pipeline are cruel – I’m going to keep fighting back and demanding better for our communities.”

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.

““There is much work that needs to be done to ensure we are responsibly transitioning to a 21st century economy while making sure that working families are at the center of the conversation. I am eager to get to work on these important issues.” – LCVAF Press Release”

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.

“Today is the 53rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. How are House Republicans celebrating? By voting on bills to further ERODE reproductive - Nikki Budzinski, Facebook post”

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.

“The 2026 Homeland Security funding bill that the House is voting on this week is an easy NO for me. It's a blank check with no accountability - Nikki Budzinski, Instagram”

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.

“I'm honored to have the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. From Champaign to Springfield to the Metro East and all the rural communities in between, I hear from families who rely on strong public schools and who need accessible higher education. I’ll continue standing up for them and opposing the President’s voucher schemes, protect our public schools and colleges, and seek to bring fairness to our tax code so that every student in Central and Southern Illinois gets the resources and opportunities to succeed. - Nikki Budzinski (Illinois Federation of Teachers, 2026 Primary Endorsements)”

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.