William Foster — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Illinois, 2026

William Foster voted against the 2026 Homeland Security funding bill, citing concerns about ICE's abuses of power and excessive funding. He also voted against H.R. 2, calling it a "partisan stunt" that implemented "inhumane" Trump-era policies, diverting resources from CBP. Foster advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, including a strict but fair pathway to citizenship, and supports reversing counterproductive policies while protecting Dreamers. He also supports increased funding for CBP and high-tech border security.

““Today, the House will be taking up the 2026 Homeland Security funding bill. After reviewing the text of the legislation, I will be voting NO.” - William Foster, Foster Statement on 2026 Homeland Security Funding Legislation, January 22, 2026”

Congressman William Foster voted against H.R. 6703, known as the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. He has expressed criticism regarding unmet promises for affordable healthcare, citing that conditions have worsened. Foster also participated in a town hall to discuss healthcare, bringing a local clinic CEO to highlight the effects of federal decisions on families.

William Foster achieved a 100% score from the League of Conservation Voters in 2024 and a 95% lifetime score, indicating strong support for environmental protection and climate action. He voted against the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which would have established a Cap and Trade system. His climate stance generally aligns with opposing measures that favor fossil fuels.

William Foster has consistently voted to support abortion and reproductive rights, including the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, and the Right to Contraception Act. He voted against a 20-week abortion ban and holds a 100% pro-choice lifetime score from Planned Parenthood Action. He states that abortion decisions are best left between a woman and her doctor and advocates for codifying reproductive healthcare access nationwide.

“I believe that the decision to have an abortion is best left as a private decision between a woman and her doctor, not by politicians and the government.”

William Foster voted against the 2026 Homeland Security funding bill. He stated his vote was due to concerns about increased funding for ICE despite alleged abuses of power, and called for increased accountability and good-faith negotiations to improve immigration enforcement.

““Today, the House will be taking up the 2026 Homeland Security funding bill. After reviewing the text of the legislation, I will be voting NO. Last year, Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ increased ICE’s funding to exceed some countries’ military budgets. Since then, ICE operations have terrorized U.S. citizens and immigrants in our communities in Illinois, Minnesota, and across the country. ICE must be held accountable for its rampant abuses of power, not rewarded with more funding. Should this vote fail, I hope Republicans will return to the table to engage in good-faith negotiations about raising the level of honor and professionalism in immigration enforcement in the United States.” (William Foster, Foster Statement on 2026 Homeland Security Funding Legislation, January 22, 2026)”

William Foster champions "education freedom," citing polling data that shows strong public support for it across various demographics. He advocates for K-12 decisions to be made at the local level rather than by the federal government, proposing that federal education funding be block granted to states. Foster also supports universal access to public schools, Education Savings Accounts, and tax credits for family education expenses.

““Education freedom is a winning issue,” Foster said during a virtual release of the results this week. “There is no other issue out there that polls as well as this one in my 15 plus years of conducting polling with multiple firms and across probably a 100 different issues now. I have never seen an issue test this well, test this consistently and test this broadly.” - William Foster, Magnolia Tribune, December 22, 2025.”

Congressman William Foster supports measures to reduce gun violence, including banning military-style assault weapons and implementing universal background checks for all gun buyers. He voted for legislation to prohibit the sale and possession of semiaemiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, citing the goal of saving lives and making communities safer. He also supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, H.R. 8, and H.R. 1112.

“Today, I was proud to vote for legislation to prohibit the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and high capacity magazines. This legislation would save lives and make our communities safer." - Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), http://foster.house.gov/issues/gun-violence-prevention”