Who Is Running in Massachusetts Congressional District 1st in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Richard Neal
(Incumbent)Economy
HighRichard Neal prioritizes making jobs accessible, supporting the middle class, and fostering economic growth. He champions investments in higher education and workforce training, and delivered over $60 million in New Markets and Historic Tax Credits. Neal also co-sponsored the American Affordability Act and supported legislation like the American Rescue Plan and the CHIPS and Science Act to aid the economy. He criticized job losses under Trump and welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Trump's tariffs, citing them as detrimental to the American people and the global economy.
Immigration
HighRichard Neal voted against the ICE funding bill and supports comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for DREAMers. He believes immigrants contribute significantly to the nation's fabric and economic independence. Neal advocates for expediting work visas and extending Affordable Care Act benefits to DREAMers, aiming to uphold America's reputation as a land of opportunity. He also condemns certain ICE actions.
Healthcare
HighRichard Neal supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its tax credits, having voted with House Democrats and 17 Republicans to resurrect expired ACA tax credits. He opposes one-year extensions, arguing they fail to provide a lasting solution. Neal also criticizes Republican efforts he says deplete Medicare's Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, asserting such actions put lives at risk by reducing critical care funding for seniors and people with disabilities.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Richard Neal |
|---|---|
| Economy | Richard Neal prioritizes making jobs accessible, supporting the middle class, and fostering economic growth. He champions investments in higher education and workforce training, and delivered over $60 million in New Markets and Historic Tax Credits. Neal also co-sponsored the American Affordability Act and supported legislation like the American Rescue Plan and the CHIPS and Science Act to aid the economy. He criticized job losses under Trump and welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Trump's tariffs, citing them as detrimental to the American people and the global economy. High |
| Immigration | Richard Neal voted against the ICE funding bill and supports comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for DREAMers. He believes immigrants contribute significantly to the nation's fabric and economic independence. Neal advocates for expediting work visas and extending Affordable Care Act benefits to DREAMers, aiming to uphold America's reputation as a land of opportunity. He also condemns certain ICE actions. High |
| Healthcare | Richard Neal supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its tax credits, having voted with House Democrats and 17 Republicans to resurrect expired ACA tax credits. He opposes one-year extensions, arguing they fail to provide a lasting solution. Neal also criticizes Republican efforts he says deplete Medicare's Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, asserting such actions put lives at risk by reducing critical care funding for seniors and people with disabilities. High |
| Climate & Energy | Richard Neal supports climate action, stating an urgent need for action and smart solutions to address environmental risks for future generations. He led the Ways & Means Committee in developing and passing the Inflation Reduction Act, a $370 billion investment intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40% by 2030. His environmental voting record earned him a 99% score from the League of Conservation Voters for Massachusetts, a 95 for 2022, and 93 over his career. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Richard Neal consistently supports abortion rights, evidenced by his 100% score from NARAL Pro-Choice America in their 2020 Congressional Record. He voted for reproductive freedom, including against banning federal health coverage for abortion in May 2011 and against restricting interstate transport for minors seeking abortions in April 2005. Additionally, he scored 99% with the League of Conservation Voters in 2026 on a vote related to restoring abortion access. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Congressman Richard Neal voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. He supported the AGOA Extension Act, H.R. 6500, stating it is a cornerstone of America’s partnership with Africa. Neal opposed President Trump's tariffs on Canada and celebrated the Supreme Court's decision striking down unlawful IEEPA tariffs. He also criticized unauthorized military actions by the Trump administration in Venezuela and Iran, and expressed concern about foreign influence and corruption. High |
| Education | Richard Neal has supported public education initiatives, voting yes on measures such as $40 billion for green public schools, an additional $10.2 billion for federal education and HHS projects, and $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges. He opposed school voucher programs, voting no on reauthorizing the DC opportunity scholarship program. Neal received a 100% rating from the NEA for his pro-public education votes and announced a $7.35 million boost to STCC for STEM education and outreach. Medium |
| Gun Policy | Richard Neal maintains a pro-gun control voting record, receiving an F rating from the National Rifle Association. He voted against decreasing the gun waiting period from three days to one in 1999 and against bills prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers in 2005 and gunmakers/sellers in 2003. He supports background checks for all firearm sales, including private transfers. Medium |
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