Thomas Emmer — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in Minnesota, 2026

Thomas Emmer introduced the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act in 2026. This act creates a path to denaturalize individuals convicted of fraud against the government, affiliation with a foreign terrorist organization, or aggravated felonies within 10 years of naturalization. Emmer states this legislation aims to restore integrity to the naturalization process. He also defended an ICE officer's actions in a shooting incident and expressed gratitude for Border Patrol agents' safety during enforcement.

“In a statement, Rep. Emmer says: "If you came to this country to harm and take advantage of the American people, I’ve got news for you: You’re going home. Anyone who commits fraud against American taxpayers, affiliates with a terrorist organization, or commits an aggravated felony or espionage after becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen never met the requirements for naturalization in the first place and should be denaturalized and deported. It’s common sense and the SCAM Act will make it law. This legislation not only holds Somali fraudsters in Minnesota accountable, but it restores long-overdue integrity to America’s entire naturalization process. It’s time to send them home."”

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Thomas Emmer has supported domestic oil and gas production and co-sponsored bills designed to counteract Biden's "green agenda." He has not often discussed climate change publicly, though he did express approval of the former president's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Emmer also reinforced the use of renewable fuels for airlines and jets at Farmfest.

“"Republicans, Democrats alike, we typically are communicating because we're going to help Minnesotans get the stuff they need," Emmer said. "You want lower costs for Americans. You want to allow energy companies to thrive without all of the bureaucratic red tape. You want to make America the energy superpower of the world." (Tom Emmer, CBS Minnesota, September 23, 2024)”

Thomas Emmer expressed that every life is precious and decisions regarding abortion should remain with the states following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. He co-sponsored the Heartbeat Protection Act, a bill introduced in February 2021, which aimed to prohibit abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected. He has also been described as supporting making all abortions illegal.

““Every life is precious, and the decision to defend it should remain with the states,” Emmer said after Roe was overturned.”

Thomas Emmer, who served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the 114th Congress, believes America should operate as a global force for good without overextending as the "world's policeman." He advocates for isolating regimes that threaten global stability and security, while also fostering cooperation with other nations to improve citizens' lives and safeguard American interests internationally.

“I have the honor of serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the 114th Congress. America must act as a global force for good, but not the world’s policeman. We must work to isolate the governments of regimes that threaten global stability and security, while working with nations to improve the lives of their citizens and protect American interests abroad. - Thomas Emmer, Ballotpedia (regarding his service in the 114th Congress)”

Congressman Thomas Emmer leads efforts to fully defund the Department of Education for Fiscal Year 2026, aiming to end federal overreach and empower states, parents, and school districts to improve children's learning outcomes. He also advocates for revamping higher education, proposing it be more targeted toward specific industries and workforce needs to provide manufacturers and skilled trade companies with workers.

“In the future, education is going to become targeted to specific industries and needs, as opposed to what we have now, which is people spending thousands of dollars, in some cases a six-figure number of dollars, getting a four-year liberal arts degree. That doesn't really translate into the marketplace.” — Thomas Emmer, St. Cloud Times, October 10, 2024”

Thomas Emmer voted against the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. He voted in favor of the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act and the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act. Emmer introduced the Firearm Due Process Protection Act, stating that the Second Amendment is a crucial individual liberty that should remain free from government intrusion. He believes it is essential for protection against tyrannical government.

“The Second Amendment is an essential civil right and a significant part of our heritage in Minnesota. Our founders understood that an individual’s right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protection against tyrannical government. Citizens must remain vigilant in order to protect their rights, and the ability to lawfully exercise these rights should remain free from government intrusion. (Tom Emmer, Ballotpedia)”