Robert Menendez — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New Jersey, 2026

Congressman Robert Menendez opposes current immigration enforcement, criticizing House Republicans for blocking his amendments to H.R. 7147 aimed at restricting funds for warehouse-style detention centers and improving visitor conditions. He advocates for humane and effective border security, including closing private detention centers and establishing new legal pathways to citizenship. Menendez states that current enforcement policies are "un-American" and target "Black and brown communities," noting that over 70% of New Jersey detainees lack criminal records.

““Instead of working with us to address these issues and to ensure that people are afforded basic dignity, they rejected both of my amendments,” said Menendez. “They showed once again that they will never hold DHS, ICE, or this Administration accountable.” - Robert Menendez, HudPost, January 22, 2026”

Robert Menendez supports affordable and accessible healthcare, stating it is a human right. He voted to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to protect families from skyrocketing premiums and supported the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act to increase cost disclosure and accountability. He also chairs the Dads Caucus Mental Health Working Group, aiming to address mental health stigmas and expand access to services.

““Today, House Democrats delivered a major win for the American people by forcing a vote on the House Floor and passing legislation to extend ACA tax credits for three years. This vote protects affordable health care for families across New Jersey whose premiums have already skyrocketed due to Republican inaction. Further, it delivers a clear message that the Trump Administration’s attacks on the ACA are deeply unpopular with constituents in blue and red states. Now, the Senate must act. Every New Jerseyan deserves access to quality, affordable health care, and that is a promise I will never stop fighting to keep.” - Congressman Rob Menendez, House Press Release”

Robert Menendez advocates for a clean energy economy, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 and provide resident cost savings for clean energy transitions. He co-introduced H.R. 6983 and H.R. 6984, legislation requiring data centers to generate their own clean energy and transition to 100% renewable sources by 2040, to protect constituents from rising electricity bills. He voted against cuts to climate programs to support environmental justice and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

““While AI innovation is promising, we must ensure that our constituents are not negatively impacted because of the industry’s continued growth,” said Congressman Menendez. “New Jersey families have seen their electricity bills increased by 20% because of the rapid growth of energy-intensive AI data centers. Our bills would protect Americans by requiring data centers to generate their own clean energy, transition to 100% renewable sources by 2040, and provide detailed, transparent reporting on their environmental footprint. Addressing the growing energy affordability crisis requires bold solutions, and that is what we are delivering with this legislation that puts working families first.” (Congressman Rob Menendez, Press Release, January 08, 2026)”

Congressman Robert Menendez advocates for expanding access to affordable health care and protecting a woman's right to choose. He intends to fight for the codification of Roe v. Wade to restore reproductive autonomy and supports legislation to ensure safer, more accessible abortion medication. Menendez also plans to advocate for the FDA to lift restrictions on mail-order medications and work to repeal the Hyde Amendment, citing its impact on women of limited means.

Congressman Rob Menendez stated his opposition to a president unilaterally committing the U.S. to war without congressional authorization. He called for Congress to immediately reassert its war powers, specifically mentioning the need to pass a war powers resolution to prevent an unauthorized war with Iran. He believes supporting Iranian democracy is possible without initiating a conflict.

“No president should be able to unilaterally commit America to a war without authorization from Congress or the consent of the American people. And it is clear, Americans do not want to send our sons and daughters to go to war with Iran. That is exactly why Congress needs to immediately reassert its war powers. We can support Iranian democracy without starting a war that no one wants. Congress must pass a war powers resolution and stop Trump from committing us to yet another war.” – Congressman Rob Menendez, Statement by Congressman Rob Menendez on Trump's Unauthorized Attack on Iran, February 28, 2026”

Robert Menendez advocates for accessible and affordable education, supporting the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act and the Universal School Meals Program Act. He also co-sponsors the College for All Act and the Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act to address student debt. Menendez introduced the Parental Workforce Training Act and co-sponsored child care legislation. He is endorsed by the NJEA and NEA, stating his commitment to educators.

““As the son and grandson of NJEA members, I know the deep impact that teachers and education support professionals can make in someone’s life. NJEA members uplift our future generations every single day, and they deserve someone who will have their backs in Congress. I will always stand with our educators and support the critical work that they do.” - Robert Menendez, as cited by Hudson County View, regarding his endorsement for a third term.”

Robert Menendez supports increasing the scope of background checks and reenacting the federal assault weapons ban. He advocates for safe firearm storage and for closing loopholes in gun purchasing laws, additionally supporting measures to expand the ability to remove guns from abusive dating partners, felons, and children. He has called for Senate votes on gun safety measures, emphasizing that assault weapons with high-capacity magazines do not belong in communities.

“Every mass shooting is the result of a policy failure. Guns — especially assault weapons equipped with high capacity magazines — don't belong in our communities, and in no circumstances should those who seek to do harm with such weapons have greater rights than the nation's children to whom we have a precious obligation to protect. While our thoughts and prayers are with each one of the families that are grieving this unimaginable loss, we must go beyond and take action. Every day that goes by without commonsense gun reform is a setback in our ability to promote American virtue and values to the rest of the world." - Bob Menendez (D) New Jersey, from PBS NewsHour”