Patrick Ryan — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New York, 2026

Representative Patrick Ryan supports overhauling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) but rejects its abolition. He has voted against Department of Homeland Security funding linked to ICE and opposed a proposed ICE detention facility in Orange County. Ryan also committed to donating campaign funds from ICE contractors to immigrant advocacy groups. He voted against legislation such as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, Secure the Border Act, and the Equal Representation Act.

“To me, the choice can’t be between no border security and Trump’s ICE murdering people in the street. That is not a choice any of my constituents want.” Instead, he said: “We’ve got to rip it down to the studs and start over.” - U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, Daily Freeman, February 4, 2026”

Patrick Ryan advocates for affordable, quality healthcare for all, stating it is "the right thing to do." He supported the extension of life-saving healthcare tax credits to prevent price hikes and coverage loss. Ryan voted against H.R. 498, a bill that would bar Medicaid payments for certain medical treatments for minors. He also works to bolster military healthcare staffing and increase resources for mental health services for service members.

““Every hardworking Hudson Valley family deserves high-quality healthcare at a cost they can actually afford. That’s why we need all-hands-on-deck to fight Trump’s price hikes and extend these life-saving tax credits,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Today’s vote is a step in the right direction, but this fight is far from over. 17,000 of our neighbors – seniors, veterans, and single parents – have already lost coverage. Nearly half of them are kids. That’s a burden that our community simply cannot afford – and they shouldn’t have to. The Administration’s refusal to act is beyond cruel – it’s a total abandonment of the very people they’re meant to represent. It’s time to see once and for all who fights for the American people.””

Patrick Ryan advocates for bold climate action, viewing climate change as a significant threat. He aims to build on initiatives like green-careers academies, electrifying public transport, and expanding solar power. Ryan voted against HR 261, HR 3617, HR 4758, HR 4626, and HR 2988, which included measures to restrict undersea fiber optic cables and the Critical Minerals Supply Act, and the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act. He supports clean energy solutions to create jobs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, asserting America's role in environmental protection.

““Climate change is the greatest threat to our future and we must center it in our discourse. As County Executive, I saw firsthand what can happen when communities work together to address the climate crisis, from launching a green-careers academy, to electrifying our public bus network and expanding solar power Ulster County has been a leader. I’m excited to build on that work in Washington.” – LCVAF Press Release”

Patrick Ryan advocates for abortion rights and reproductive freedom, introducing the Stop Comstock Act to prevent a nationwide ban on abortion. He also introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act to codify access to Mifepristone and affirm FDA authority. Ryan champions legislation like the Women’s Health Protection Act and is a member of the Congressional Pro Choice Caucus. He is endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All.

“"This is a devastating decision that undercuts women's freedom, puts lives at risk, and rolls back decades of hard-won progress,"Ryan said in an emailed statement. "It's clear that now more than ever, we need champions in Congress who'll protect our freedoms and fight back against Washington extremism."”

Patrick Ryan opposed military action in Iran, explaining his stance by advocating against "regime-change wars" without a clear strategy, to prevent further loss of American lives as he experienced in Iraq. He supported the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 and voted for the Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to Taiwan Act. He also voted against the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, and opposed the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025.

“I lost friends in Iraq to Iran-backed terror groups. To me, honoring them means preventing another generation of brave Americans from dying in regime-change wars." - Rep. Pat Ryan (D), CBS6Albany, March 2, 2026.”

Patrick Ryan views quality education as essential for a thriving community, believing that well-funded schools lead to a stronger local economy and increased opportunities for young adults. He advocates for ensuring schools have necessary funding and teachers receive adequate support. Ryan also voted against a resolution that would nullify Department of Education rules providing nondiscrimination protections in federally funded education programs.

“My mom was a Kingston Public Schools teacher for 30 years, and she taught me the link between quality education and a thriving community. The better the schools, the stronger the local economy. The stronger the local economy, the more opportunity young adults will have to remain in the area and raise their own children. Every child deserves a world-class education, and I’ll fight to make that a reality by ensuring our schools have the funding they need and that our teachers have the support they need. (Pat Ryan, Ballotpedia)”

Having carried weapons of war in combat, Patrick Ryan supports specific gun reforms. He advocates for red flag laws, universal background checks, and an assault weapons ban to address gun violence. Ryan emphasizes that he understands the devastating power weapons can inflict.

“I took an oath to support and defend the constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I always perceived the greatest threat to be foreign, but it is clear with right-wing attacks on our democracy, women’s healthcare, and our ability to keep guns off our streets, we must stand up to domestic extremists.”