Who Is Running in Pennsylvania Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Rob Bresnahan
(Incumbent)Economy
HighRob Bresnahan voted for the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, to secure $11.4 million for Northeastern Pennsylvania. He stated these funds support infrastructure, housing, and workforce development projects to strengthen the region and create jobs. Additionally, he supported extending ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits to prevent immediate premium spikes, linking health insurance costs to the broader economy. His campaign highlights his focus on creating family-sustaining jobs as a small business owner.
Immigration
HighRob Bresnahan voted in favor of H.R. 7147 and H.R. 7148, appropriations acts linked to Homeland Security. He supports protecting Medicaid by ensuring funds are not used by "illegal aliens" and implementing work requirements for able-bodied recipients, aiming to secure the program for those in need. He also received criticism for voting to increase funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Healthcare
HighRob Bresnahan voted to extend ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits in 2026, aiming to prevent premium spikes for 28,000 constituents and maintain discussions for healthcare reforms. He also reaffirmed his commitment to improving healthcare in Northeastern Pennsylvania, supporting 50 related bills, and advocates for targeted investments in rural healthcare. Bresnahan stated he opposes cutting Medicaid benefits but voted for a GOP budget blueprint that critics linked to potential cuts, which he termed a procedural step.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Rob Bresnahan |
|---|---|
| Economy | Rob Bresnahan voted for the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, to secure $11.4 million for Northeastern Pennsylvania. He stated these funds support infrastructure, housing, and workforce development projects to strengthen the region and create jobs. Additionally, he supported extending ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits to prevent immediate premium spikes, linking health insurance costs to the broader economy. His campaign highlights his focus on creating family-sustaining jobs as a small business owner. High |
| Immigration | Rob Bresnahan voted in favor of H.R. 7147 and H.R. 7148, appropriations acts linked to Homeland Security. He supports protecting Medicaid by ensuring funds are not used by "illegal aliens" and implementing work requirements for able-bodied recipients, aiming to secure the program for those in need. He also received criticism for voting to increase funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). High |
| Healthcare | Rob Bresnahan voted to extend ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits in 2026, aiming to prevent premium spikes for 28,000 constituents and maintain discussions for healthcare reforms. He also reaffirmed his commitment to improving healthcare in Northeastern Pennsylvania, supporting 50 related bills, and advocates for targeted investments in rural healthcare. Bresnahan stated he opposes cutting Medicaid benefits but voted for a GOP budget blueprint that critics linked to potential cuts, which he termed a procedural step. High |
| Climate & Energy | Rob Bresnahan voted in favor of H.R.4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, and H.R.4626, the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act, on February 24-25, 2026. These votes reflect a stance that limits government regulation on residential energy use and appliance standards. He has also stated an intention to work with the Environmental Protection Agency to address local Northeastern Pennsylvania issues. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Rob Bresnahan supports states deciding their own abortion laws and praised the Dobbs decision, stating that the "best form of government is the government closest to the people." He does not support federal legislation that would impose a national abortion ban or a ban after six weeks. Bresnahan has an "F" rating from SBAprolife.org. He also voted in favor of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which defines a person's sex based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth. High |
| Foreign Policy | Rob Bresnahan demonstrates support for foreign policy and defense, making it a primary focus that includes national security and armed forces. He voted in favor of the ROTOR Act (S.2503) and the Information Quality Assurance Act (H.R.6329) on February 24, 2026. Additionally, a significant portion (27%) of the bills he sponsors fall under the "Armed Forces and National Security" issue area. Medium |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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