Who Is Running in Texas Congressional District 16th in 2026?
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Veronica Escobar
(Incumbent)Economy
HighVeronica Escobar voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, prioritizing Fort Bliss, servicemembers, and the El Paso economy. She has consistently supported appropriations bills that invest federal funding in El Paso and servicemembers. Escobar advocates for tax policies that favor working families and small businesses, supports a $15/hour minimum wage, and aims to protect union workers and ensure equal pay.
Immigration
HighVeronica Escobar voted against the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, citing concerns about codifying the misuse of the military for immigration enforcement. She introduced the Stop ICE Election Militarization Act to prevent federal agents from interfering with the electoral process through immigration enforcement. Escobar also co-sponsored the Dignity Act and supports the American Dream and Promise Act to create legal immigration pathways, including for DACA recipients, emphasizing a fair and humane approach to the immigration system.
Healthcare
HighVeronica Escobar voted against the 2026 Republican Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill, citing concerns about privatizing veterans' medical care, VA workforce reductions, and limited abortion access for women veterans. She supported legislation to restore Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, aiming to lower health insurance costs for millions, including El Paso residents. She also opposed cuts to addiction and mental health services funding and other government funding bills she stated would increase healthcare premiums.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Veronica Escobar |
|---|---|
| Economy | Veronica Escobar voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, prioritizing Fort Bliss, servicemembers, and the El Paso economy. She has consistently supported appropriations bills that invest federal funding in El Paso and servicemembers. Escobar advocates for tax policies that favor working families and small businesses, supports a $15/hour minimum wage, and aims to protect union workers and ensure equal pay. High |
| Immigration | Veronica Escobar voted against the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, citing concerns about codifying the misuse of the military for immigration enforcement. She introduced the Stop ICE Election Militarization Act to prevent federal agents from interfering with the electoral process through immigration enforcement. Escobar also co-sponsored the Dignity Act and supports the American Dream and Promise Act to create legal immigration pathways, including for DACA recipients, emphasizing a fair and humane approach to the immigration system. High |
| Healthcare | Veronica Escobar voted against the 2026 Republican Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill, citing concerns about privatizing veterans' medical care, VA workforce reductions, and limited abortion access for women veterans. She supported legislation to restore Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, aiming to lower health insurance costs for millions, including El Paso residents. She also opposed cuts to addiction and mental health services funding and other government funding bills she stated would increase healthcare premiums. High |
| Climate & Energy | Representative Veronica Escobar supports climate action and a transition to clean energy, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. She served on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and helped secure investments through the Inflation Reduction Act. Escobar voted for the FY2026 government funding package, which allocated funds for clean water, energy efficiency, the EPA, electric grid infrastructure, and renewable energy projects. She also actively works to preserve natural resources like Castner Range. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Veronica Escobar strongly supports abortion and reproductive rights, advocating for the freedom of individuals to make personal health decisions without political interference. She champions legislation such as the Women's Health Protection Act to enshrine abortion access into federal law and co-introduced the HHS Reproductive and Sexual Health Ombuds Act to combat misinformation. She also supports bills to protect travel for care, ensure abortion coverage through the EACH Act, and maintain federal funding for Planned Parenthood via the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act. High |
| Foreign Policy | Veronica Escobar voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing concerns about potential misuse of the Department of Defense. However, she voted for a separate Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense funding bill to invest in Fort Bliss and increase servicemember pay. She prioritizes servicemembers, their families, national defense, and her El Paso community. She also opposed the DHS Funding Bill, raising concerns about its impact on U.S. citizens and the Department of Homeland Security. High |
| Education | Veronica Escobar supports increased federal funding for education and workforce development, emphasizing that high-quality education, from universal Pre-K to affordable college, is crucial for national success. She has committed to uplifting public schools, creating affordable higher education options, and expanding universal Pre-K. Escobar also voted for a Minibus Funding Bill, securing millions in federal funding for El Paso, and condemned actions to withhold $7 billion in education funding. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. High |
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