Marilyn Strickland — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Washington, 2026

Marilyn Strickland has criticized DHS operations and ICE, stating they pose a threat to the American public and calling some operations 'domestic terrorism.' She believes state and local governments lack sufficient resources to address immigration challenges effectively. She has also indicated support for federal investments in mental and behavioral health, referencing the Build Back Better Act as having 'good intentions' in the context of broader societal issues that might intersect with immigration challenges.

““This is domestic terrorism. American lives have become an afterthought.” — Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, in a press release addressing the Administration’s overreach into American cities and the threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the American public.”

Marilyn Strickland voted against H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act." She advocates for universal healthcare and lower drug prices, stating that healthcare should be a right. Her position reflects a commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable medical care for all individuals.

“I believe healthcare should be a right... Universal healthcare, lower drug prices, accessible mental health care, and fair taxation that ensures corporations fulfill their financial obligations are essential." — Marilyn Strickland (Ballotpedia, Candidate Connection/Key Messages)”

Marilyn Strickland views climate change as a public health, national security, and equity issue. She supports investing in renewable energy for a carbon-free future, rebuilding the EPA with a focus on equity impacts, and reinstating emissions regulations and public land protections. She has also worked to make the Puget Sound a federal priority, helped re-launch the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, and secured historic funding increases for its restoration.

“Climate change is a public health issue, a national security issue, and an equity issue. I will work to invest in renewable energy in pursuit of a carbon-free future, rebuild the EPA focusing particularly on equity impacts, and reinstate regulations on emissions and protections for our public lands.”

Marilyn Strickland supports reproductive rights, demonstrated by her votes in favor of the Right to Contraception Act and the Women’s Health Protection Act. She also reintroduced and endorsed the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act, which aims to provide grant assistance for individuals traveling to receive reproductive health care, including abortion care. Her legislative actions align with advocating for access to comprehensive reproductive medical services.

“In 2022, the Supreme Court ripped the promise of equitable access to reproductive medical care away from millions of Americans, and … Continued - Marilyn Strickland, in a press release reintroducing the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act.”

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland voted for the FY26 NDAA in December 2025, noting its support for servicemembers and funding for Joint Base Lewis-McChord. She opposed a September 2025 version of the NDAA due to hyper-partisan amendments that she argued weakened national security. Strickland also advocated for removing Confederate names from military bases. Additionally, she criticized former President Trump's strikes on Iran, asserting Congress's constitutional authority for declaring war.

“Speaker Johnson and the President killed my bipartisan amendment that passed in committee — at the last minute. They are choosing to honor Confederate traitors, who fought to uphold the institution of slavery and lost a war, rather than supporting our servicemembers — 40 percent of whom are people of color." — Strickland, via email (reported around December 15, 2025).”

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland voted to expand access to financial aid and tuition-free college for students pursuing high-demand fields such as nursing, behavioral health, teaching, and the building trades. She also champions vocational-technical training and apprenticeship programs. Additionally, she launched an annual Congressional Art Competition to recognize young artistic talent across the nation, expressing inspiration from student creativity.

““Every year, I am inspired by the creativity and talent of students across Washington’s 10th District,” Marilyn Strickland, Strickland Launches Annual Congressional Art Competition, from strickland.house.gov press release.”

Marilyn Strickland supports gun control measures, including universal background checks for gun purchases and restoring a ban on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. She emphasizes the need to prevent gun violence by keeping illegal guns out of the hands of children while respecting Second Amendment rights and responsible gun ownership. She has co-sponsored the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act.

““I’m down with that,” Strickland said. “When I think about gun violence, I think about a few things. Number one, how do we keep illegal guns out of the hands of kids? I’m gonna pivot over to young people, who should not have any business having guns. I think about this underground gun trade that exists. Guns that come into our country crossing borders, and also guns that are manufactured here that we don’t keep track of.” (Marilyn Strickland, Yelm town hall, April 1, 2025)”