Who Is Running in Wisconsin Congressional District 2nd in 2026?
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Mark Pocan
(Incumbent)Economy
HighRepresentative Mark Pocan voted against the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act due to concerns about increased military spending, and co-introduced the Audit the Pentagon Act to enhance defense budget transparency. He is a strong proponent of raising the federal minimum wage and protecting workers' rights, including through the PRO Act, citing a belief in workplace dignity. Pocan also advocates for measures to promote economic growth and job creation, such as bus rapid transit projects, and has challenged corporate power.
Immigration
HighMark Pocan supports comprehensive immigration reform, advocating for keeping families together, a roadmap to citizenship, and fair treatment for workers. He welcomed the Senate's bipartisan reform legislation, urging House action. He opposes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling the agency "rogue" and emphasizing the need for meaningful change to improve public safety. He also opposed a government funding package due to DHS concerns.
Healthcare
HighRepresentative Mark Pocan voted against funding legislation that did not extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits. He argued that the failure to extend these credits would significantly increase healthcare costs for millions of Americans, potentially leading to widespread insurance loss and general rate increases. Pocan believes that healthcare affordability is a top concern for constituents and suggests the healthcare system may need an overhaul to address these issues.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Mark Pocan |
|---|---|
| Economy | Representative Mark Pocan voted against the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act due to concerns about increased military spending, and co-introduced the Audit the Pentagon Act to enhance defense budget transparency. He is a strong proponent of raising the federal minimum wage and protecting workers' rights, including through the PRO Act, citing a belief in workplace dignity. Pocan also advocates for measures to promote economic growth and job creation, such as bus rapid transit projects, and has challenged corporate power. High |
| Immigration | Mark Pocan supports comprehensive immigration reform, advocating for keeping families together, a roadmap to citizenship, and fair treatment for workers. He welcomed the Senate's bipartisan reform legislation, urging House action. He opposes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling the agency "rogue" and emphasizing the need for meaningful change to improve public safety. He also opposed a government funding package due to DHS concerns. High |
| Healthcare | Representative Mark Pocan voted against funding legislation that did not extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits. He argued that the failure to extend these credits would significantly increase healthcare costs for millions of Americans, potentially leading to widespread insurance loss and general rate increases. Pocan believes that healthcare affordability is a top concern for constituents and suggests the healthcare system may need an overhaul to address these issues. High |
| Climate & Energy | Representative Mark Pocan voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (HR 4758) and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act (HR 4626) in 2026. He received a 100% score from Wisconsin Conservation Voters in 2025 and the League of Conservation Voters in 2024. Pocan aims to reduce the carbon footprint, preserve natural resources, and modernize energy technology through investments in clean energy to achieve energy efficiency and economic growth. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Mark Pocan supports reproductive rights, voting for measures like the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Right to Contraception Act, and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. He opposes restrictions, having voted against bills such as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and a one-year funding ban on Planned Parenthood. Pocan asserts that decisions about terminating a pregnancy should be made by individuals and their doctors, not politicians, and advocates for the codification of Roe v. Wade. High |
| Foreign Policy | Mark Pocan, co-chair of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, has consistently voted against the National Defense Authorization Act since 2012, including the FY2026, FY2025, and FY2024 bills. He opposes high military spending, citing the Pentagon's failure to pass audits and a lack of accountability for defense contractors. Pocan advocates for redirecting these funds to address domestic needs such as housing and healthcare. Peace Action endorses him for his commitment to reducing defense expenditures. High |
| Education | Mark Pocan supports investing in public education and introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor Public Schools Week 2025, emphasizing strong communities and high-quality education. He advocates for affordable higher education, citing a rising student debt crisis, and backs initiatives for student loan debt forgiveness and refinancing. Additionally, he supports modernizing classrooms, reducing class sizes, enhancing special education, and establishing universal pre-kindergarten. He also voted "Nay" on the Flexibility for Workers Education Act. High |
| Gun Policy | Mark Pocan supports stricter gun control measures, including universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and bump stocks. He voted for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and the Protecting Our Children Act. He co-sponsored the Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act and states that gun violence is a "uniquely American problem," advocating for legislative action to ensure children's safety. He views gun manufacturers as a barrier to implementing these measures. High |
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