John Rutherford — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in Florida, 2026

Congressman John Rutherford voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, emphasizing its role in securing the border and strengthening enforcement against drug trafficking and human exploitation. He states that the U.S. government must uphold its laws and prioritize the protection of citizens, while also acknowledging the U.S. as a nation of immigrants. He has taken legislative actions aimed at securing borders and streamlining the immigration process.

““With the passage of these final appropriations bills, Congress will deliver core tenets of American strength to the American people, including combat-ready forces, a secure border, effective education and health systems, and modern transportation. That’s why I was proud to vote for, and pass, the final four full-year funding bills in the House today." — U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Rutherford Statement on the Final Four FY26 Appropriations Bills Passage, January 22, 2026”

John Rutherford voted against extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. He supported the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included funding for effective education and health systems, and prioritized funding for rural health. Additionally, he voted in favor of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act in 2025, which aims to reduce healthcare costs for Americans.

“With the passage of these final appropriations bills, Congress will deliver core tenets of American strength to the American people, including combat-ready forces, a secure border, effective education and health systems, and modern transportation. That’s why I was proud to vote for, and pass, the final four full-year funding bills in the House today. [...] Safeguard Social Security by enhancing frontline customer service and program integrity Protect American job creators Combat homelessness, preserve affordable housing, and address health and safety risks Prioritize funding for rural health to help Americans access critical care Learn more here. Top [...] “These bills will cut billions of dollars in wasteful spending, delivering real savings for Americans. It also brings a lot of great wins to our area, including funding to support road and airport infrastructure in Northeast Florida." – Congressman John H. Rutherford, Rutherford Statement on the Final Four FY26 Appropriations Bills Passage, January 22, 2026.”

John Rutherford voted "Yes" on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act in February 2026. He supports energy freedom. The League of Conservation Voters gives him a lifetime environmental score of 6% and a 0% score for 2024, indicating a low level of support for policies favored by this environmental group.

John Rutherford voted for H.R. 36, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, in 2026, which restricts abortions after 20 weeks gestational age. He co-sponsored this bill, citing the belief that abortion is violence against children and that the vote aimed to save lives and protect unborn babies from pain. He received an A+ from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and Reproductive Freedom for All assigned him a score of 0.

“Today, I was proud to cast a vote in favor of life. Forty-four years ago, the Supreme Court stripped away protections for unborn children, and since then nearly 60 million precious lives have been killed through abortion. The United States is one of only seven countries worldwide who allow elective abortions after 20 weeks; we should lead when it comes to life. Abortion is violence against children, and with today's vote we are taking action to save lives and shield unborn babies from a horribly painful death." - Congressman John Rutherford, http://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-votes-protect-sanctity-life, January 14, 2026”

Congressman John Rutherford voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which authorizes military procurement and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. He supports military action against Iran, stating that the Iranian regime's terrorism and nuclear weapons development necessitate such operations. Rutherford has also endorsed President Trump's America First policies, emphasizing a strong military.

““The Iranian regime has set the table for Operation Epic fury through their forty-seven years of state sponsored terrorism and murder of American citizens. The Iranian regime has continued their pursuit of “death to America” through their continued development of nuclear weapons capable of striking America.” - U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05), February 28, 2026”

John Rutherford advocates for state and local control in education, believing that federal mandates hinder communities' ability to meet student needs. He is committed to reducing federal intrusion in education policy to empower local educators and administrators. He voted for H.R. 6157, which allocated funding to the Department of Education for FY 2019, and co-reintroduced the Luke and Alex School Safety Act to codify a federal clearinghouse for school safety best practices.

“The future of our nation rests on the education of the next generation, and Congress has an obligation to ensure state and local communities are well-equipped to meet the needs of their students. One-size-fits-all federal rules and mandates hinder our communities' ability to meet their specific needs. Reducing federal intrusion into state and local decision-making will empower the educators and administrators who know the needs of their students best. I am committed to restoring state and local control of education policy." - Congressman John Rutherford, from his official website issues page on Education.”

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