Darin Lahood — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in Illinois, 2026

Darin LaHood supports federal immigration policies that prioritize border security and enforcement, stating that the American rule of law must be respected and balancing national safety with welcoming legal immigration. He voted for Department of Homeland Security funding and advocated for legislation such as the End the Border Catastrophe Act and a bill to end sanctuary city policies. LaHood also commended a Supreme Court decision barring unilateral executive action on immigration reform.

““I think we're headed in the right direction in terms of some of those problems we've seen in the past.” — Rep. Darin LaHood, U.S. Representative (wirepoints.org)”

Darin LaHood voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to ensure veterans receive deserved benefits and healthcare. He supports continuing Affordable Care Act tax credits but advocates for reforms, specifically means testing for couples earning over $200,000 annually. LaHood has also introduced legislation to improve care for Alzheimer’s patients, protect rural communities’ access to care, and incentivize exercise.

“I'm supportive of continuing the Affordable Care Tax Credits but we need to have reforms that go along with those. We essentially have done nothing to reform the Affordable Care Tax Credits since we passed them during Covid. What I've asked for is means testing, so if you make over $200,000 a year as a married couple, you shouldn't be receiving the Affordable Care Tax Credits," said Darin LaHood, speaking to WREX prior to a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act, 2026.”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Darin LaHood opposes abortion rights, demonstrated by his votes against legislation intended to protect abortion access and contraception. He voted against the Women's Health Protection Act, the Right to Contraception Act, and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. His official website also features a "Right to Life" section, indicating his commitment to protecting life, and he supported the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

Representative Darin LaHood advocates for trade policies that support U.S. competitiveness and long-term economic growth, while also countering unfair trade practices by other countries. He urges caution regarding blanket tariffs, stating that the U.S. economy should not be predicated solely on them. However, LaHood voted against H. J. Res. 72, a measure that would have ended an emergency declaration leading to tariffs against Canada. Additionally, he has collaborated with Senator Todd Young to introduce legislation aimed at ending the double taxation of Americans residing abroad.

““American businesses, farmers, and families thrive with predictability and certainty. [Friday’s] Supreme Court ruling clarified the scope of [international Emergency Economic Powers Act] authority. Moving forward, we need to be cautious about predicating our entire U.S. economy on blanket tariffs. Congress and the Administration must continue to focus on advancing trade policies that support competitiveness, long-term economic growth, and counter the unfair trade practices of foreign countries.” — Rep. Darin LaHood, 25News Now, February 22, 2026.”

Darin LaHood advocates for a competitive and diverse K-12 education system, supporting family choice across public, private, charter, and homeschool options. He also emphasizes higher education reform to address rising costs and student debt. Additionally, LaHood reintroduced bipartisan legislation to support National Catholic Schools Week and to protect hospital-based nursing schools, aiming to strengthen the healthcare workforce.

““As a proud graduate of Catholic grade school, high school, and college, I look forward to highlighting the achievements of Catholic schools in Illinois and across America every year during National Catholic Schools Week,”said Rep. LaHood.“Catholic schools create an environment to help students thrive academically and socially, while preparing students for their future careers and a life of integrity and service. Catholic education prepared me for my experiences as a husband, father, and member of Congress. I will always support our Catholic schools, and I thank the teachers and faculty for their commitment to our nation’s students.” - Rep. LaHood, January 2025, upon reintroduction of a bipartisan resolution in support of National Catholic Schools Week.”

Darin LaHood strongly supports the Second Amendment and advocates for gun owners. He voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and another broader gun-control bill in 2022. He emphasizes enforcing current laws and addressing mental health as alternatives to new gun legislation.

“I strongly support the Second Amendment and in Congress I will fight to defend the hunters, sportsmen, and firearm owners of Central and West Central Illinois. Our constitution is explicit—law abiding citizens have a right to keep and bear arms." - Darin LaHood, on his official website's "2nd Amendment" page”