Delia Ramirez — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Illinois, 2026

Delia Ramirez introduced the Melt ICE Act, aiming to end Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for immigrant detention and monitoring, redirecting funds to wrap-around services like housing and healthcare for affected communities. She also introduced legislation to limit the use of force by DHS law enforcement agents. Ramirez asserts that DHS operates lawlessly, violating the Constitution and creating fear, and advocates for its ultimate dismantling.

““After handing more than $150B to DHS immigration enforcement, there are those in Congress who would further expand DHS’s budget and ICE’s capacity to enact Trump’s mass deportation agenda. But we have seen what DHS can do with its unlimited resources and unchecked power. And we are saying enough,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Our tax dollars must not be used to terrorize our communities and violate our rights. The Melt ICE Act is a line in the sand and a declaration that we will not fuel human suffering. I am proud to join Congresswoman Clarke and advocates to send a message that we do not consent, nor will we enable DHS and ICE’s lawlessness.” (Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez, Press Release, January 21, 2026)”

Delia Ramirez advocates for a healthcare system focused on saving lives and meeting needs, rather than prioritizing pharmaceutical profits. She champions "Medicare for All" to ensure universal access, co-sponsoring related legislation and the Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2023. She also supported legislation to lower prescription drug costs, reduce racial disparities, and establish safe nurse-to-patient ratios, emphasizing patient care.

“As your representative in Congress, I remain committed to listening, understanding the perspectives of my diverse constituents, and keeping your views in mind as I work on bills and vote on legislation. Your perspective is important to me, and hearing from you is crucial to my effort to represent the IL-03. Please contact our office to share your thoughts on legislation that may affect you, your family, and your community. -Delia C. Ramirez, ramirez.house.gov/about/votes-and-legislation”

Representative Delia Ramirez voted against the Reliable Power Act, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, and the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act in 2026. She is a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, the Climate Resilience Workforce Act, and the Environmental Justice for All Act. Ramirez has a 98% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters, demonstrating her commitment to a full transition to clean energy and a greener economy. She advocates for addressing environmental challenges, especially for marginalized communities, and refused fossil fuel industry contributions as a state legislator.

“Delia Ramirez, on her official website (http://ramirez.house.gov/issues/environment-conservation-and-infrastructure), stated: “The livelihood of our communities is directly tied to the earth that provides our food, the air that we breathe, the water that we drink. As we confront the climate crisis facing our generation, we must intentionally invest in safe, resilient infrastructure for the well-being of our communities, the economic development of our region, and the future of our families.””

Delia Ramirez supports reproductive rights and abortion access, emphasizing bodily autonomy and economic security for all people. She co-sponsored federal legislation such as the EACH Act to repeal the Hyde Amendment, the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2023, and the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act. As an Illinois State Representative, she co-sponsored the Reproductive Health Act and supported repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act, connecting reproductive justice to immigrant healthcare.

““We have to stop siloing the issues. And perhaps, that requires us, within the Democratic Party, to spend more time trying to really understand the complexities of immigration and how it intersects with pretty much everything we care about,” Ramirez said. “As I think about reproductive justice, abortion care, the Democratic Party did not stutter, saying that they were standing for abortion care.” - Delia Ramirez, 19thnews.org, 2025/12”

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez advocates for a foreign policy prioritizing human rights, diplomacy, and congressional accountability over military spending. She believes foreign policy goals should center diplomatic solutions and avoid costly wars, arguing that unquestioned defense budget increases come at the expense of working families. She co-led the "DHS Use of Force Oversight Act" to mandate a statutory use-of-force policy for the Department of Homeland Security and introduced the "Melt ICE Act" to defund DHS's immigration enforcement.

““The Pentagon is the only federal agency to have never passed an audit. We must recognize that unquestioned defense budget increases come at the expense of working families, where Republicans question where every penny and dime of domestic spending for our social safety net goes.” (Delia Ramirez, Peace Action endorsement)”

Representative Delia Ramirez expressed concerns in a January 2026 letter about an investigation into the Chicago Teachers Union, noting the union's advocacy for public schools. She emphasized ensuring students and families access high-quality education in safe environments. Ramirez opposed efforts to defund schools, dismantle the Department of Education, and eliminate protections for students with special needs, advocating for improved student outcomes.

“Students and families expect Congress to ensure they can access high-quality education in safe environments that prepare them to contribute to our global economy. (Delia Ramirez, letter to Chairman Wahlberg, January 15, 2026)”

Delia Ramirez supports stronger gun laws, including universal background checks and banning assault-style weapons, to reduce the flow of illegal guns. She supported the "Fix the FOID" legislation, which expanded background checks for firearm purchases. Ramirez is endorsed by Giffords, a gun violence prevention organization. She also co-sponsored the "Block the Bombs Act" to withhold offensive weapon transfers to Israel, aiming for accountability for the use of U.S.-made weapons.

““The Block the Bombs bill is the first step toward oversight and accountability for the murder of children with U.S.-made, taxpayer-funded weapons. In the face of authoritarian leaders perpetrating a genocidal campaign, Block the Bombs is the minimum action Congress must take. I am proud to be part of a caucus of progressive leaders who are challenging policies that destroy life, rob our children of futures, or dehumanize our neighbors." — Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) on Ramirez’s Block the Bombs Act, endorsed by Progressive Caucus”