Who Is Running in Illinois Congressional District 16th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Darin Lahood
(Incumbent)Economy
HighDarin LaHood advocates for economic policies that aim to foster job creation and growth by reducing regulations, cutting government red tape, and simplifying the tax code. He supported "The One Big Beautiful Bill Act" to provide tax relief for Americans and give predictability to small businesses. He also voted "Yes" on bills such as the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Housing for the 21st Century Act. He emphasizes the government's role in creating an environment for businesses to thrive, and has highlighted efforts to bring down interest rates and make groceries and energy more affordable.
Immigration
HighDarin 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.
Healthcare
HighDarin 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.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Darin Lahood |
|---|---|
| Economy | Darin LaHood advocates for economic policies that aim to foster job creation and growth by reducing regulations, cutting government red tape, and simplifying the tax code. He supported "The One Big Beautiful Bill Act" to provide tax relief for Americans and give predictability to small businesses. He also voted "Yes" on bills such as the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Housing for the 21st Century Act. He emphasizes the government's role in creating an environment for businesses to thrive, and has highlighted efforts to bring down interest rates and make groceries and energy more affordable. High |
| Immigration | 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. High |
| Healthcare | 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. High |
| Climate & Energy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | 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. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | 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. High |
| Education | 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. High |
| Gun Policy | 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. High |
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