Michael Bost — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in Illinois, 2026

Representative Michael Bost voted for the SAVE America Act, which requires photo identification to cast a ballot and proof of citizenship to register. He stated this legislation aims to protect the integrity of American elections by ensuring that only American citizens are eligible to vote. Bost also co-authored a letter urging Illinois to verify voter rolls to prevent undocumented immigrants from being eligible to vote, citing the need for accurate election records.

““I voted for the SAVE America Act because the right to vote in American elections belongs to American citizens, period. This bill puts commonsense safeguards in place by requiring proof of citizenship to register, photo ID to cast a ballot, and real accountability to clean up voter rolls. If we can require an ID to board a plane, rent an apartment, drive a car, or buy prescription medication, we can require it to vote. The American people deserve elections they can trust, and I will never apologize for fighting to protect the integrity of their vote.” — U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), in a press release dated February 11, 2026.”

Michael Bost voted for the American Health Care Act in 2017, stating that the Affordable Care Act led to higher costs and fewer choices. He advocates for returning healthcare control to states and restoring a free market to increase affordable options. Bost also supports allowing businesses and associations to pool health plans for discounts and expanding the Medicare Advantage program. He opposes privatizing Social Security and Medicare.

“Obamacare was based on a one-size-fits-all approach that put bureaucrats in Washington in charge of your health care. It led to higher costs, fewer choices, and less access to the care people need. Its flaws are structural and cannot be fixed by tweaking at the margins. Many of the counties in the Illinois 12th Congressional District only have one option through the exchange under Obamacare, and that plan’s premiums have skyrocketed by 70 percent. In some states, insurers are fleeing entirely. We have two options at this important juncture. We can stand by and watch Obamacare collapse by allowing health care options to become increasingly unaffordable and inaccessible. Or we can take action to return control of health care from Washington back to the states and restore the free market so Americans can access quality, affordable health care options. The American Health Care Act is not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction to decrease premiums and expand and enhance health care options so Americans can find a plan that’s right for them. Importantly, the bill provides a stable transition to help ensure low-income Americans have access to quality, affordable options through a new, competitive, state-based private insurance marketplace." - U.S. Representative Mike Bost, Statement on Health Care Vote, May 4, 2017.”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Representative Michael Bost opposes abortion and supports pro-life legislation. He voted against measures that would expand abortion access and strongly supported the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Bost believes every life is a precious gift from God and that taxpayers should not be forced to fund abortions. He also supports defunding Planned Parenthood and has an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

“Taxpayers should not be forced to fund abortions, nor should healthcare providers be forced to violate their religious or moral beliefs by performing an abortion. I also support efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and ensure that babies who survive botched abortions will receive life-saving medical care. We must take a stand and protect those who cannot protect themselves. Today, tomorrow, and every day, I am proud to be pro-life. - Congressman Mike Bost, Pro-Life Issues page on bost.house.gov”

Michael Bost voted to strengthen national security and bolster support for troops in December 2025. In February 2026, he stated that "America’s might is respected by the world again," following what he described as a previous "failed foreign policy." This indicates a position prioritizing national strength and global standing.

“And after four years of Joe Biden’s failed foreign policy, America’s might is respected by the world again." — U.S. Representative Mike Bost, Statement on President Trump's State of the Union Speech, February 24, 2026.”

Representative Michael Bost advocates for supporting educators in his district and ensuring children have resources for bright futures, while also expressing a desire to avoid federal overreach in education. He recognized National School Choice Week. Additionally, he voted for the Parents Bill of Rights Act and introduced legislation to address teacher shortages.

“Mike Bost, U.S. Representative of Illinois's 12th congressional district, on January 25, 2026, stated: "Today kicks off National School Choice Week. We have so many wonderful teachers and educational professionals in classrooms across Southern Illinois. We can support their dedicated efforts and ensure our children have the resources for bright futures without relying on" (Metro East Sun).”

Michael Bost opposed H.R. 8 and H.R. 1112 in February 2019, stating these gun control bills infringe on Second Amendment rights and do not prevent mass violence, advocating for enforcement of existing laws. In May 2025, he co-sponsored H.R. 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. This bill ensures that VA officials cannot remove a veteran's right to bear arms without a judicial ruling.

““The gun control legislation being considered this week infringes on the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and does absolutely nothing to stop incidents of mass violence,” said Bost. “As a father and grandfather, I want to reduce gun violence as much as anyone. But these bills make it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and others against criminals who have guns. We need to enforce the laws already on the books rather than limit the rights of law-abiding citizens who want to protect their families. I think Representative Scalise would have been able to get that point across had he been allowed to testify when these bills were under consideration in committee.” — Michael Bost, bost.house.gov, February 27, 2019”