Who Is Running in Maryland Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Jamie Raskin
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJamie Raskin voted against H.R. 7006, stating it would codify USAID's destruction, impacting humanitarian efforts and thousands of livelihoods. He also voted against the Flexibility for Workers Education Act (H.R. 2262) and the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act (H.R. 2988). Conversely, Raskin supported specific economic initiatives, voting for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148), the AI for Main Street Act (H.R. 5764), and the Main Street Parity Act (H.R. 5763).
Immigration
HighJamie Raskin intends to vote against H.R. 7147, legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing constitutional violations and a lack of oversight. He conducted an oversight visit to a Baltimore ICE facility, where he observed severe overcrowding and inhumane conditions. Raskin also expressed outrage over the FY 2026 Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions, which set a historic-low goal of 7,500, citing process flaws and a lack of congressional consultation.
Healthcare
HighJamie Raskin supports affordable healthcare and has opposed legislative efforts that would increase healthcare costs. He advocated for restoring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which he believes are crucial for millions of Americans to access necessary care. Raskin emphasizes fighting healthcare fraud with targeted measures rather than dismantling public programs like Medicaid, the ACA, and Medicare. He also co-introduced legislation to protect a woman's right to travel for healthcare.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Jamie Raskin |
|---|---|
| Economy | Jamie Raskin voted against H.R. 7006, stating it would codify USAID's destruction, impacting humanitarian efforts and thousands of livelihoods. He also voted against the Flexibility for Workers Education Act (H.R. 2262) and the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act (H.R. 2988). Conversely, Raskin supported specific economic initiatives, voting for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148), the AI for Main Street Act (H.R. 5764), and the Main Street Parity Act (H.R. 5763). High |
| Immigration | Jamie Raskin intends to vote against H.R. 7147, legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing constitutional violations and a lack of oversight. He conducted an oversight visit to a Baltimore ICE facility, where he observed severe overcrowding and inhumane conditions. Raskin also expressed outrage over the FY 2026 Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions, which set a historic-low goal of 7,500, citing process flaws and a lack of congressional consultation. High |
| Healthcare | Jamie Raskin supports affordable healthcare and has opposed legislative efforts that would increase healthcare costs. He advocated for restoring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which he believes are crucial for millions of Americans to access necessary care. Raskin emphasizes fighting healthcare fraud with targeted measures rather than dismantling public programs like Medicaid, the ACA, and Medicare. He also co-introduced legislation to protect a woman's right to travel for healthcare. High |
| Climate & Energy | Jamie Raskin supports environmental protection and climate action, a position reflected in his 100% score from the League of Conservation Voters in 2024 and 99% lifetime score. He has advocated for the full authorization and funding of federal programs to repair and modernize critical water infrastructure nationwide, including the Potomac Interceptor, in collaboration with other representatives. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Jamie Raskin strongly supports abortion and reproductive rights, stating that Americans should make their own healthcare decisions to protect personal freedom. He co-led a Congressional Resolution affirming reproductive freedom as a human right. He voted for the Right to Contraception Act, H.R.8297 (Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act), and H.R.3755 (Women’s Health Protection Act). He was endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All for the 2026 election. High |
| Foreign Policy | Representative Jamie Raskin voted against H.R. 7006, the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, on January 14, 2026. He criticized the bill for cutting $9.3 billion in national security, state department, and foreign assistance programs, and $3.2 billion in humanitarian aid. Raskin argued these cuts undermine U.S. values, global safety, and benefit authoritarian adversaries, while also supporting efforts to defend against authoritarianism. High |
| Education | Jamie Raskin supports public education, opposing efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. He argued that Congress created the department to ensure a high-quality, free public school education as a democratic safeguard. Raskin also co-sponsored H.R.5527 to halt book bans and censorship in Department of Defense Education Activity schools, aiming to restore access to educational materials. Additionally, he runs Democracy Summer, a program that trains students for progressive political campaigns. High |
| Gun Policy | Jamie Raskin supports gun safety legislation, co-leading the introduction of permit-to-purchase gun safety bills on 3/16/21 and 1/17/25 with Senator Van Hollen. He also introduced legislation on 4/8/21 to deter firearm transfers and fund gun violence prevention programs. On 6/21/24, he introduced a bill to cut federal contracts to gun dealers whose firearms are disproportionately linked to violent crime. He is endorsed by Giffords, an organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Medium |
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