Sarah Elfreth — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Maryland, 2026

Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth voted against additional funding for DHS and ICE in February 2026, citing concerns over civil rights and accountability within ICE. She testified in support of legislation to prohibit privately-owned detention centers in Howard County, advocating for meaningful reform due to reported deaths in ICE facilities. Elfreth also joined other delegates in pressing DHS and ICE for plans to address deeply disturbing conditions in Baltimore holding rooms.

“We need meaningful reform," said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. "Thank you, Howard County Council, for not just taking up this bill, but expediting this bill, and to my partner, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, for taking quick and decisive action to halt an ICE detention center here in Elkridge." (Source: https://elfreth.house.gov/media/press-releases/elfreth-testifies-against-elkridge-ice-facility, February 4, 2026)”

Candidate Elfreth supports access to affordable, quality healthcare, emphasizing removing barriers, expanding preventative care, and lowering prescription drug costs. She advocates for protecting the Affordable Care Act and efforts to broaden health coverage. In the Maryland Senate, she voted to expand reproductive healthcare access and co-sponsored a constitutional amendment for reproductive freedom. Elfreth also passed laws for prenatal care and addressing health disparities, supported a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, and capped insulin costs. She is endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All and EMILY’s List.

“My position throughout this shutdown has always been that we can and must reach a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government, protect our federal workforce, and protect the health care of millions of Americans. This deal doesn’t do that." - Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, Elfreth Statement Senate Deal, 2026”

Sarah Elfreth voted against H.R. 3893, the PERMIT Act, in 2026, opposing provisions that would undermine the health of the Chesapeake Bay. She is dedicated to combating the climate crisis by leading environmental restoration, protecting the Chesapeake Bay, and advancing a clean energy economy. Elfreth earned the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters and passed laws to increase oyster populations and invest in clean energy jobs. She believes protecting the Bay is crucial for both the environment and the economy.

Sarah Elfreth voted against H.R. 21, the "Reproductive Health Care Surveillance Act," explaining that it would criminalize reproductive health care providers and threaten access to care. She advocates for women's reproductive freedom, including access to abortion, IVF, and birth control, and is determined to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land. Elfreth is endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All and EMILY’s List.

“Doctors already take the Hippocratic Oath to vow to work in their patient’s best interest with compassion and absolute discretion. What is more: infanticide is already illegal in all 50 states–and this was reiterated in federal law in 2002. This bill does nothing but limit access to reproductive health care by forcing doctors to prioritize compliance over compassionate care. We should not be forcing women who are facing life-threatening conditions and severe fetal anomalies to go through more hurdles on some of the hardest days of their lives," (Congresswoman Elfreth, press release "Elfreth Votes No on 'Reproductive Health Care Surveillance Act'", 2026).”

Sarah Elfreth voted against the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, citing concerns over protections for civilians and oversight of military firings. She criticized U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the Caribbean Sea, stating Americans do not want regime change wars without congressional approval. Elfreth advocates for Congressional authority in foreign conflicts, supported a War Powers Resolution to end hostilities with Iran, and reaffirms commitment to NATO, opposing unnecessary conflicts.

“I will utilize my role on the House Armed Services Committee to press for Congressional authority, transparency, and oppose rushing into an endless and unnecessary conflict in the Middle East." - Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, Elfreth Statement on Attack on Iran, February 28, 2026.”

Sarah Elfreth supports accessible and affordable education, advocating for increased investments in Maryland schools and aiming to secure more federal funds, including IDEA funding, for classrooms. She voted against the 2026 Continuing Resolution, citing concerns about federal funding cuts impacting civil service. Elfreth has championed historic investments in Maryland schools through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and is endorsed by the Maryland State Education Association and the National Education Association. She also supported expanding STEM education in Howard County.

“It is more expensive to send an infant to daycare than it is to send an 18-year-old to the University of Maryland. But I come to this floor with good news. I'm proud to share that in our state, education and nonprofit leaders are working to find innovative solutions to help families afford child care through scholarships and tax credits, but also – and this is crucial – to grow the supply of child care providers and create critically needed seats," said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, Remarks as Delivered, Floor Speech on Rising Cost of Child Care, February 3rd, 2026.”

Sarah Elfreth is recognized as a Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action. In the Maryland Senate, she supported laws prohibiting firearms in public places, banning ghost guns, increasing penalties for illegal possession, and requiring proper firearm storage. On Capitol Hill, she intends to advocate for banning assault weapons and expanding background checks. She voted "Nay" on H.Res. 1042, a resolution concerning a bill to modernize federal firearms laws.