Who Is Running in Missouri Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Jason Smith
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJason Smith, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, supports policies that he states deliver historic tax relief and boost economic growth for working families and small businesses. He advocates for measures like the Working Families Tax Cuts, which he claims lower tax rates, increase the child tax credit, and provide no tax on tips or social security income. Smith believes private sector investment and job creation are essential for a vibrant American economy.
Immigration
HighU.S. Rep. Jason Smith questioned why U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be prohibited from polling places, stating that "illegals aren’t supposed to vote in this America." He emphasized the importance of enforcing the rule of law and suggested that the presence of immigration authorities at polling locations would not deter eligible citizens from voting. Smith also made a statement regarding not allowing elections to be "stolen again."
Healthcare
HighJason Smith supports healthcare reforms focused on improving access, reducing costs, and increasing transparency and accountability, particularly regarding pharmacy benefit managers. He co-applauded the passage of H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," which aims to lower premium costs and expand choices. He believes the healthcare status quo is unacceptable and, while he voted to extend ACA subsidies, he argues the focus should be on policies benefiting all Americans.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Jason Smith |
|---|---|
| Economy | Jason Smith, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, supports policies that he states deliver historic tax relief and boost economic growth for working families and small businesses. He advocates for measures like the Working Families Tax Cuts, which he claims lower tax rates, increase the child tax credit, and provide no tax on tips or social security income. Smith believes private sector investment and job creation are essential for a vibrant American economy. High |
| Immigration | U.S. Rep. Jason Smith questioned why U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be prohibited from polling places, stating that "illegals aren’t supposed to vote in this America." He emphasized the importance of enforcing the rule of law and suggested that the presence of immigration authorities at polling locations would not deter eligible citizens from voting. Smith also made a statement regarding not allowing elections to be "stolen again." High |
| Healthcare | Jason Smith supports healthcare reforms focused on improving access, reducing costs, and increasing transparency and accountability, particularly regarding pharmacy benefit managers. He co-applauded the passage of H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," which aims to lower premium costs and expand choices. He believes the healthcare status quo is unacceptable and, while he voted to extend ACA subsidies, he argues the focus should be on policies benefiting all Americans. High |
| Climate & Energy | Jason Smith has received a 1% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters and a 0% score in 2024, indicating consistent opposition to environmental legislation as evaluated by the organization. He has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey, and available information does not detail his specific rationale or policy proposals regarding climate and environment. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Jason Smith has voted against measures supporting abortion and reproductive rights. He voted against the Right to Contraception Act and for a one-year funding ban for Planned Parenthood (H.R.3762). Smith also supported the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R.26) and a bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R.36). He received a score of 0 on the Congressional Record on Reproductive Freedom from Reproductive Freedom for All. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Representative Jason Smith has expressed concerns about foreign influence in U.S. nonprofits, chairing a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on "Foreign Influence in American Nonprofits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond" in February 2026. He advocated for stricter regulations to prevent foreign nationals and governments from meddling in U.S. politics, including questioning whether 501(c)(3) charities should engage in ballot initiative campaigns given their unlimited, undisclosed foreign funding. Smith also questioned restrictions on ICE's presence at polling places, aligning with concerns about preventing foreign nationals from interfering in U.S. elections. Medium |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Gun Policy | Jason Smith voted against 2022 gun control legislation, stating it expands red flag laws, infringes on due process, and blames law-abiding gun owners. He supported the 2026 Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act to avoid taxing less-lethal weapons like firearms, aiming to reduce costs and improve safety. As a lifetime NRA member, he also authored legislation to eliminate the federal tax stamp on suppressors and certain firearms, asserting Second Amendment rights should not be financially penalized. High |
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