Frank Pallone — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New Jersey, 2026

Frank Pallone opposes increased funding for the Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns about federal immigration agents' actions. He voted against a DHS spending package, stating that the agencies' actions are "reckless, arbitrary, and unworthy of a democratic nation." He supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have resided in the U.S., paid taxes, and remained law-abiding. He also strongly supports the Dream Act and reintroduced the Indonesian Family Refugee Protection Act.

““There was a time when Republicans in Congress believed in the Constitution and in a basic moral obligation to speak when something was plainly wrong. They must join Democrats in speaking out now. In Minnesota, Americans were shot in the face and in the back in broad daylight. In New Jersey, people are being detained without cause. And the Republican party that once called itself the guardian of law and order says nothing. [...] Trump’s ICE and DHS are out of control. Their actions are reckless, arbitrary, and unworthy of a democratic nation. I mourn Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, two Americans whose lives were taken in the midst of this lawlessness. They deserved better from their government. That is why I voted against the DHS spending package that would hand even more power and money to agencies that have shown they cannot be trusted with either. The Senate must do the same. If this continues, it will not just be lives we lose: it will be the country we thought we were.” - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Press Release, January 26, 2026.”

Frank Pallone believes all Americans should have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. He is an ardent defender of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), having played a key role in its development, and advocates for extending its enhanced premium tax credits to lower insurance premiums. He supports legislation like the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act and building on the Inflation Reduction Act to negotiate drug prices. He voted against a government shutdown bill due to concerns over health care costs.

““What’s going to happen? More and more people have no health insurance. That’s the bottom line. They will not have health insurance,” Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th), the top-ranking Democrat on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, said on the House floor Wednesday night. “And the Republicans don’t seem to care. But I want you to know the Democrats care and we’ll continue to fight for you.””

Congressman Frank Pallone consistently supports environmental issues, including clean water, air, and beach replenishment, and opposes cuts to related programs. He led efforts to secure investments for green infrastructure and flood risk reduction through the Inflation Reduction Act. He voted against H.R. 4758, which would repeal rebates for energy-efficient home improvements, aiming to help families afford appliances and promote healthier communities.

““These initiatives are crucial for the future of our communities,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. “By investing in green infrastructure, flood risk reduction, and community engagement, we are not only preparing for the challenge of climate change but also creating a more sustainable and resilient future for all New Jersey residents and coastal wildlife. As a longtime champion of legislation to support living shorelines, I was proud to lead the charge to secure these investments through the Inflation Reduction Act.” (Frank Pallone, Jr., as quoted on dep.nj.gov)”

Frank Pallone supports federal protection for abortion and reproductive health care, advocating to codify these rights into federal law. He voted against H.R.3762, which would defund Planned Parenthood, and opposed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R.26) and the 20-Week Abortion Ban (H.R.36). He also supported the Right to Contraception Act and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. He emphasizes that House Democrats will continue fighting to protect full reproductive health care.

““As Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I fought this bill every step of the way because I knew what it would mean for New Jersey. It reduces access to affordable care at Planned Parenthood for tens of thousands of patients in our state. It blocks people from getting birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing just because of where they go for care. We must reverse these cuts and protect access to reproductive health care,” Frank Pallone, speaking at a Planned Parenthood health center in Perth Amboy regarding a new federal law.”

Frank Pallone consistently supports national defense and military resources for U.S. uniformed personnel. He voted for the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022 and the CHIPS and Science Act. Pallone supports Israel, advocating for military and economic aid, and voted to impose tougher sanctions on Iran. He also believes Congress, not the President, holds the constitutional power to declare war, opposing unilateral military actions and a 2025 military bill for insufficient congressional guardrails.

““There is a reason the Constitution gives Congress—not the President alone—the power to declare war. It's to avoid a reckless president bombing whatever he wants.” — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Press Release, February 28, 2026”

Frank Pallone supports providing adequate resources and compensation for schools and teachers, stating that expanding higher education access invests in the nation's economic strength. He advocates for increasing Pell Grants and legislation to keep student loan interest rates low. Pallone criticized the Trump administration for withholding education funds and attempting to dismantle the Department of Education, actions he stated would harm public schools and lead to teacher layoffs.

““It is inspiring to see the next generation stepping up to tackle the challenges facing our country. For the past 11 years, the Council has provided young people from across the Sixth District with a seat at the table to share their ideas, collaborate, and help shape solutions,” Frank Pallone, Jr. said. “I look forward to hearing their proposals and working to bring their ideas to Washington.” (Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Press Release, http://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-launches-2026-youth-advisory-council-welcomes-134-students-across-nj)”

Frank Pallone advocates for government action to address gun violence, specifically supporting universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, and limits on high-capacity magazines. He also endorsed President Obama's Executive Order requiring federal licenses for small-scale gun sellers, citing the number of daily gun deaths and mass shootings as reasons warranting these measures.

“I am devastated and horrified by the tragedy that took place in Las Vegas last night. This senseless act is abhorrent and contrary to the principles that we hold dear. I know that all Americans will stand with the victims, their families and the entire city of Las Vegas during this difficult time. — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., statement after the horrific shooting in Las Vegas last night, http://pallone.house.gov/issues/gun-violence-prevention”