Who Is Running in New Jersey Congressional District 9th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Nelida Pou
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCongresswoman Nelida Pou voted in favor of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorized a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, expanded bonuses, and extended childcare services for military families. She stated this funding provides a "well-deserved pay increase" and strengthens national security. Additionally, she secured over $14 million for 15 community projects in her district through the 2026 government spending bill.
Immigration
HighCongresswoman Nelida Pou has consistently opposed measures she deems overly punitive toward immigrants. She voted against H.R. 7147, which would increase funding for the Department of Homeland Security, citing a lack of guardrails for ICE and inadequate due process. Pou also voted against H.R. 35, stating it "demonizes legal immigrants" and does "more harm than good," advocating for fair immigration laws that protect both Americans and basic rights. She has criticized ICE enforcement practices, calling them "lawlessness" and demanding accountability.
Healthcare
HighCandidate Nelida Pou voted in favor of H.R. 1834 to reinstate enhanced Affordable Care Act tax subsidies, aiming to ensure New Jersey residents and Americans can afford basic healthcare without choosing between necessities. She also voted against a rural healthcare fund, and stated she would oppose legislation that would raise healthcare costs for her constituents.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Nelida Pou |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congresswoman Nelida Pou voted in favor of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorized a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, expanded bonuses, and extended childcare services for military families. She stated this funding provides a "well-deserved pay increase" and strengthens national security. Additionally, she secured over $14 million for 15 community projects in her district through the 2026 government spending bill. High |
| Immigration | Congresswoman Nelida Pou has consistently opposed measures she deems overly punitive toward immigrants. She voted against H.R. 7147, which would increase funding for the Department of Homeland Security, citing a lack of guardrails for ICE and inadequate due process. Pou also voted against H.R. 35, stating it "demonizes legal immigrants" and does "more harm than good," advocating for fair immigration laws that protect both Americans and basic rights. She has criticized ICE enforcement practices, calling them "lawlessness" and demanding accountability. High |
| Healthcare | Candidate Nelida Pou voted in favor of H.R. 1834 to reinstate enhanced Affordable Care Act tax subsidies, aiming to ensure New Jersey residents and Americans can afford basic healthcare without choosing between necessities. She also voted against a rural healthcare fund, and stated she would oppose legislation that would raise healthcare costs for her constituents. High |
| Climate & Energy | Nelida Pou prioritizes environmental justice and climate action, stating these issues will be a top priority for her. In Congress, she voted Nay on both the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R.4758) and the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act (H.R.4626) in February 2026. As a state legislator, she co-sponsored the Global Warming Response Act and legislation to prioritize environmental project funding for local employment. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Foreign Policy | Nelida Pou supported the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorized a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, expanded bonuses, and provided security assistance for Ukraine and Taiwan, while also strengthening national security. She also voted against a funding increase for the Department of Homeland Security (H.R. 7147), citing the absence of new guardrails and accountability measures for DHS agents and expressing concerns about due process rights. Her stance emphasizes military support and security with an emphasis on accountability for federal agencies. High |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
Get updates on New Jersey 9th Congressional District
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.