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Adriano EspaillatDemocrat Candidate for U.S. House in New York, 2026

D·DemocratIncumbent

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Adriano's Positions on Key Issues

Economy

High

Congressman Adriano Espaillat expressed concern regarding the Trump Administration's firing of over 121,000 federal employees, noting its potential to dissuade new generations from public service. He sought information on resource needs for agencies like the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service and the Congressional Office for International Leadership, whose budgets had remained flat or risked cuts. Additionally, he has been recognized for his efforts to improve affordability for working families in New York City.

As the first and only Dominican American to serve in Congress, I continue to be encouraged by the international outreach of COIL to share American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy. Now more than ever, I believe that it is vital to maintain our connections with our global partners to exchange best practices and strengthen mutual understanding. Doing so ensures that we continue to build on our nation’s foundation as a melting pot and diverse nation. [...] I also believe that the Stennis Center has been instrumental in connecting new generations to the public service workforce. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has fired more than 121,000 federal employees across 30 agencies, which may dissuade new generations’ interest in public service. I am curious to hear how this has impacted the Stennis Center’s mission. Given today’s climate, I am interested in hearing about your resource needs for the fiscal year 2026 and any services to Congress that will be jeopardized if your budgets remain flat or suffer a budget cut." — Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Legislative Branch Subcommittee Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Hearing for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service, Office of Congressional Workplace Rights and Congressional Office for International Leadership

Immigration

High

Adriano Espaillat supports immigration reform and has actively engaged in combating the tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He led 36 members of Congress in a letter demanding answers on the IRS's disclosure of taxpayer data to immigration enforcement. Espaillat also joined over 65 Democrats in calling for an investigation into DHS agencies, including ICE, regarding warrantless purchases of Americans’ location data. He has also visited immigration detention facilities to check on migrants' living conditions.

“We’ve been teaching the Democratic caucus how to fight this,” he said. (Adriano Espaillat, The New York Times, March 2, 2026)

Healthcare

High

Adriano Espaillat supports the Affordable Care Act, viewing it as a promise for affordable, high-quality healthcare as a right for all Americans, and opposes its repeal. He co-sponsored H.R. 676, the Medicare for All Act, advocating for a single-payer system. Espaillat also introduced the Mental Wellness Community Worker Training Act and voted against a proposal that would strip Medicaid coverage, expressing concerns for working families, seniors, and children.

The Affordable Care Act "is a promise to the American people that we must keep. It guarantees access to affordable, high-quality healthcare as a right for all Americans. Backing out of this commitment is irresponsible, inexcusable, and reprehensible." - Congressmember Espaillat (in his first floor speech as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, as cited on his official website)

Climate & Energy

High

Adriano Espaillat supports policies for clean air and water, opposing rollbacks to the Clean Air and Water Acts. He advocates for protecting national parks from privatization and drilling, and acknowledges human impact on climate change. He sponsored bills like H.R.598 "Earth Act to Stop Climate Pollution by 2030" and H.R.3961 "Green Climate Fund Authorization Act of 2023." He also voted against bills such as the "Homeowner Energy Freedom Act" and "Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act."

"On Earth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to adopting climate solutions to save our planet," said Espaillat. "The difference we make today will have resounding impacts throughout our communities and the future of our society. I am proud to sponsor many critical environmental bills this Congress and remain committed to ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for the next generation." - Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Press Release, Earth Day 2025

Abortion & Reproductive Rights

Medium

Adriano Espaillat is endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All, an organization dedicated to securing and expanding abortion rights and access. He maintains a pro-choice voting record and advocates for abortion access. His position aligns with initiatives supporting reproductive freedom.

Foreign Policy

High

Adriano Espaillat advocates for increased foreign aid, citing its role in saving lives and reflecting core American values, and criticized proposed cuts to U.S. global assistance programs. He introduced an amendment to reduce the export of U.S. electronic waste, aiming to mitigate national security risks posed by counterfeit electronics entering defense systems. He also expressed concern over the omission of Green Climate Fund funding, stressing the importance of U.S. leadership and responsibility.

Less than 1% of the U.S. budget goes to foreign aid, including helping hungry children worldwide. The large deficit and tax cuts for the wealthy amid calls to cut foreign aid is unacceptable. Helping the neediest is a core American value and part of the country’s global appeal. — Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)

Education

Low

Research pending more substantial sources.

Gun Policy

High

Representative Adriano Espaillat advocates for policies aimed at reducing gun violence. He supports measures such as the Enhanced Background Checks Act and the Protecting Our Kids Act, which includes raising the purchasing age for semi-automatic weapons, banning high-capacity magazines, and requiring safe firearm storage. He was honored with the 2026 Congressional Voice for Children Award by the National PTA for his advocacy and endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund.

“Gun violence is a tragedy that strikes every community and weighs on the heart of every American. We cannot stand by and watch more innocent Americans lose their lives,” said Rep. Espaillat. “I am proud to work for Safer Communities, putting People Over Politics with commonsense reforms to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.”

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