Who Is Running in New York Congressional District 20th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Paul Tonko
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCongressman Paul Tonko prioritizes economic growth and job creation, advocating for clean energy jobs and bolstering American manufacturing. He voted against the Default on America Act, which he argued would cut Medicare and roll back climate action, and has condemned debt ceiling proposals. He emphasizes the importance of affordable healthcare to small business success. He also secured over $14 million in federal funding for community development projects in his district for FY2026.
Immigration
HighPaul Tonko advocates for the total abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that the agency has lost public trust and imposes terror rather than enforcing laws. He has voted against appropriations funding for the Department of Homeland Security and actively opposes the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Tonko believes enforcement of immigration laws should be assigned to other agencies focused on actual criminal threats.
Healthcare
HighPaul Tonko supports access to affordable healthcare, viewing it as crucial for quality of life and business competitiveness. He voted for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1065) and the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755) to defend reproductive health freedom. He also sponsored the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act of 2020 and the Health Care Workforce Protection Act, while opposing the FY24 NDAA due to provisions affecting servicemembers' healthcare.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Paul Tonko |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congressman Paul Tonko prioritizes economic growth and job creation, advocating for clean energy jobs and bolstering American manufacturing. He voted against the Default on America Act, which he argued would cut Medicare and roll back climate action, and has condemned debt ceiling proposals. He emphasizes the importance of affordable healthcare to small business success. He also secured over $14 million in federal funding for community development projects in his district for FY2026. High |
| Immigration | Paul Tonko advocates for the total abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that the agency has lost public trust and imposes terror rather than enforcing laws. He has voted against appropriations funding for the Department of Homeland Security and actively opposes the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Tonko believes enforcement of immigration laws should be assigned to other agencies focused on actual criminal threats. High |
| Healthcare | Paul Tonko supports access to affordable healthcare, viewing it as crucial for quality of life and business competitiveness. He voted for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1065) and the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755) to defend reproductive health freedom. He also sponsored the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act of 2020 and the Health Care Workforce Protection Act, while opposing the FY24 NDAA due to provisions affecting servicemembers' healthcare. High |
| Climate & Energy | Paul Tonko introduced H.R. 6918, the Climate Pollution Standard & Community Investment Act, to create a roadmap for a carbon-free economy, reduce energy costs, and support communities. He opposed bills designed to weaken public health and environmental protections, including the repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding. He argues that comprehensive climate policy provides cost-saving benefits and avoids economic and public health harms. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Congressman Paul Tonko voted for H.R. 8296 and H.R. 3755, the Women's Health Protection Act, to defend women's health freedom. He aimed to ensure Americans’ right to make their own health decisions and uphold access to reproductive health care nationwide, free from state restrictions. He also characterized the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Texas's abortion ban as an explicit attack on reproductive rights. High |
| Foreign Policy | Paul Tonko advocates for diplomacy as the primary approach to international relations, emphasizing that military action should be an absolute last resort. He supported the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to block Iran's nuclear weapon pathways and has condemned acts he views as illegal or reckless wars, such as President Trump's actions against Iran and Venezuela, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tonko consistently prioritizes avoiding past foreign policy errors that result in high costs and casualties, earning an endorsement from Peace Action. High |
| Education | Congressman Paul Tonko has secured federal funding for educational institutions in his district, including $850,000 for Hudson Valley Community College's Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Lab and $1.5 million for the University at Albany's Cleanroom equipment upgrade. He also honored a student winner of the Congressional App Challenge, demonstrating support for STEM education. His office actively promotes federal grant opportunities for various educational programs to foster growth and sustainability within the community. High |
| Gun Policy | Congressman Paul Tonko voted in favor of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act. He emphasized the need for stronger background checks and ending the Charleston Loophole. His stance aims to ensure individuals prohibited from gun possession cannot obtain firearms and to reduce gun violence in the U.S. He stated his pride in casting his vote for these landmark bills. High |
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