Nydia Velazquez — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New York, 2026

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez advocates for immigration reform, emphasizing permanent protections and a path to citizenship for Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status recipients. She co-authored the Dream and Promise Act, citing that these individuals are neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Velázquez opposes proposed rules to end housing assistance for mixed-status families, calling such policies cruel and inhumane attempts to terrorize immigrant communities and stating that HUD programs should not be weaponized.

“This rule would strip housing assistance from families where U.S. citizens and lawful residents live alongside undocumented loved ones. Mixed Status families are already paying their fair share and are receiving prorated benefits under strict eligibility requirements. This is a cruel and inhumane policy that seeks to force families into the impossible choice between family separation and homelessness. It is designed to terrorize immigrant communities, plain and simple. [...] The programs of HUD should never be used as a weapon against the families they were designed to protect." (Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, http://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-slams-huds-proposed-rule-end-housing-assistance-mixed-status)”

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez considers healthcare a fundamental human right and supports efforts to ensure access to affordable, quality care for all Americans. She has voted against every Republican attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, citing its protections for patients with preexisting conditions. Additionally, she is a co-sponsor and strong advocate for Medicare-for-all, believing it will provide all Americans with quality healthcare and prescription drugs.

Nydia Velazquez has demonstrated strong support for climate and environmental issues, evidenced by her 94% 2024Score and 95% Lifetime Score from the League of Conservation Voters. She voted "Yea" on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a bill that addressed climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement, reflecting her commitment to climate change legislation.

Nydia Velázquez strongly supports abortion and reproductive rights, advocating for federal protections and universal access to contraception. She has co-sponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade protections and the Abortion Justice Act, which articulates a vision for true reproductive freedom. Velázquez also introduced a House resolution to recognize World Contraception Day, stating that ensuring reproductive freedom is about equality, dignity, and opportunity.

““World Contraception Day is an effort to recommit building a future where every person has access to the resources, education, and healthcare they need to make informed choices. Ensuring reproductive freedom is about equality, dignity, and opportunity. That is the vision I will continue to fight for, both at home and abroad.” — Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, House Press Release (September 26, 2025)”

Representative Nydia Velazquez voted in favor of H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, allocating $60.1 billion in security assistance. She also voted against H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. Furthermore, Velazquez co-led a resolution advocating to move beyond the Monroe Doctrine, arguing that interventionist policies have failed and that U.S. foreign policy should be based on mutual respect and shared prosperity with Latin America.

““La postura agresiva de esta Administración hacia América Latina hace que esta resolución sea fundamental”, afirmó la congresista Nydia M. Velázquez. “Su ‘Doctrina Donroe’ no es más que una versión aún más grotesca de las políticas intervencionistas que han fallado durante dos siglos. Estados Unidos y América Latina enfrentan desafíos compartidos en materia de narcotráfico, migración y cambio climático. Solo podemos resolverlos mediante una verdadera cooperación, no mediante la coerción. Debemos dejar atrás de una vez por todas la Doctrina Monroe y avanzar hacia una política exterior basada en el respeto mutuo y la prosperidad compartida.” - Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, velazquez.house.gov”

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez advocates for education funding, specifically opposing cuts to the Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP). She argued that cancelling grants undermined the Department of Education's goals by impacting nearly 7,700 students and widening opportunity gaps. Velázquez cited the program's role in supporting desegregation, providing equitable access to high-quality education, and preparing students for higher education.

“Your administration’s baseless cancellation of millions of grant funding in response to New York City policies that are inclusive and protective of students regardless of gender identity is not only reckless but discriminatory. It demonstrates significant disregard for educating our country’s future leaders, and once again, your willingness to put your politics over the well-being of nearly 7,700 students attending the affected schools, five of which are … within my district.” – Nydia Velázquez, letter to federal Department of Education secretary Linda E. McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, as reported by The Brooklyn Paper, November 2025.”

Representative Nydia Velazquez voted Yea on a bill that included provisions to prevent individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or felonies in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years. This legislation also provided funding for mental health services, state grants for crisis intervention order programs, and community-based violence prevention initiatives, aligning with her strong support for measures to reduce gun violence.