Who Is Running in Oregon Congressional District 2nd in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Cliff Bentz
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCongressman Cliff Bentz voted to reopen the government via the "Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2026", emphasizing the need to focus on appropriations, healthcare, energy, and regulatory reform to address the economy. He defended and voted for a Republican tax and spending bill, acknowledging its projected impact on the national deficit, but stated his focus was on protecting the economy and seeking deficit reduction. He also introduced the O&C Renewal Act of 2026 to promote timber production.
Immigration
HighCliff Bentz has lobbied the Trump administration for a different approach to deportations, advocating for a focus on individuals living illegally with criminal records. He supports efforts to deport those without legal status who have committed crimes while opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants, believing they should "earn" citizenship. Bentz also credits the previous administration for securing the southern border.
Healthcare
HighCliff Bentz voted against healthcare subsidies and supports reforms to the Affordable Care Act, citing its high costs. He advocates for addressing waste and fraud within the healthcare system to improve efficiency and preserve high-quality care, while acknowledging the need to contain rising costs. Bentz also expressed concerns about Medicaid funding's impact on rural healthcare providers and supported federal funding for rural health initiatives.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Cliff Bentz |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congressman Cliff Bentz voted to reopen the government via the "Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2026", emphasizing the need to focus on appropriations, healthcare, energy, and regulatory reform to address the economy. He defended and voted for a Republican tax and spending bill, acknowledging its projected impact on the national deficit, but stated his focus was on protecting the economy and seeking deficit reduction. He also introduced the O&C Renewal Act of 2026 to promote timber production. High |
| Immigration | Cliff Bentz has lobbied the Trump administration for a different approach to deportations, advocating for a focus on individuals living illegally with criminal records. He supports efforts to deport those without legal status who have committed crimes while opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants, believing they should "earn" citizenship. Bentz also credits the previous administration for securing the southern border. High |
| Healthcare | Cliff Bentz voted against healthcare subsidies and supports reforms to the Affordable Care Act, citing its high costs. He advocates for addressing waste and fraud within the healthcare system to improve efficiency and preserve high-quality care, while acknowledging the need to contain rising costs. Bentz also expressed concerns about Medicaid funding's impact on rural healthcare providers and supported federal funding for rural health initiatives. High |
| Climate & Energy | Representative Cliff Bentz has voted against several environmental protection measures, including bills to limit drilling and promote renewable energy, as reflected in his 3% score from the League of Conservation Voters in 2025 and lifetime. He supported delisting the gray wolf, arguing for state agency management due to population growth. Additionally, he introduced legislation to prioritize timber production on Oregon & California lands, advocating for sustained-yield forest management. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Cliff Bentz voted against the Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. His voting record consistently aligns with anti-abortion positions. He is recognized by SBA Pro-Life America, an organization whose mission is to end abortion, indicating his alignment with their goals to elect leaders who protect unborn babies. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Cliff Bentz voted in favor of the Made-in-America Defense Act in 2025. While he supports strong U.S. leadership, his voting record shows a mixed stance on specific foreign policy and defense measures. He did not vote for the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, or an amendment aimed at nuclear arms control flexibility, both supported by Foreign Policy for America. However, he did support the Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act. Medium |
| Education | Cliff Bentz supports school choice programs, including vouchers, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools. He also voted to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which provides approximately $50 million annually to rural school communities. Bentz emphasizes the program's importance for Oregon counties and its role in providing essential funding for education in timber-dependent areas. High |
| Gun Policy | Representative Cliff Bentz was identified among House Republicans who voted against gun control measures. He expressed that a mass shooting was 'heartbreaking and tragic,' and in an August 2022 tweet, asked others to join him and Lindsay in praying for the victims and their families. This indicates a general opposition to stricter gun control legislation. High |
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