Who Is Running in Tennessee Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
David Kustoff
(Incumbent)Economy
HighDavid Kustoff voted in favor of the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act in 2026. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, he works to cut taxes, bolster trade agreements, and advance policies intended to support workers, families, farms, and small businesses. He has supported legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included historic tax cuts aimed at jumpstarting the economy.
Immigration
HighDavid Kustoff opposes immigration amnesty and supports stricter border security. He voted against the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), which aimed to provide a pathway to citizenship for certain illegal immigrants. He also opposed H.R. 5038, granting amnesty without immigration system reform. Kustoff advocates for increased border security to deter threats, prevent crime, and reduce drug trafficking.
Healthcare
HighDavid Kustoff voted in favor of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act in 2025. He advocates for market-based reforms, stating he is focused on expanding access to care by shifting control from federal bureaucrats to patients and physicians. Additionally, he introduced the Small Biotech Innovation Act and supports extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | David Kustoff |
|---|---|
| Economy | David Kustoff voted in favor of the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act in 2026. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, he works to cut taxes, bolster trade agreements, and advance policies intended to support workers, families, farms, and small businesses. He has supported legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included historic tax cuts aimed at jumpstarting the economy. High |
| Immigration | David Kustoff opposes immigration amnesty and supports stricter border security. He voted against the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), which aimed to provide a pathway to citizenship for certain illegal immigrants. He also opposed H.R. 5038, granting amnesty without immigration system reform. Kustoff advocates for increased border security to deter threats, prevent crime, and reduce drug trafficking. High |
| Healthcare | David Kustoff voted in favor of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act in 2025. He advocates for market-based reforms, stating he is focused on expanding access to care by shifting control from federal bureaucrats to patients and physicians. Additionally, he introduced the Small Biotech Innovation Act and supports extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. High |
| Climate & Energy | Representative David Kustoff has voted against environmental and climate regulations. His voting record includes actions to roll back environmental and climate rules, such as a fee intended to encourage oil and gas producers to fix methane leaks. He also voted against environmental and climate rules in 2026. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | David Kustoff states he believes life begins at conception and abortion is wrong, asserting that protecting unborn children is a key responsibility. He voted for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36) and H.J. Res. 43, which overturned a Title X abortion funding rule. He also co-sponsored the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 4712) and earned an A+ rating from the Susan B. Anthony List for his pro-life record. High |
| Foreign Policy | Congressman David Kustoff emphasizes the safety and security of the American people, stating it is critical to equip service members to defend against foreign adversaries and for the U.S. to challenge bad actors. He has voted to fully fund the military. Kustoff strongly supports Israel, voting for H.R. 8369, the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, to enable immediate security assistance. He also introduced legislation to revoke tax-exempt status for organizations providing material support to terrorist groups. High |
| Education | Congressman David Kustoff secured $1,250,000 in federal funding for Lambuth Campus Upgrades at the University of Memphis as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package. He also nominated students from West Tennessee to various U.S. military academies. Kustoff stated it is an honor to nominate exceptional students who have demonstrated character and leadership, applauding their willingness to serve. High |
| Gun Policy | David Kustoff has voted against gun reform bills, including in 2021, citing concerns that such legislation would place restrictive burdens on law-abiding gun owners and infringe upon Second Amendment rights without deterring criminals. He opposed universal background checks for firearms in 2019. Kustoff states his commitment to protecting and defending the Second Amendment rights of citizens. High |
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