Who Is Running in Texas Congressional District 20th in 2026?
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Joaquin Castro
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCongressman Joaquin Castro supported the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce prescription drug and energy costs, create clean energy jobs, and increase U.S. manufacturing. He voted against the Financial Services and State Department Funding Bill and a government spending bill in 2025-2026, criticizing Republican actions for not lowering costs for families and for reducing Medicaid and food assistance. Castro also demanded an end to Trump's tariffs on Canada, stating they acted as a tax on families and businesses.
Immigration
HighJoaquin Castro advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, citing that the United States' strength and prosperity stem from its immigrant population. He opposes new Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, particularly those holding families in inhumane conditions. Castro also opposes executive orders that would impose a functional ban on asylum, arguing such measures fundamentally alter asylum laws without protecting Dreamers or other contributing immigrants. He is committed to reforming the immigration system for equity and opportunity.
Healthcare
HighJoaquin Castro strongly supports accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans, opposing cuts to programs like Medicaid. He voted "no" on a government spending bill in November 2025 that he stated continued "attacks on families" through healthcare cuts. Castro proudly co-sponsors Medicare For All, the Affordable Insulin Now Act, the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act, and the COVER Now Act, aiming to lower costs and expand coverage.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Joaquin Castro |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congressman Joaquin Castro supported the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce prescription drug and energy costs, create clean energy jobs, and increase U.S. manufacturing. He voted against the Financial Services and State Department Funding Bill and a government spending bill in 2025-2026, criticizing Republican actions for not lowering costs for families and for reducing Medicaid and food assistance. Castro also demanded an end to Trump's tariffs on Canada, stating they acted as a tax on families and businesses. High |
| Immigration | Joaquin Castro advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, citing that the United States' strength and prosperity stem from its immigrant population. He opposes new Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, particularly those holding families in inhumane conditions. Castro also opposes executive orders that would impose a functional ban on asylum, arguing such measures fundamentally alter asylum laws without protecting Dreamers or other contributing immigrants. He is committed to reforming the immigration system for equity and opportunity. High |
| Healthcare | Joaquin Castro strongly supports accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans, opposing cuts to programs like Medicaid. He voted "no" on a government spending bill in November 2025 that he stated continued "attacks on families" through healthcare cuts. Castro proudly co-sponsors Medicare For All, the Affordable Insulin Now Act, the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act, and the COVER Now Act, aiming to lower costs and expand coverage. High |
| Climate & Energy | Congressman Joaquin Castro voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to cut carbon pollution and invest in clean energy. He supports expanding clean energy and public transit, offering tax credits for electric vehicles, and funding home energy efficiency programs. Castro has opposed amendments that aimed to eliminate funding for EPA's Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, reduce overall EPA funding, or prohibit funding for social cost of carbon regulations. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Congressman Joaquin Castro supports reproductive rights, voting for the Right to Contraception Act to prevent states from restricting access to birth control. He opposes abortion restrictions, having voted against the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act of 2017. Castro also advocated for the Women's Health Protection Act, citing the need to codify abortion access and ensure individuals have the freedom to decide about starting a family. High |
| Foreign Policy | Joaquin Castro advocates for congressional oversight in foreign policy and limiting presidential war powers. He voted against the Financial Services and State Department Funding Bill, citing concerns about accountability and what he described as abuses in foreign policy. Castro secured provisions in the State Department Reauthorization Package to strengthen U.S. diplomacy and improve foreign assistance effectiveness, aiming to promote U.S. leadership and values abroad. He has introduced legislation such as the "No Unauthorized War in Mexico Act" and War Powers Resolutions. High |
| Education | Congressman Joaquin Castro supports various educational initiatives, including advocating for student debt forgiveness, investing in affordable child care, and securing federal funding for local educational institutions like UTSA. He co-introduced the Head Start for Our Future Act to make child development and early education jobs eligible for the Federal Work-Study program, aiming to strengthen the future teacher pipeline and improve outcomes for young children. He also introduced a bill to improve credit transfer for community college students. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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