Shelley Capito — Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate in West Virginia, 2026

Senator Shelley Capito strongly supports fully funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that these agencies are critical for public safety and national security. She agrees with some ICE reforms, such as body cameras and de-escalation training, but opposes proposals to prohibit agents from wearing masks due to safety concerns for law enforcement. Capito believes efforts to weaken DHS and ICE enforcement authority undermine the rule of law and focuses on removing violent criminals. She considers some Democratic reform proposals to be a "wish list" that could stall essential funding.

““I will continue fighting to ensure that ICE has the resources, the authority, and the support it needs to do its job. Weakening enforcement is not compassion. It is neglect. And it is the communities we represent—from small towns in West Virginia to cities across the country—who will bear the consequences. Protecting West Virginians will always be my priority. That starts with standing firmly behind DHS and ICE — and rejecting efforts to weaken them.” - Senator Shelley Moore Capito, FOX News Op-Ed, February 19, 2026.”

Shelley Capito advocates for affordable, quality healthcare, supporting expanded health savings accounts for individual control and transparency, and reducing regulations to lower costs. As Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, she helps fund medical research and facilities. She introduced the bipartisan Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Drug Spending Act to lower prescription drug prices and voted for the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, which she states directly lowers costs for families.

““The Health Care Freedom for Patients Act delivers a real, permanent alternative that lowers costs and puts patients first. Our plan instead sends money directly to Americans, not insurance companies. I was proud to support this proposal because West Virginians deserve to make health care decisions that work best for themselves and their families,” Senator Capito said. (Source: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Capito Statement on Health Care Freedom for Patients Act)”

Shelley Capito has applauded the Trump EPA's repeal of greenhouse gas vehicle standards, citing economic hardship and the need for affordable, gas-powered vehicles, job creation, and consumer choice. She also commended the repeal of Biden-era coal regulations, stating these regulations negatively impacted American families and workers by undermining affordable, reliable electricity from coal. Capito supports deregulation and increased energy exploration for economic growth.

“I applaud this groundbreaking effort from the Trump EPA to further roll back costly regulations from the Obama and Biden administrations that have placed economic hardship on hardworking Americans. This repeal will have a transformational impact on my home state of West Virginia, as these efforts reverse the harmful Democrat attacks on affordable, gas-powered vehicles that West Virginians have endured for far too long. This action represents a key win for affordability, job creation and consumer choice, and I congratulate President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for their continued success in producing visible results for the American people,” Chairman Capito said. (February 12, 2026)”

Senator Shelley Capito opposes federal abortion rights, voting against legislation she stated would override state restrictions and enable federal funding for abortion. She also voted in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Capito cites a commitment to protecting the sanctity of life and preventing taxpayer funding of abortion, earning an "A" from SBA Pro-Life America and a 30% rating from NARAL.

“I have consistently voted protect the sanctity of life and stop forced taxpayer funding of abortion, and I will continue to do so. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Facebook post.”

Senator Shelley Capito voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. She stated her support was based on the bill's ability to enhance national security, provide a pay raise for service members, and strengthen the military to address future challenges. Capito also emphasized that the legislation included provisions she advocated for to benefit West Virginia.

“I am proud that Congress has once again worked together to pass a bipartisan defense authorization bill, which sets policies for our nation’s armed forces that enhance our security here at home, support our troops with a much-deserved pay raise, and better equips our military to face twenty-first century challenges from a position of strength. Through my efforts, I also secured the inclusion of provisions that support West Virginia’s role in our national defense,” Senator Capito said.”

As Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Shelley Capito supports increased funding for education programs. She has advocated for the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, which aims to address educator shortages, ensure education programs are housed within the Department of Education, and support student basic needs in higher education.

Shelley Capito supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which funds mental health services, school safety, and background check systems, while affirming it does not infringe on Second Amendment rights or include federal red flag laws. She also voted to improve the National Instant Background Check System and supported delaying firearm purchases by individuals under terrorist investigation, citing the need to prevent terrorists from acquiring guns while protecting constitutional rights.

“The American people want us to do something to prevent gun violence in our nation. I strongly agree, but in doing so, it was important that our effort was focused, impactful, and did not infringe upon our sacred 2nd amendment rights. This legislation meets that criteria. - U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, statement on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, capito.senate.gov”