Mark Pocan — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Wisconsin, 2026

Mark Pocan supports comprehensive immigration reform, advocating for keeping families together, a roadmap to citizenship, and fair treatment for workers. He welcomed the Senate's bipartisan reform legislation, urging House action. He opposes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling the agency "rogue" and emphasizing the need for meaningful change to improve public safety. He also opposed a government funding package due to DHS concerns.

“Our nation has always been built on the concept of inclusion and openness, and I am pleased that the U.S. Senate today passed bipartisan and comprehensive immigration reform legislation. This bill takes important steps to ensure we can keep families together, have a roadmap to citizenship for new American immigrants, and that all workers are treated fairly The time is now to act on a new, commonsense immigration process, and I urge the House to move on this matter as soon as possible.” — U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, pocan.house.gov”

Representative Mark Pocan voted against funding legislation that did not extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits. He argued that the failure to extend these credits would significantly increase healthcare costs for millions of Americans, potentially leading to widespread insurance loss and general rate increases. Pocan believes that healthcare affordability is a top concern for constituents and suggests the healthcare system may need an overhaul to address these issues.

“Today, I voted no on a bill that fails the American people. This legislation does nothing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits that keep healthcare affordable for more than 22 million Americans. That means millions will have to pay significantly more for their healthcare in the coming months or lose their insurance entirely. This will also have a ripple effect leading to rate increases for nearly everyone in this country." — U.S. Representative Mark Pocan, press release on his official website”

Representative Mark Pocan voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (HR 4758) and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act (HR 4626) in 2026. He received a 100% score from Wisconsin Conservation Voters in 2025 and the League of Conservation Voters in 2024. Pocan aims to reduce the carbon footprint, preserve natural resources, and modernize energy technology through investments in clean energy to achieve energy efficiency and economic growth.

“At a time when we see the effects of global warming in our daily lives, I believe that making the country more energy efficient will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also will position the U.S. to thrive in a twenty-first-century economy. I am committed to preserving our environment through investments in clean energy capabilities. I subscribe to the notion that if we make investments in the short term, we can ultimately make our energy use more efficient in the long term. My goal is to modernize our energy technology through research and development of new technologies so that we can continue to create and manufacture goods while reducing harmful pollution and saving consumers money. [...] By reducing our carbon footprint, we also help preserve Wisconsin's treasured natural resources. The Second District is filled with beautiful state parks such as Devil's Lake in Sauk County, the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, and the Ice Age Trail in Dane County. In addition, Wisconsin's lakes, rivers, streams, and natural prairie land have vital economic and cultural importance. I am dedicated to preserving our natural habitats and keeping our lakes and waterways clean so that future generations can continue to enjoy these landscapes. I'm proud to support a number of initiatives aimed at addressing the climate crisis, establishing energy independence, and reducing pollution." - Representative Mark Pocan, "Energy and Environment" on pocan.house.gov”

Mark Pocan supports reproductive rights, voting for measures like the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Right to Contraception Act, and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. He opposes restrictions, having voted against bills such as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and a one-year funding ban on Planned Parenthood. Pocan asserts that decisions about terminating a pregnancy should be made by individuals and their doctors, not politicians, and advocates for the codification of Roe v. Wade.

“"This decision is awful. Throwing out nearly 50 years of settled law to eliminate fundamental human rights is outrageous and an insult to our democracy, where a significant majority of Americans wanted Roe to stand. I share the sadness, fear, and anger of that majority today. [...] The deeply personal decision to terminate a pregnancy should be made by individuals and their doctors, not politicians. [...] The fight for basic human rights like abortion doesn't end here. The Senate must codify Roe today and not a day later." - U.S. Representative Mark Pocan, Press Release, June 24, 2022.”

Mark Pocan, co-chair of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, has consistently voted against the National Defense Authorization Act since 2012, including the FY2026, FY2025, and FY2024 bills. He opposes high military spending, citing the Pentagon's failure to pass audits and a lack of accountability for defense contractors. Pocan advocates for redirecting these funds to address domestic needs such as housing and healthcare. Peace Action endorses him for his commitment to reducing defense expenditures.

““Once again, Congress is choosing to funnel exorbitant sums into a bloated defense department instead of investing in the everyday needs of working families, like housing, healthcare, and rising costs at the grocery store. The Pentagon remains the only major agency that continues to fail an audit year after year. Yet we keep writing essentially blank checks to defense contractors with little accountability and few results to show for it, while ignoring the needs of our troops who bravely serve our nation. Until lawmakers prioritize people over the Pentagon and demand real oversight, I will continue opposing these reckless, out-of-control defense bills.” - Mark Pocan, pocan.house.gov press release "Pocan Rejects FY26 Defense Bill as Costs Continue to Skyrocket"”

Mark Pocan supports investing in public education and introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor Public Schools Week 2025, emphasizing strong communities and high-quality education. He advocates for affordable higher education, citing a rising student debt crisis, and backs initiatives for student loan debt forgiveness and refinancing. Additionally, he supports modernizing classrooms, reducing class sizes, enhancing special education, and establishing universal pre-kindergarten. He also voted "Nay" on the Flexibility for Workers Education Act.

“College can open up many opportunities and I believe we have a responsibility to make higher education affordable for the next generation. Unfortunately, a quality, affordable college education is growing further out of reach for too many in this country. Our nation is facing a rising student debt crisis due to increasing tuition costs, out of control interest rates, and the difficult job market facing recent graduates. While students struggle to make loan payments, they are prevented from actively contributing to our economy. I support a number of initiatives aimed at forgiving a portion of student loan debt and allowing students to refinance their federal student loans, freeing up funds to buy a house, get a new car, support a family, and pursue greater economic opportunities. [...] I am committed to investing in education to provide future generations with the tools they need to become leaders. I support efforts to modernize our classrooms, reduce class sizes, enhance special education programs, provide students with access to affordable higher education opportunities, and ensure America has the best-trained and most qualified teachers. I believe investing in the public education system is one of the best ways to help America become more productive and competitive. - U.S. Representative Mark Pocan, from his official statement regarding his vote against the Bipartisan Budget Bill, on pocan.house.gov/issues/education.”

Mark Pocan supports stricter gun control measures, including universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and bump stocks. He voted for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and the Protecting Our Children Act. He co-sponsored the Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act and states that gun violence is a "uniquely American problem," advocating for legislative action to ensure children's safety. He views gun manufacturers as a barrier to implementing these measures.

“"Gun violence is a uniquely American problem," Pocan said. "There are widely popular steps we can take – steps most other countries have taken – to help stop these horrific tragedies. 321 people are shot every day in the United States, and 111 are killed. Moments of silence mean nothing without moments of action. Thoughts and prayers mean nothing if we don't take steps to prevent future tragedies. Our children are watching. Will my colleagues in the Senate stand by while kids live in fear, or will they have the strength to finally act?" (U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan, press release, http://pocan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pocan-takes-action-on-gun-violence)”