22 Democrats support restoring Roe v. Wade.
4 Democrats believe it’s not the government’s place.
9 Democrats think it’s a matter between a woman and her doctor.
21 Republicans oppose a federal ban.
10 Republicans believe it should be decided by the states.
5 Republicans identify as pro-life.
Josh Riley, the Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 19th District, emphasizes that women’s healthcare decisions should be left to the individuals involved, not politicians. Similarly, his Republican opponent, Representative Marc Molinaro, advocates for healthcare decisions to be made between a woman and her doctor, rather than by Washington.
In competitive House races nationwide, Republicans are redefining their stance on abortion, with many now supporting state-level decision-making on the issue. Some Republican candidates have released ads directly addressing their opposition to a federal abortion ban.
If Republicans secure a majority in the House, there is a possibility of a national abortion ban, leading Democrats to frame the upcoming elections as a referendum on the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
The New York Times surveyed candidates from both parties in competitive House races to understand their positions on federal abortion limits. Democrats largely aim to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade, while Republicans are more focused on state-level decision-making regarding abortion.
Abortion rights groups accuse Republicans of misleading voters by claiming not to support an outright abortion ban while endorsing federal limits or standards.
Republican candidates are now hesitant to publicly support a federal abortion ban, aligning with former President Donald J. Trump’s shift in language on the issue following the Dobbs decision.
In the past, many House Republicans supported a nationwide abortion ban, but the majority have now shifted their stance to state-level decision-making. Only a few Republican candidates in tossup races have received endorsements from prominent anti-abortion groups.
In contrast, major abortion rights groups have endorsed nearly all Democratic candidates, emphasizing their support for reproductive rights and access to abortion.
The lack of support from advocacy groups may pose a risk for candidates who have moderated their stance on abortion. For example, only a few Republicans in tossup races received endorsements from leading anti-abortion organizations.
The New York Times survey revealed the positions of candidates from both parties on federal abortion standards, with Democrats largely supporting the codification of Roe v. Wade and Republicans advocating for state-level decision-making on the issue.
The survey responses of major-party candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives rated as “tossups” by the Cook Political Report were analyzed. Candidates were asked about their support for a federal minimum standard on abortion and the number of weeks in pregnancy until which they support abortion access.