Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski represents Illinois’ 13th Congressional District and is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Photo: Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski.
For Immediate Release – October 24, 2026
Budzinski Earns “A” on Scorecard for Fighting Corruption and Protecting Illinoisans’ Voice and Vote
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Defend the Vote Action Fund awarded Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) an “A”, the highest grade possible, on its 2026 Legislative Scorecard for the 119th Congress. The scorecard recognizes Members of Congress who back practical reforms that cut down on the influence of big money in politics and protect every eligible citizen’s right to vote.
Budzinski’s record on the scorecard includes:
- Cosponsoring the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 14)
- Cosponsoring the DISCLOSE Act (H.R. 7802), which would shed light on secret money in elections
- Voting no on the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) and the SAVE America Act
“I’m grateful to Defend the Vote Action Fund for this recognition,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Families across Central and Southern Illinois deserve leaders who put public service ahead of personal profit and fight for their interests — not special interests. When our political system puts big money over people, working families pay the price, and public trust suffers. I’ll continue fighting to protect voting rights, shine a light on the influence of big money in our elections, and strengthen transparency and accountability in our democracy.”
Defend The Vote Action Fund’s scorecard evaluates every Member of the House and Senate on their support for legislation that reduces corruption in the political system, as well as their support for or opposition to measures that would weaken democratic institutions, restrict voting rights, or reduce public accountability.
“The only way we are going to have a government that serves the people is if we crack down on the corruption that is driving up costs by putting billionaire donors and corporate lobbyists ahead of everyone else,” said Defend the Vote Action Fund Executive Director Brian Lemek. “Representative Budzinski’s record paints a clear picture that shows she is stepping up in this moment. It is more important than ever that our elected representatives side with regular people and reform this broken, corrupt system that is failing us all.”
In January, Budzinski also partnered with End Citizens United to host a forum at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she unveiled her anti-corruption agenda aimed at cracking down on self-dealing, dark money, and restoring accountability to government.
To see Congresswoman Budzinski’s grade and the full list of bills scored, click HERE.
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