Mark Rice: 2026 candidate for the 8th Congressional District

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: 8th Congressional District

City: Arlington Heights

Age: 64

Occupation: CEO

Previous offices held: NA

Q&A

What is your top issue and how do you propose to address it?

My top issue is the cost of living driven by inflation and federal overspending. Families in Illinois feel it every time they buy groceries, pay rent, or fill up their cars.

I would push for serious spending restraint, targeted reforms to reduce waste and fraud in federal programs, pro-growth tax policy, and the rollback of job-killing regulations that raise prices on energy, transportation, and housing. We need an economy that rewards work and stops treating taxpayers like an endless credit card.

Do you support the unilateral foreign policy course President Trump has taken with such actions as the bombing of Iran, assaults on Venezuelan ships and the seizure of the Venezuelan president?

I support a foreign policy that puts America’s security first, deters our adversaries, and avoids endless wars.

The President has the authority to act swiftly to defend Americans and our interests, but major or sustained military action should be clearly justified. I will back decisive action against threats, including Iran and its proxies, when it is necessary to protect Americans, while also insisting on transparency, defined objectives, and an end state.

While Congress has an oversight role, I believe strong leadership and decisive action are essential to maintaining peace through strength and protecting American lives.

The executive branch has expanded its powers in recent years on foreign policy, economic tariffs, executive orders and more. Are you satisfied with the direction these activities are moving? If so, why? If not, what needs to be done differently?

Presidents must be able to act decisively to defend the nation, enforce trade laws, and respond to emergencies when Congress fails to act. While I am satisfied with how President Trump has handled foreign policy, economic tariffs, and executive orders, I do recognize that it is important to have clearer limits on unelected bureaucracies, stronger congressional oversight of federal agencies, and a commitment to the constitutional separation of powers.

What should U.S. border policy be? If elected, what would you do to make it happen?

The United States must regain operational control of the border. That means finishing effective physical barriers where needed, reinstating strong enforcement policies, expanding Border Patrol resources, and removing criminal illegal aliens. A sovereign nation must enforce its laws. Border security is national security, and enforcing our laws is essential to protecting communities and workers.

What should be the government’s role in assuring health care for Americans? What should be done regarding the ACA to better perform this function?

The federal government should ensure access to affordable care without taking over the health care system.

I oppose government-run health care and support patient-centered reforms that expand choice, competition, and transparency. The Affordable Care Act should be reformed because it has raised premiums and limited options for many families.

What is your vision for a solution to conflicts involving Israel and the Palestinians? What should the United States be doing to advance this position?

Israel is a key U.S. ally and has the right to defend itself against terrorism. The United States should stand firmly with Israel, oppose Hamas and other terrorist organizations, and support efforts that improve stability and security in the region.

Any long-term political settlement must be realistic and must ensure Israel’s security, including preventing terrorism and stopping Iran’s destabilizing influence.