The Gist
U.S. Representative, 1st Congressional District
Photo of James R. Comer
James R. ComerOfficial portrait — U.S. House of Representatives

James R. Comer

Candidate for U.S. Representative, 1st Congressional District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
U.S. Representative
Campaign website
jamescomer.com

U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 1st District since his 2016 election and chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. A Monroe County farmer, he served six terms in the Kentucky House and was Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — U.S. House of Representatives

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Supports a Balanced Budget Amendment through a states' conventionIn office

    In a January 2026 Lexington Herald-Leader op-ed republished by his office, he noted 27 states have applied for an Article V convention to propose the amendment.

    Comer in Herald-Leader: It's Time to Finally Balance America's Budget

    Public statement · Office of Rep. James Comer · Jan 20, 2026 · comer.house.gov

    “For that reason, I urge the Kentucky legislature to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment convention application in 2026.”
    Report

Economy & jobs

  • Co-sponsored the Hemp Planting Predictability Act for hemp farmersIn office

    The bipartisan bill, led by Rep. Jim Baird, would grant a two-year extension of the FY2026 appropriations provision that restricts the definition of legal hemp, giving Congress time to write comprehensive hemp policy.

    WATCH: Comer and Hemp Industry Leaders Push Bipartisan Legislation to Support America's Hemp Farmers

    Public statement · Office of Rep. James Comer · Jan 15, 2026 · comer.house.gov

    “I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which would give Congress an additional two years to enact comprehensive hemp policy”
    Report

  • Reintroduced the MARINA Act limiting Army Corps fees on marinasIn office

    The bill would standardize how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calculates administrative fees, cap at 1% the sales of food, fuel, boats and similar items counted toward a marina's rent, and extend initial leases to 50 years.

    Comer Reintroduces the MARINA Act to Protect Kentucky's Marina Owners

    Public statement · Office of Rep. James Comer · Jan 27, 2026 · comer.house.gov

    “legislation designed to provide greater transparency, predictability, and stability in fee structures for Kentucky's marina owners”
    Report

  • Introduced the Save Local Business Act narrowing joint-employer liabilityIn office

    The bill would amend the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act so that businesses count as joint employers only when they have "actual, direct, and immediate" control over employees.

    Congressman Comer Introduces the Save Local Business Act

    Public statement · Office of Rep. James Comer · Jul 15, 2025 · comer.house.gov

    “will add common sense to the definition of a joint employer, protect the franchise business model, and reduce bureaucratic headaches for American job creators”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Introduced a bipartisan bill regulating pharmacy benefit managersIn office

    The Pharmacists Fight Back Act, introduced with Reps. Jake Auchincloss and Diana Harshbarger, would tie pharmacy reimbursement to the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost and bar pharmacy benefit managers from steering patients to affiliated pharmacies.

    Comer Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Soaring Prescription Drug Costs, Support Kentucky Pharmacists

    Public statement · Office of Rep. James Comer · Dec 11, 2025 · comer.house.gov

    “to lower life-saving prescription drug costs and rein in the predatory practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Led an Oversight hearing on fraud in state-run federal programsIn office

    At the April 2026 hearing he questioned Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball about Medicaid fraud and called on the Kentucky General Assembly to act on audit findings.

    Comer: Taxpayer Dollars are Being Stolen and Kentucky State Leaders Are Failing to Act

    Public statement · Office of Rep. James Comer · Apr 15, 2026 · comer.house.gov

    “urged the Kentucky General Assembly to act on audit findings to strengthen oversight, reform Medicaid, and better protect hardworking Kentucky taxpayers”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from James R. Comer on them.

  • HousingNo documented position found.
  • Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.

All sources (80)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.