Scope
Back to results

James P. McGovern

U.S. Representative, MA, district 2

DemocraticHouse

Positions last updated Oct 12, 2026

In Congress since
1997
Years served
30
Age
66
Current term ends
Jan 3, 2027

Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress (via the public congress-legislators dataset). Photo: official congressional portrait.

Compare with another member

Where their record lies

Between the typical Democratic and typical Republican record

McGovernClose to the typical Democratic record. James P. McGovern's record sits -12% of the way from the typical Democratic record to the typical Republican record. 258 Democratic and 269 Republican members are shown; 13 of 530 sit in the middle.
Democratic258 members
Middle13 members
Republican269 members

Close to the typical Democratic record

James P. McGovern's record sits -12% of the way from the typical Democratic record to the typical Republican record.

Built from 6 topics that divide the parties. It describes a record of votes and statements, not a person. How this is calculated.

Their record by topic

Further from the center means more agreement with the quiz statement

Web chart of James P. McGovern’s positions on 8 topics; a larger shape means stronger agreement.Health careTaxes & spendingImmigrationClimate & energyGunsAbortionEducationForeign policy

Each point averages how James P. McGovern votes and what they say on that topic. A topic with no data is left out, not drawn as neutral. The sources are in the sections below.

Where they stand

Each topic is a statement from the quiz. "Agree" means their votes or words line up with it.

  • Health care

    “The federal government should guarantee health coverage for every American.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Strongly agree

  • Taxes & spending

    “Lowering taxes matters more than expanding government services.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Strongly disagree

  • Immigration

    “Border security should be the top priority in immigration policy.”

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Disagree

  • Climate & energy

    “The federal government should require cuts to carbon emissions, even if energy costs rise.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Agree

  • Guns

    “Federal law should require background checks on all gun sales, including private sales.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Agree

  • Abortion

    “Abortion law should be decided by each state, not the federal government.”

    Votes: No data|Says: Strongly disagree

  • Education

    “Public school funding should follow students to the school their family chooses, including private schools.”

    Votes: Disagree|Says: Disagree

  • Foreign policy

    “The U.S. should keep providing military aid to its allies abroad.”

    Votes: Neutral or unsure|Says: Disagree

Votes on key bills

The final vote on each bill Scope tracks (not every vote they have cast). Newest first.

Show 12 more votes

Source: House Clerk and Senate roll-call records via Congress.gov. For every vote they have cast, see GovTrack.

Words versus votes

Pro preview · free for now

No topic where votes and statements point in opposite directions (7 topics compared).

A difference is a prompt to look closer, not proof of anything. Votes come from a short list of tracked bills; statements come from speeches, press releases and bills they put their name on. See the evidence for each topic. On 1 more topic one side is neutral, so there is nothing to contrast.

Campaign money

$984,206 raised in the 2025-2026 cycle

For the 2025-2026 election cycle, through Sep 30, 2026. Who funds a campaign can shape who a member listens to, though it does not decide how they vote.

Raised
$984,206
Spent
$995,042
Cash on hand
$0

Where the money came from

  • Small donors (under $200 each)19%
  • Larger individual donors52%
  • Political action committees (PACs)29%

Source: Federal Election Commission filings · see top donors on OpenSecrets.

What they work on

13 bills written, 350 signed onto. Top topic: International Affairs

In the current Congress they have written 13 bills and signed on to 350 more. A bill someone writes shows what they want to change.

Topics of the bills they wrote

  • International Affairs7
  • Health4
  • Economics and Public Finance1
  • Environmental Protection1

Most recent bills they wrote

  • H.R. 7546: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the M... (Aug 6, 2026)
  • H.R. 9226: Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act (Jun 9, 2026)
  • H.R. 8982: Assuring the Future of Tibet Act of 2026 (Jun 8, 2026)
  • H.R. 5684: Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025 (Jun 8, 2026)
  • H.Con.Res. 68: To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress. (Jan 12, 2026)

Source: Sponsorship records from Congress.gov; each bill links to its page there.

Committees

2 committees: House Committee on Agriculture; House Committee on Rules

Committees study and rewrite bills before the full chamber votes.

Source: Committee rosters from the congress-legislators dataset (built from the House and Senate committee pages, as of 2026-10-12). Each committee name links to its official page.

Career in Congress

1997 to present
  • 1997 to 2013U.S. House, MA, district 3Democrat
  • 2013 to presentU.S. House, MA, district 2Democrat

Source: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Contact and learn more

Office phone, website, message form and where to read more

Contact their office

Read more about them

Source: Contact details from the member's official pages, via the congress-legislators dataset. Outside sites are not run by Scope.

The evidence, topic by topic

Every position links to the votes, quotes and bills it was built from

Health care

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 6 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.Roll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on American Health Care Act of 2017

Votes behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Health care

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 5 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 4849: Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 2045: Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 3069: Medicare for All Actcosponsored bill: HR 4406: State-Based Universal Health Care Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 4104: Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2025

Statements behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Health care

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Taxes & spending

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.Roll call on bill

Votes behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Taxes & spending

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Strongly disagree (-2)

Based on 6 cosponsored bills, 1 floor speech related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“Let's reject this disgusting plan and invest in our anti-poverty safety net.”

cosponsored bill: HR 1700: Social Security Expansion Actcosponsored bill: HR 3543: College for All Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 609: Assuring Medicare’s Promise Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 2764: Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025floor speech: REJECT TRUMP TAX PLANcosponsored bill: HR 8085: Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act of 2026

Statements behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Taxes & spending

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Immigration

How they vote

Strongly disagree (-2)

Calculated from 3 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on Secure the Border Act of 2023

Votes behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Immigration

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Disagree (-1)

Based on 4 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 670: Lady Liberty Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HR 1061: Protecting Sensitive Locations Actcosponsored bill: HR 2851: WISE Actcosponsored bill: HR 924: NO BAN Act

Statements behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Immigration

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Climate & energy

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 14.Roll call on Lower Energy Costs Act

Votes behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Climate & energy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Agree (+1)

Based on 3 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HRES 68: Expressing strong disapproval of the President's announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.cosponsored bill: HR 1135: Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HCONRES 44: Recognizing a health and safety emergency disproportionately affecting the fundamental rights of children due to the Trump administration's directives that unleash fossil

Statements behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Climate & energy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Guns

How they vote

Strongly agree (+2)

Calculated from 2 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019Roll call on Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Votes behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Guns

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Agree (+1)

Based on 1 cosponsored bill related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 18: Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025

Statements behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Guns

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Abortion

How they vote

No data

What they say

Strongly disagree (-2)

Based on 3 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 12: Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025cosponsored bill: HRES 238: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that every person has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care.cosponsored bill: HR 4099: Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act

Statements behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Abortion

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Education

How they vote

Disagree (-1)

Calculated from 3 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on billRoll call on billRoll call on An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

Votes behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Education

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Disagree (-1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HRES 94: Expressing support for the Nation's local public K-12 schools and condemning any actions that would defund public education or weaken or dismantle the Department of Educatiocosponsored bill: HR 9289: Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026

Statements behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Education

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Foreign policy

How they vote

Neutral or unsure (0)

Calculated from 4 recorded vote(s) using the public issue-to-bill list.

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Roll call on Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024Roll call on Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024Roll call on billRoll call on Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

Votes behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Foreign policy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

What they say

Disagree (-1)

Based on 7 cosponsored bills, 1 press release related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon”

cosponsored bill: HJRES 69: Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.cosponsored bill: HJRES 83: Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.cosponsored bill: HRES 155: Reaffirming the United States unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity as Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine hits cosponsored bill: HJRES 97: Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.cosponsored bill: HR 3565: To provide for a limitation on the transfer of defense articles and defense services to Israel.

Statements behind McGovern, James P.'s position on Foreign policy

A position is built from many pieces of evidence. Each one is listed here, strongest first. Open any to see its source, how it counted, and how it was produced.

Revision history

50 recorded changes
  • Foreign policy (vote): 0 to 0Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 0 to 0Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 0 to 0Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 12, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 1 to 0Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Health care (vote): 2 to 2Status changed: verified to needs_review · Oct 12, 2026
  • Foreign policy (statement): -1 to -1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): -2 to -2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (statement): -1 to -1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (statement): 2 to 2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (statement): 1 to 1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (statement): -1 to -1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): 1 to 1Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Abortion (statement): -2 to -2Bulk approval (statements): Spot-checked a sample of the AI's readings · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): -1 to -2Status changed: needs_review to needs_review · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (statement): created at -1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Health care (statement): created at 2Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (statement): created at 1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (statement): created at -1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Abortion (statement): created at -2Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (statement): created at 1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Taxes & spending (statement): created at -1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (statement): created at -1Created · Oct 8, 2026
  • Foreign policy (vote): 1 to 1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Education (vote): -1 to -1Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Guns (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Climate & energy (vote): 2 to 2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026
  • Immigration (vote): -2 to -2Bulk approval: AI bill check reviewed and accepted · Oct 8, 2026