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Joe Wilson

U.S. Representative, SC, district 2

RepublicanHouse

Positions last updated Oct 12, 2026

In Congress since
2001
Years served
25
Age
79
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

WilsonBeyond the typical Republican record. Joe Wilson's record is stronger in that direction than the typical Republican member's, which is pulled toward the middle by votes and statements that are not all-or-nothing. 258 Democratic and 269 Republican members are shown; 13 of 530 sit in the middle.
Democratic258 members
Middle13 members
Republican269 members

Beyond the typical Republican record

Joe Wilson's record is stronger in that direction than the typical Republican member's, which is pulled toward the middle by votes and statements that are not all-or-nothing.

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 Joe Wilson’s positions on 8 topics; a larger shape means stronger agreement.Health careTaxes & spendingImmigrationClimate & energyGunsAbortionEducationForeign policy

Each point averages how Joe Wilson 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 disagree|Says: No data

  • Taxes & spending

    “Lowering taxes matters more than expanding government services.”

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Strongly agree

  • Immigration

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

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Strongly agree

  • Climate & energy

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

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: Strongly disagree

  • Guns

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

    Votes: Strongly disagree|Says: No data

  • Abortion

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

    Votes: No data|Says: Disagree

  • Education

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

    Votes: Agree|Says: Strongly agree

  • Foreign policy

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

    Votes: Strongly agree|Says: Strongly agree

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 (5 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.

Campaign money

$861,105 raised in the 2025-2026 cycle

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

Raised
$861,105
Spent
$722,706
Cash on hand
$0

Where the money came from

  • Small donors (under $200 each)2%
  • Larger individual donors42%
  • Political action committees (PACs)30%
  • Loans from the candidate23%
  • Other3%

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

What they work on

29 bills written, 268 signed onto. Top topic: International Affairs

In the current Congress they have written 29 bills and signed on to 268 more. A bill someone writes shows what they want to change.

Topics of the bills they wrote

  • International Affairs25
  • Education1
  • Families1
  • Health1
  • Taxation1

Most recent bills they wrote

  • H.R. 10183: SRBIJA Act (Aug 27, 2026)
  • H.Res. 1451: Recognizing Charleston as the appropriate host city for the 2027 annual meeting of the Organization for Security and ... (Jul 23, 2026)
  • H.R. 9891: PREVENT ESRD Act (Jul 22, 2026)
  • H.R. 9603: Less Bureaucracy, Better International Education Oversight Act (Jul 9, 2026)
  • H.R. 9451: SABER Act of 2026 (Jun 24, 2026)

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

Committees

3 committees: House Committee on Armed Services; House Committee on Education and Workforce...

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

2001 to present
  • 2001 to presentU.S. House, SC, district 2Republican

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

Votes behind Wilson, Joe'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

No data

Taxes & spending

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 titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.Roll call on bill

Votes behind Wilson, Joe'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 agree (+2)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills, 13 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“Limited government prevails over Big Government.”

“President Trump and Republicans in the House and Senate are committed to cutting taxes, increasing wages, and increasing jobs.”

“President Trump and Republicans in the House and Senate are committed to cutting taxes, increasing wages, and creating millions of jobs.”

floor speech: REPUBLICAN PROMISES KEPTcosponsored bill: HR 703: Main Street Tax Certainty Actfloor speech: TRUMP DELIVERS TAX RELIEFfloor speech: HISTORIC TRUMP TAX CUTScosponsored bill: HR 1301: Death Tax Repeal Actfloor speech: TRUMP TAX CUTS FOR FAMILIESfloor speech: TRUMP TAX CUTS FOR FAMILIES

Statements behind Wilson, Joe'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 agree (+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 Secure the Border Act of 2023Roll call on bill

Votes behind Wilson, Joe'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

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 3 cosponsored bills, 17 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent”

“I know he is committed to securing the borders and protecting families and making America great again.”

“Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent”

floor speech: TRUMP SECURES AMERICAN BORDERSfloor speech: TRUMP DELIVERS ON PROMISEScosponsored bill: HR 4070: Tren de Aragua Border Security Threat Assessment Actcosponsored bill: HR 116: Stopping Border Surges Actfloor speech: PRESIDENT TRUMP PROTECTING THE BORDERcosponsored bill: HR 273: REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2025floor speech: 100 DAYS OF TRUMP'S PROMISES KEPTfloor speech: PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPTfloor speech: TRUMP SUPPORTS SOVEREIGN UKRAINE

Statements behind Wilson, Joe'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 disagree (-2)

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

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

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

Votes behind Wilson, Joe'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

Strongly disagree (-2)

Based on 2 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“ending policies of climate alarmism, replacing them by streamlining permits and having realistic regulations”

“the nutty United Nations Paris Agreement prioritize domestic energy security over international climate diplomacy”

floor speech: INDIA-U.S. DEAL SIGNALS ENERGY SOVEREIGNTYfloor speech: AMERICAN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

Statements behind Wilson, Joe'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 disagree (-2)

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

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

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

Votes behind Wilson, Joe'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

No data

Abortion

How they vote

No data

What they say

Disagree (-1)

Based on 2 cosponsored bills related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

cosponsored bill: HR 722: Life at Conception Actcosponsored bill: HR 685: SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2025

Statements behind Wilson, Joe'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

Agree (+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 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 Wilson, Joe'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

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 4 cosponsored bills, 1 floor speech related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“Expanding school choice;”

cosponsored bill: HRES 63: Expressing support for the designation of the week of January 26 through February 1, 2025, as "National School Choice Week".cosponsored bill: HR 817: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against tax for charitable donations to nonprofit organizations providing education scholarships to qualified elecosponsored bill: HR 833: Educational Choice for Children Act of 2025floor speech: HIGHLIGHTING GOVERNOR HENRY McMASTER'S 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGETcosponsored bill: HRES 1023: Expressing support for the designation of the week of January 25 through January 31, 2026, as "National School Choice Week".

Statements behind Wilson, Joe'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

Strongly agree (+2)

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

Verified · Last updated Oct 12, 2026

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

Votes behind Wilson, Joe'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

Strongly agree (+2)

Based on 10 cosponsored bills, 3 sponsored bills, 9 floor speechs related to this issue.

Verified · Last updated Oct 8, 2026

“America has correctly provided $185 billion to stop the mass murder by Putin.”

“the Putin invasion convoy was destroyed by Javelin missiles he previously provided Ukraine.”

“Ukraine, successfully armed with Javelin missiles by President Donald Trump, has resisted.”

cosponsored bill: HRES 16: Recognizing Russian actions in Ukraine as a genocide.floor speech: MAY COURAGEOUS UKRAINE PREVAILsponsored bill: HR 1158: Freedom First Lend Lease Actsponsored bill: HR 1229: United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025floor speech: TRUMP AID TO UKRAINEcosponsored bill: HRES 64: Affirming the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea.sponsored bill: HR 5793: Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025floor speech: FAILING WAR CRIMINAL PUTIN

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