John Rutherford
John Rutherford, a former Jacksonville sheriff, has served in the U.S. House since 2017. He won the Aug. 18, 2026 Republican primary with about 68% over radio host Mark Kaye, per results posted by NewsForce on X (to be confirmed with the Division of Elections). He was endorsed by President Trump for 2026 and voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Laken Riley Act and the SAVE Act (congress.gov; rutherford.house.gov). He faces Democrat Rachel Grage in November.
How they got on the ballot: Won Aug 18, 2026 Republican primary with about 67.7% over Mark Kaye (32.3%), per a NewsForce post on X (https://x.com/Newsforce/status/2089942937538793937); verify against Division of Elections. Ballotpedia primary page: https://ballotpedia.org/Florida's_5th_Congressional_District_election,_2026_(August_18_Republican_primary)
Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Taxes & spending Strongly agrees· based on record
Voted for H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) in 2025, which extended the 2017 individual tax cuts and created new deductions (tips, overtime) while reducing projected federal spending on Medicaid and SNAP. His statement said the bill gives Americans 'a much-needed tax break' and 'historic tax relief for seniors'; his site maintains a 'Tax Cuts for Working Americans' page.
Immigration Strongly agrees· based on record
Voted for the Laken Riley Act (Jan. 2025) and for H.R. 1, which he said would deliver on 'permanently closing the Southern Border'; has issued statements supporting Homeland Security appropriations and a CR to end a DHS shutdown.
"permanently closing the Southern Border"
Abortion Leans disagree· based on record
His statement on the FY2026 appropriations bills highlighted provisions to 'defund abortion-related travel' at the Department of War; Reproductive Freedom for All's scorecard tracks his votes as opposing abortion access. A statement on Florida's six-week ban was not found.
Health care Leans disagree· based on record
Voted for H.R. 1 (2025), which added Medicaid work-reporting requirements and other eligibility changes and did not extend the enhanced ACA premium subsidies; the vote is coded as leaning against expanding the federal role in coverage.
Elections & voting Leans disagree· based on record
Voted for H.R. 22, the SAVE Act (April 2025), which would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections; coded as supporting a new voting requirement rather than easing access.
Energy & utilities Strongly disagrees· based on record
Voted for H.R. 1 (2025), which phased out most Inflation Reduction Act clean-energy tax credits and expanded oil and gas leasing.
Ukraine Leans disagree· based on record
What The Vote records him voting 'No' on a 2026 measure authorizing additional Ukraine aid including up to $8 billion in military assistance via loans; he was not among the 18 House Republicans listed as voting for the June 4, 2026 Ukraine aid bill.
Trump administration Strongly agrees· stated position
Endorsed by President Trump for 2026; his statements describe H.R. 1 as 'delivering on promises made by President Trump' and he issued a statement supporting the administration's February 2026 Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
No public position found on 9 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Housing affordability, Guns, Social Security & Medicare, Education & school choice, Environment & water, Crime & policing, Gender identity laws, Tariffs & trade, Veterans. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
- FY2026 appropriations — Voted for the final four full-year FY2026 funding bills, which he said fund combat-ready forces, a secure border, education and health systems and transportation.
- Operation Epic Fury (Iran) — Issued a February 2026 statement supporting U.S. military operations against Iran, citing the regime's terrorism sponsorship and nuclear program.
- DHS funding — Supported a continuing resolution to end a Department of Homeland Security shutdown and the FY25 Homeland Security appropriations bill.
- Congressional reform — Maintains an official 'Congress' issue page on his site.
Record: votes, actions and documented facts
- Voted for H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (House passage May 22, 2025; final passage July 3, 2025, 218-214).
- Voted for S. 5, the Laken Riley Act (House passage Jan. 22, 2025, 263-156).
- Voted for H.R. 22, the SAVE Act (April 10, 2025, 220-208).
- Rutherford was not among the 18 House Republicans listed as voting for the June 4, 2026 Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions bill, which passed 226-195 over the objections of House GOP leadership and the Trump administration (individual 'no' vs. 'not voting' status not confirmed in searches).
- Voted for H.R. 1 (2025), the budget reconciliation law that extended the 2017 tax cuts, added Medicaid work requirements, reduced clean-energy tax credits and funded expanded immigration enforcement.
Endorsements (as reported)
- President Donald Trump (2026)