Rep. Edwards, Smith discuss their positions on health care

February 25, 2026 - 10:44

With just six days to go before primary election day, voters are presented with a stark choice on one of the nation's most pressing issues: healthcare. The positions of the leading candidates illustrate the deep philosophical divide shaping the political landscape.

Democratic contenders are largely unified in their push to protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, emphasizing the need to lower prescription drug costs and increase subsidies to make coverage more affordable. They argue that access to healthcare is a fundamental right and have voiced strong support for measures to safeguard reproductive health services.

In contrast, Republican candidates are advocating for a significant rollback of current federal healthcare frameworks. Their proposals center on granting states much greater control over healthcare programs, promoting market-based solutions, and implementing work requirements for certain public health benefits. They criticize the existing system as overly bureaucratic and costly.

The debate extends beyond insurance to encompass the future of Medicare and Medicaid, with each party offering fundamentally different visions for these cornerstone programs. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the outcome of these primaries will set the tone for a national healthcare debate that has profound implications for millions of Americans. The chosen nominees will carry these distinct platforms into the general election, ensuring healthcare remains a central and defining issue.