Nikki Budzinski
Budzinski told Illinois Public Media in August 2025: "I think there are very valid questions to be asked about additional, you know, weapons to Israel. I do believe that Israel has a right to defend itself, and I do support that." She urged prioritizing baby formula for Gaza.
Budzinski represents Illinois's 13th District, running from Champaign to East St. Louis, and is running for re-election.
Her fullest account is an August 2025 interview on The 21st Show, read in full. On weapons: "I think there are very valid questions to be asked about additional, you know, weapons to Israel. I do believe that Israel has a right to defend itself, and I do support that. They are the only democracy within the Middle East." On the aid going the other way, she described "flooding humanitarian aid into Gaza" and said she "signed on with some of my colleagues to urge the administration to specifically prioritize baby formula for children."
In the same interview she was direct about the Israeli prime minister: "I have been critical of Netanyahu. I think he is using this war to his own self service and leading to the needless deaths of a lot of innocent civilian life."
Tracked votes: opposed sending U.S. weapons or funding to the government of Israel in 3 of 6 recorded votes.
Research
U.S. military aid and weapons to Israel
- [Position, 2025-08-28] The 21st Show, Illinois Public Media, opened and confirmed word for word: "I think there are very valid questions to be asked about additional, you know, weapons to Israel. I do believe that Israel has a right to defend itself, and I do support that. They are the only democracy within the Middle East." The transcript's ellipses are the outlet's own.
- [After October 7, 2023-11-02] Statement on the need for a bipartisan Israel supplemental: Congress must pass a comprehensive bipartisan emergency package funding aid for Israel while providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza civilians; criticized House Republican leadership for conditioning Israel aid on IRS cuts. Not opened. From the weeks right after October 7; not used on the card.
- [After October 7, 2023-10-12] Video calling for immediate congressional action to provide additional aid and military resources to Israel. From the weeks right after October 7.
- Her recorded votes on the tracked bills appear as badges on this card. The August 2025 interview is her own account of the position behind them.
U.S. aid to Palestinians
- [Position, 2025-08-28] Same interview, confirmed verbatim: she describes "flooding humanitarian aid into Gaza" and says "I also signed on with some of my colleagues to urge the administration to specifically prioritize baby formula for children."
- [After October 7, 2023-11-02] Called for humanitarian assistance to Gaza civilians inside the emergency package (above).
Characterization of the conflict
- [Position, 2025-08-28] Confirmed verbatim: "I have been critical of Netanyahu. I think he is using this war to his own self service and leading to the needless deaths of a lot of innocent civilian life."
- [After October 7, 2023-10-09] Characterized the Hamas attacks as "unprovoked violence" and terrorism, saying the U.S. must stand by Israel and demand the return of hostages.
- [After October 7, 2023-10-12] Described the offensive as a "barbaric war" and expressed horror at the brutality toward Israeli civilians.
- [After October 7, 2023-11-02] Framed Gaza as a grave humanitarian crisis requiring U.S. policy to address Palestinian civilian suffering.
Related rhetoric and lobbying
- [After October 7, 2023-10-12] Joined a bipartisan effort petitioning the Secretary of State to deploy evacuation flights for American citizens in Israel. Logistics rather than a position on aid.
- A Reddit thread was consulted; forum discussion, not a usable source.
Safety and antisemitism (context)
- The research found no dedicated standalone statements or non-legislative personal actions on this dimension.
Also in this race: Jeff Wilson (Republican) · All Illinois candidates.
See the full record →But What Can You Do? tracks where 2026 candidates stand on U.S. weapons and funding for the government of Israel. Every claim on this page goes through at least two verification steps. Open the interactive card for votes, funding and contact details.