What does the number 435 have to do with HIV/AIDS? It’s the number of seats up for grabs in the lower Chamber of Congress, the House of Representatives, representing all of the local jurisdictions in each of the 50 U.S. states. Filling the vacancies with members who would support policies, programs and funding levels needed to continue to support the fight, is becoming more urgent than ever to keep us on track to ending the HIV epidemic. 

The significance of the 2016 House elections on advancing HIV policies cannot be downplayed. Congress plays a critical role in determining federal policies related to HIV—including the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, federal budget, basic human needs and safety net programs, as well as entitlement programs like Medicaid and Medicare that many Americans living with or affected by HIV rely on.

Basic Facts on the Congressional House Race:

  • The U.S. House of Representatives elections will be held on November 8, 2016—the same date as the Presidential election, Senate elections, a few gubernatorial elections, and many state legislative and local elections. Non-voting delegates from D.C. and the five U.S. territories will also be elected to the House. Additionally, special elections will be held to replace four representatives who left early (three retired including former Speaker John Boehner and another passed away).
  • Candidates running in the 2016 House races can be found here.
  • Winners of this election will serve in the 115th U.S. Congress.
  • The current House composition is 247 Republicans (the majority party) and 188 Democrats (the minority party).
  • 43 seats have opened up. Twenty-six Republicans and 17 Democrats are not seeking reelection and will leave their seats in 2016, either due to retirement or bidding for Senate seats.

Unlike the Senate, the Republican majority party has near total control over the House’s agenda and the ability to pass legislation. The Democratic minority party has little ability to stop or otherwise prevent the majority from moving forward. At present, most experts do not expect the majority control of the House to change this year. This is largely a consequence of the 2010 mid-term elections that resulted in Republicans gaining majority control of a large number of state legislatures and being able to redraw congressional district lines that are generally seen to be favorable to Republican candidates. The redrawn districts essentially have locked in a House Republican majority. The Republicans have a 59-seat majority margin in the current 114th Congress.

“To gain control of the House, Democrats would have to win 30 of the 31 Republican-held House seats that are considered at-risk without losing a single seat of their own,” said David Wasserman, who analyzes House races for the non-partisan Cook Political Report. “It’s a long shot, but it’s not impossible.”

The volatility of the presidential campaign, however, and the possible impact of Donald Trump or Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) being the Republican candidate on congressional races has caused many Democrats and political commentators to talk of the Democrats possibly winning the majority or substantially reducing the Republicans’ majority margin. Furthermore, 2016 being a presidential election year will also have a substantial impact on increased voter interest and turnout, drawing more Democratic voters who do not typically show up for Congressional midterm elections.

It’s true that the 2016 presidential election has garnered much attention—especially with the nonstop political drama unfolding over news media, Twitter storms and lunchroom conversations—but let’s not forget that bills begin in Congress before they even reach the President’s desk. The results of the House race will have serious implications on the HIV community’s agenda and the nation’s ability to reach an AIDS-free generation.

Although the HIV tools needed are well understood—from antiretroviral medications, community-based programming, prevention initiatives like syringe access and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and social reforms like LGBTQ rights and housing support—ending the domestic epidemic is impossible without the necessary federal legislation, policies, and annual the federal funds to advance these strategies. However, uncertainty on whether a robust funding pool will exist in 2016 and beyond have created some anxiety among HIV advocates.

The HIV/AIDS issues impacted by Congress include:

  • Federal funding for domestic HIV programs, such as Ryan White Program, HIV prevention (PrEP, syringe exchange, etc.), AIDS housing, and HIV research (vaccine, microbicides, etc.).
  • HIV criminalization
  • Affordable Care Act and health care in general
  • Comprehensive sex education

As fickle as the political landscape is, one clear fact to note is: we have the power to influence it. Every House seat is elected by voters, and your vote counts. These elected officials will have a direct impact on policies that affect you. 

Take three easy steps to shape the political landscape:

  • Register to vote.
    • Click here for more information on voting in your state.
    • Click here for information on voter registration deadlines. 
  • Educate yourself on your elected officials and candidates for election. Find your elected Representatives here.
  • Educate yourself on HIV issues by reading policy priorities and briefs here.

Learn what election activities that individuals and community-based organizations can engage in without violating your 501(c)(3) non-profit’s status by reading this Policy Update article here. AIDS United will launch an election-themed online campaign in the coming weeks in order to provide organizations and voters the resources they need to be fully engaged in the elections and voting process.

The United States is in the best position it has ever been to bring change in ending the HIV epidemic. But it starts with your vote to elect members of Congress who are tasked with pushing policies you care about. If you read nothing else in this article, then come away with this: Mark your calendar for November 8th and don’t forget to cast your ballot!