In 1993, Gilchrest was the lone Republican vote in support of a bill that would have created DC Statehood. Aside from his socially liberal stance, Gilchrest has drawn attention for his stance on the Iraq War. Though he initially supported the war,Gilchrest Votes for Use of Force Against Iraq Congressman Gilchrest's Official Website, October 10, 2002 Gilchrest's support waned as the occupation became increasingly violent, expressing his support for the Iraq Study Group Report and called on setting a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq."Congressman Gilchrest's Statement on Iraq (as of May 2006)" Congressman Gilchrest's Official Website, Retrieved September 28, 2008 Gilchrest also joined 16 Republicans and 229 Democrats voting in favor of House Concurrent Resolution (H.CON.RES) 63, a non-binding resolution expressing disapproval for the Iraq War troop surge of 2007."Gilchrest Statement on Iraq Resolution" Congressman Gilchrest's Official Website, February 22, 2007H. CON. RES. 63 THOMAS. Retrieved September 28, 2008.Roll Call No. 99 Office of the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved on September 28, 2008
