Biography

Darin LaHood, born on July 5, 1968, in Peoria, Illinois, is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Illinois' 16th Congressional District. He was first sworn into Congress on September 17, 2015, following a special election, and has been re-elected for subsequent terms. Prior to his congressional tenure, LaHood served in the Illinois State Senate from 2011 to 2015. Before entering politics, he worked as a state and federal prosecutor, including a role as an Assistant United States Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was recognized for his efforts in combating terrorism.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts: Loras College, Iowa
• Juris Doctor: John Marshall Law School, Chicago

Political Experience

• U.S. House of Representatives: Serving since 2015; currently representing Illinois' 16th Congressional District
• Illinois State Senate: 2011–2015
• Assistant United States Attorney: Las Vegas, Nevada; recognized for outstanding work in fighting terrorism

Committee Assignments

• House Committee on Ways and Means: Chairman of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare; Member of the Subcommittee on Trade
• House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Chairman of the Subcommittee on NSA and Cyber; Member of the Subcommittee on National Intelligence Enterprise
• House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party: Member

Notable Achievements

• Legislator of the Year: Named by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials in 2025 for his work on affordable housing legislation.
• Heritage Champion: Recognized by the Alliance of National Heritage Areas in 2025 for his support of National Heritage Areas.
• Affordable Housing Advocacy: Led efforts on the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act and the Preserving Rural Housing Investment Act to address the housing crisis.

LaHood is also actively involved in various caucuses, including co-chairing the U.S.-China Working Group, Digital Trade Caucus, U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, and the Congressional Soccer Caucus.