Cheri Bustos

Cheri Bustos, born on October seventeenth, nineteen sixty-one, is a prominent American lobbyist and former politician who made significant contributions to her community and the nation. She served as the U.S. representative for Illinois's seventeenth congressional district from two thousand thirteen to two thousand twenty-three, marking a historic milestone as the first woman elected to Congress from her district, which encompasses the Illinois side of the Quad Cities and extends to Peoria and Rockford.

Before her tenure in Congress, Bustos was actively involved in local governance, having been elected to the East Moline City Council in two thousand seven. Her political career gained momentum when she successfully defeated Republican incumbent Bobby Schilling in the two thousand twelve election, followed by a rematch victory in two thousand fourteen. As a member of the Democratic Party, she played a crucial role in representing her constituents and advocating for their needs.

In two thousand nineteen, Bustos took on a leadership role as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), further solidifying her influence within the party. Notably, in two thousand twenty-one, she and Senator Dick Durbin were the only Democrats in Illinois's congressional delegation not hailing from the Chicago area. On April thirtieth, two thousand twenty-one, she announced her decision to retire at the conclusion of the one hundred seventeenth U.S. Congress.

Following her retirement, Bustos transitioned to the private sector, joining the Washington, D.C.–based public affairs and lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs as a consultant in January two thousand twenty-three. Her diverse background as a journalist, healthcare executive, and businessperson has equipped her with a unique perspective that she continues to leverage in her new role.