Mike Quigley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Quigley
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official portrait, 2015
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 5th district |
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| Assumed office April 7, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Rahm Emanuel |
| Member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from the 10th district |
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| In office 1998–2009 |
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| Preceded by | Maria Pappas |
| Succeeded by | Bridget Gainer |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Bruce Quigley
October 17, 1958 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Barbara Quigley
(m. 1999) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Roosevelt University (BA) University of Chicago (MPP) Loyola University Chicago (JD) |
Michael Bruce Quigley (born October 17, 1958) is an American politician. He has been a U.S. representative for Illinois since April 7, 2009. His district covers much of Chicago's North Side and some western suburbs. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Before this, Quigley was part of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. There, he represented Chicago neighborhoods like Lakeview, Uptown, and Rogers Park. He also taught about environmental policy and Chicago politics at Loyola University Chicago.
A political writer once called Quigley "a political centrist with a progressive bent." This means he often takes a middle-ground approach but also supports new, forward-thinking ideas.
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Early Life and Education
Mike Quigley grew up in Carol Stream, Illinois. He finished Glenbard North High School in 1977. After high school, he went to Roosevelt University and earned his bachelor's degree. In 1982, Quigley moved to the Lakeview area of Chicago. He became very active in community groups there. He later earned a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He also got a master's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago.
Quigley started his political career working as a main helper for Chicago Alderman Bernie Hansen.
Cook County Commissioner Role
Quigley was first chosen for the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1998. He took over from Maria Pappas. During his time, he became known as a "reformer." This means he wanted to make things better and more efficient. He spoke out against tax increases. He believed the county could run better and shared reports to show how. He also questioned the practice of giving jobs to political friends in the Cook County Forest Preserve District.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a Representative
2009 Special Election
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In early 2009, the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 5th district, Rahm Emanuel, left his job. He became the White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama. A special election was held to fill his spot. Mike Quigley was one of 12 candidates in the Democratic primary. This primary was the most important part of the election.
Both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune supported him. They praised his focus on being responsible with money and fighting against waste. Quigley won the primary election in March with 22% of the votes. He then won the special election in April with 69% of the votes. This district has been mostly Democratic since 1909.
Later Elections
Quigley won his first full term in 2010 with 71% of the votes. In 2012, his district boundaries changed. Even with the new boundaries, he won reelection easily. He has continued to win his elections by large margins in the years that followed.
Key Work in Congress
On July 12, 2017, Quigley introduced a bill called the "COVFEFE Act." This bill would have made the National Archives save social media posts from the President of the United States. The bill did not become law.
In September 2023, Quigley was the only Democrat to vote against a bill to keep the U.S. government funded. He did this because the bill did not include help for Ukraine. In April 2024, he voted for more military aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Quigley has often voted in line with President Joe Biden's ideas.
Gun Control
In May 2011, Quigley suggested a change to the Patriot Act. This change would stop weapons from being sold to people on the FBI's Terrorist Watch List. He felt it was important to balance safety with rights. This idea did not pass.
Public Health
Quigley strongly supports healthcare laws. He has a high rating from the American Public Health Association. In April 2011, he voted against budget cuts to Medicare. He also voted against removing a fund for preventing chronic diseases. He supported increasing government spending on physical and occupational therapy. In March 2021, Quigley said he supports the Medicare for All Act of 2021.
Environment
Quigley has been a member of the Sierra Club since high school. He got into politics because he wanted to help the environment. He supported the American Clean Energy and Security Act in 2009. This bill aimed to create a plan for trading pollution permits. It passed in the House but not the Senate. Quigley also introduced a bill in 2011 to make new government buildings safer for birds. In April 2011, he voted to stop certain research on great apes.
Veterans
Quigley has worked to improve healthcare and education for veterans. His office helps veterans get services they need. For example, he helped one veteran finally receive medals after more than 20 years. In 2013, Quigley introduced a bill to help veterans avoid debt while waiting for their GI benefits for tuition. He wanted to make it easier for veterans to get an education.
LGBTQ Rights
Quigley supports LGBTQ rights. In 2012, he took part in National Coming Out Day to show his support. He has also asked the FDA to change its rules about blood donations from gay and bisexual men.
Committee Work
For the 118th Congress, Mike Quigley is part of the Committee on Appropriations. This committee decides how the government spends money. He is also a ranking member (a top leader for his party) on the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.
Other Groups He Belongs To
Quigley is a member of several groups in Congress. These include:
- Congressional Arts Caucus (supports the arts)
- Congressional Transparency Caucus (works for more open government)
- New Democrat Coalition (a group of moderate Democrats)
- United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus (focuses on global conservation)
- U.S.-Japan Caucus (strengthens ties with Japan)
- Veterinary Medicine Caucus (supports animal health)
- Congressional Ukrainian Caucus (supports Ukraine)
Other Political Activities
Quigley thought about running for mayor of Chicago in 2019 and again in 2023. However, he decided not to run either time. In April 2022, he supported U.S. Representative Chuy Garcia for mayor. In July 2024, Quigley suggested that Joe Biden should step down from the 2024 presidential election.
Awards and Recognition
In 2009, Mike Quigley was honored by being added to the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. He was recognized as a "Friend of the Community."
Personal Life
Mike Quigley is married to Barbara Quigley. They have two daughters together.
Images for kids
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official portrait, 2015
