Ray LaHood

Ray LaHood is an American politician who served as the 16th United States Secretary of Transportation in the Cabinet of President Barack Obama. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented Illinois's 18th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for seven terms. LaHood's tenure was marked by a focus on bipartisanship, infrastructure investment, and significant initiatives in aviation safety and high-speed rail.

Early life and education

Raymond H. LaHood was born in Peoria, Illinois, to a Lebanese American family. He attended Spalding Institute, a Catholic high school in Peoria. For his higher education, LaHood first attended Spoon River College in Canton, Illinois, before transferring to Bradley University in his hometown. He graduated from Bradley University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and sociology.

Early political career

Before his election to Congress, LaHood worked as a junior high school teacher and later served as a district aide to Congressman Tom Railsback. His political career advanced when he became the chief of staff for longtime House Republican leader Robert H. Michel, representing the 18th District. Upon Michel's retirement in 1994, LaHood successfully ran for the open seat, joining the 104th United States Congress as part of the Republican Revolution led by Newt Gingrich. In the House, he served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and was known for his work on the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation

In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed LaHood as United States Secretary of Transportation, a notable selection of a Republican for a Democratic administration's Cabinet. His tenure was defined by the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which directed billions toward infrastructure projects. Key initiatives included a major push for the development of a national high-speed rail network and a stringent focus on distracted driving awareness, championing the "Faces of Distracted Driving" campaign. LaHood also oversaw the Federal Aviation Administration during critical reforms following incidents like the 2009 crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, which led to new pilot training and fatigue rules. He advocated for increased investment in transit systems and played a key role in the passage of the MAP-21 surface transportation bill.

Post-government career

After leaving the Obama administration in 2013, LaHood joined the law firm of DLA Piper as a senior policy advisor. He co-founded the Bipartisan Policy Center's Executive Council on Infrastructure and has been a vocal advocate for major federal investment in infrastructure, often appearing before Congress to testify. LaHood also serves as a co-chair of the advocacy group Building America's Future. He has held positions on corporate boards, including for Mercury Systems and Middlesex Water Company, and remains a commentator on transportation policy and political bipartisanship.

Personal life

LaHood married Kathy LaHood in 1971, and the couple has four children. One of his sons, Darren LaHood, followed him into politics and serves as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 18th District. LaHood is a practicing Roman Catholic and has been involved with numerous civic organizations in Peoria, including the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Bradley University board of trustees. He resides in Peoria and maintains an active role in his community and national policy discussions.

Category:1945 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of Transportation Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois