Cheri Bustos

Cheri Bustos is an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 17th congressional district from 2013 to 2023. She was a member of the Democratic Party and was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in the 2012 elections, defeating Bobby Schilling. Bustos was a former member of the Quad Cities community, having worked as a journalist for the Quad-City Times and served on the East Moline City Council. She was also a member of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and was endorsed by Barack Obama and Dick Durbin.

● Early Life and Education

Cheri Bustos was born in Springfield, Illinois, and grew up in Peoria, Illinois, where she attended Richwoods High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Maryland and a Master of Arts degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois. Bustos began her career as a journalist for the Quad-City Times, covering local and state politics, including the Illinois General Assembly and the Iowa General Assembly. She also worked as a press secretary for Tom Harkin and was a member of the National Press Club.

● Career

Before entering politics, Bustos worked as a healthcare executive for Trinity Regional Health System and Iowa Health System, now known as UnityPoint Health. She was also a member of the American Hospital Association and the Illinois Hospital Association. Bustos served on the East Moline City Council and was a member of the United Way of the Quad Cities and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. She was endorsed by AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union in her congressional campaigns.

● U.S. House of Representatives

Bustos was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in the 2012 elections, defeating Bobby Schilling. She was sworn into office on January 3, 2013, and served on the United States House Committee on Agriculture and the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Bustos was a member of the New Democrat Coalition and the Blue Dog Coalition, and was endorsed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the National Democratic Committee. She worked with Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer to pass legislation, including the Farm Bill and the Water Resources Development Act.

● Political Positions

Bustos was a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act and worked to protect and strengthen the law, including voting against repeal and replace efforts led by Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. She also supported the DREAM Act and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and was endorsed by the League of United Latin American Citizens and the National Council of La Raza. Bustos was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus, and worked with John Lewis and Sheila Jackson Lee on civil rights issues.

● Personal Life

Bustos is married to Gerry Bustos, a former Rock Island County sheriff's deputy, and they have three sons, Tony Bustos, Nick Bustos, and Joey Bustos. She is a member of the United Methodist Church and has been involved in various community organizations, including the United Way of the Quad Cities and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Bustos has received awards from the National Association of Social Workers and the American Hospital Association, and has been endorsed by Emily's List and the National Organization for Women.