About Darin LaHood
Central Illinois Native, Dedicated Family Man, Committed Conservative, & Devoted Public Servant
Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Darin attended Spalding Institute/Academy of Our Lady High School before graduating from Loras College with a B.A. and earning his J.D. from John Marshall Law School.
On September 17, 2015, LaHood was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for the 18th District of Illinois, a 19-county district covering Central and West Central Illinois. Following the 2020 Census and redrawing of Illinois’ Congressional maps, LaHood’s home of Dunlap was moved into the newly remodeled 16th District which represents 21 counties, including much of Central and Northern Illinois. The newly constructed district encompasses approximately two thirds of Illinois’ border with Wisconsin, encompassing all of Jo Daviess County and reaching east into McHenry County. In Central Illinois, the district includes the majority of Henry County and the entirety of Grundy County, as well as large portions of Mclean, Peoria and Tazewell counties to the south. Representing a large, rural district that is the 10th largest Congressional District in terms of corn and soybean production, LaHood is a committed conservative and a leading advocate for effective trade policies and regulations that strengthen America’s economy.
As a member of Congress, LaHood continues to focus on common-sense approaches to spending and cutting waste in ways that expand economic opportunity for all Americans. LaHood continues to advocate for policies that maintain strong national security and support of the brave men and women in the military.
Rep. LaHood serves as a member of the Committee on Ways & Means, the oldest committee of the United States Congress and the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives. He also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. As the only Illinois Republican on these committees, his understanding of agribusiness, trade, tariffs, technology, national security, and the impact of government regulation on the economy make him a strong voice for the heartland in Washington.
Prior to joining the U.S. House, LaHood served in the Illinois State Senate from 2011-2015 where he fought to increase transparency and promote ethical behavior in the Land of Lincoln. Before his legislative service, LaHood served nearly a decade as State and Federal Prosecutor specializing in narcotics and felony prosecutions, and five years as an Assistant United States Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada. In that position, LaHood was recognized by both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for his “outstanding work in fighting terrorism” while he served as the Chief Terrorism Prosecutor. He also coordinated enforcement against the most violent offenders and prosecuted felony immigration offenses.
Currently, LaHood resides in Dunlap with his wife, Kristen, and their three sons, McKay, Luke, and Teddy. LaHood and his family are parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul in Peoria. An avid soccer fan, his favorite team is whichever of his sons’ teams is on the field. LaHood remains an avid runner (who has completed 5 marathons), and regular trips to the National Parks with his sons for hiking, fishing, and camping.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.