Cheri Bustos

On November 6, 2011, Cheri Bustos announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Illinois's 17th congressional district. Her campaign emphasized her background as a newspaper editor and a city council member, focusing on job creation, infrastructure development, and affordable healthcare for the constituents of her district.

In the 2012 general election, Cheri Bustos was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 17th congressional district. She defeated the incumbent Republican Bobby Schilling, largely due to her campaign focusing on economic issues, job creation, and her connection to local community values. The victory marked her first term in Congress.

On January 3, 2013, Cheri Bustos was sworn in as a member of the 113th Congress after her successful election. As a new representative, she focused on issues key to her constituency, including agricultural development, infrastructure improvements, and healthcare. Bustos began serving on the House Agriculture Committee, among other assignments.

In the 2016 elections, Cheri Bustos was re-elected as the representative for Illinois's 17th congressional district, defeating Republican opponent Patrick Harlan. Bustos campaigned on her record of bipartisanship, focusing on job growth and rural community support, which resonated with her district, securing her another term in office.

On January 8, 2018, Cheri Bustos was appointed as a co-chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, a position that expanded her influence within the Democratic Party. The role involved shaping policy agendas and enhancing party communication strategies, highlighting her growing leadership and media expertise.

Cheri Bustos won a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 2018 midterm elections. Her campaign focused on issues like healthcare accessibility, economic development, and serving the agricultural areas of her district. She defeated Republican Bill Fawell, highlighting her continued support in a district that had mixed political lines.

Cheri Bustos assumed the role of Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) on January 3, 2019. This role expanded her responsibilities in the national political arena, as she was tasked with overseeing the campaigns of Democratic nominees and helping to plan party strategies to gain or maintain control of the House.

On November 30, 2019, Cheri Bustos announced that she would not seek reelection for her seat in the U.S. House in 2020. She stated her decision was based on a desire to focus on her family and explore other opportunities after completing her service. The announcement marked the end of her decade-long congressional career.

Cheri Bustos secured her final victory in the 2020 general elections for Illinois's 17th congressional district. Despite announcing her intention not to run again, she campaigned successfully, defeating Republican Esther Joy King. Bustos continued advocating for policies on healthcare and the economic recovery of her district.

On May 1, 2021, Cheri Bustos officially announced her plan to retire from Congress at the end of her term, reiterating her intentions to step away from political life. Her announcement focused on her achievements, such as her work in agricultural and economic policy, and setting the tone for a smooth transition for her successor.