Mike Bost

Michael Joseph Bost was born on December 30, 1960, in Murphysboro, Illinois. He grew up in a rural area which gave him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural Americans. Bost has spent most of his life in Illinois, which shaped his political views and career. His background includes military service in the United States Marine Corps, which he joined after graduating from Murphysboro High School in 1979, serving from 1979 to 1982.

On November 8, 1994, Mike Bost was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 115th district. His campaign focused on reforming Illinois governance and addressing local issues. Bost's election marked the beginning of his long political career, with a focus on conservative values, which he maintained throughout his subsequent terms in office.

On November 4, 2014, Mike Bost was elected to represent Illinois's 12th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. Bost ran as a Republican, beating the incumbent Democrat Bill Enyart. His campaign focused on job creation, gun rights, and veterans' issues, drawing on his experience as a state legislator and veteran. Bost's victory contributed to the Republican Party gaining control of the House.

Mike Bost was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 8, 2016, to continue representing Illinois's 12th district. During his term, he focused on issues such as tax reform, healthcare, and agriculture, key concerns for his constituents in southern Illinois. Bost secured his re-election by emphasizing his commitment to conservative principles and his track record of legislative work.

On January 3, 2017, Mike Bost was appointed as the Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. In this role, Bost focused on improving economic opportunities for veterans, including access to education, housing, and employment. He used his own experience as a veteran to advocate for policies that would aid former military members in their transition back to civilian life.

Mike Bost won re-election for a third term on November 6, 2018, in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his campaign, Bost highlighted his work on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, support for military and veterans' programs, and commitment to southern Illinois's agricultural sector. The election solidified his position as a key Republican figure in Illinois politics.

Mike Bost successfully ran for a fourth term in the United States House of Representatives, winning the election on November 3, 2020. Continuing to represent Illinois's 12th district, Bost campaigned on issues such as preserving Social Security, advancing infrastructure development, and supporting law enforcement. His re-election reflected ongoing support from his constituents and his effective representation of their interests.

On January 3, 2021, Mike Bost became the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. In this prominent position, Bost was responsible for advocating for veterans' issues, scrutinizing the Department of Veterans Affairs' actions, and ensuring that veterans received the benefits and support they need. His leadership focused on accountability and reform within the VA system.

Mike Bost was re-elected for a fifth term on November 8, 2022, continuing his legislative work in the United States House of Representatives. Once again representing the people of Illinois's 12th district, Bost's campaign emphasized his dedication to economic growth, agricultural development, and veterans' affairs. His continued presence in Congress underscores the trust placed in him by his constituents.

On January 3, 2023, Mike Bost officially began his fifth term in office as a member of the United States House of Representatives. This term continued his advocacy for policies benefiting his district and aligned with the broader Republican agenda. Bost's leadership in veteran affairs and economic initiatives remained focal points of his legislative efforts.