LaHood's Record
Who is Darin LaHood?
Born July 5, 1968, LaHood has served Illinois' 16th District since 2015. Following in his father Ray LaHood's footsteps (who held the seat 1995-2009 and served as Obama's Transportation Secretary), Darin has consistently placed party loyalty and special interests ahead of his constituents' needs. Net worth: $108,000-$575,000.
District
Illinois' 16th
21 counties across central and northwestern Illinois
Years in Office
Since 2015
Won special election with 69% after Aaron Schock's scandal; ran unopposed in 2024
Political Dynasty
Son of Ray LaHood
Former congressman and Obama's Transportation Secretary
Campaign Funding
57.3% from PACs
$3.7M raised in 2023-2024, heavily from special interests
The Pattern of Contradictions
Promised only revenue-neutral tax cuts, voted for $1.4 trillion in deficit spending
Claims to champion rural healthcare, voted to cut Medicaid by $48 billion
Acknowledges climate change is real, maintains 0% environmental voting score
Said Trump "bears responsibility" for Jan 6, later endorsed him for president
Claims to support workers, earned 0% AFL-CIO score in 2023
Voted against bipartisan infrastructure, then took credit for its benefits
Time since supporting efforts to overturn a legitimate election
0
DAYS
0
Hours
0
Minutes
Since December 11, 2020
The day LaHood signed an amicus brief supporting Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results
Policy Reversals
Infrastructure Bill Opposition & Credit Taking
Opposed $1 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, stating it was 'tied to reconciliation package.' Later took credit for infrastructure improvements in his district funded by the bill he opposed.
Impact: Democrats accused him of hypocrisy. Voted against federal infrastructure spending while requesting over $23 million for district projects.
FISA Surveillance & FBI Targeting
Claimed FBI improperly queried him under FISA Section 702 in March 2023. Despite criticizing surveillance overreach, voted to reauthorize FISA without substantial reforms.
Impact: Criticized surveillance when it affected him personally, but voted to continue the program affecting millions of Americans.
Trade Policy & Farmer Harm
As co-chair of U.S.-China Working Group and Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee member, supported Trump tariffs that disrupted Illinois soybean and agricultural markets. Expressed concern about Chinese retaliation while voting for policies triggering it.
Impact: Contradicted pro-trade rhetoric; Illinois farmers bore the cost of his political positioning.
Revenue-Neutral PromiseApril 2017
LaHood states he will only vote for tax cuts that are 'revenue neutral' to avoid adding to the deficit.
LaHood explicitly promised fiscal responsibility, stating he would not support legislation that increases the national debt.
Tax Cuts Promise BrokenDecember 2017
LaHood votes for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, adding $1.414 trillion to national debt.
Despite his April 2017 promise, LaHood voted for deficit-exploding tax cuts that primarily benefited wealthy Americans and corporations. Congressional Budget Office confirmed the massive deficit increase.
Attempted Election OverturnDecember 11, 2020
LaHood signs amicus brief supporting Texas v. Pennsylvania to overturn 2020 election.
LaHood was among 126 House Republicans supporting a lawsuit to discard all votes in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The Supreme Court unanimously rejected the case. Speaker Pelosi stated signers 'brought dishonor to the House.'
Capitol InsurrectionJanuary 6, 2021
Trump supporters attack Capitol; LaHood initially says Trump 'bears responsibility.'
After the violent attack on the Capitol, LaHood acknowledged Trump's responsibility but voted against both impeachment efforts and later dismissed the January 6 Select Committee as a 'partisan circus.'
Trump EndorsementJanuary 2024
LaHood endorses Trump for president, reversing his January 6 accountability stance.
Despite previously stating Trump bears responsibility for the January 6 insurrection, LaHood endorsed Trump, calling him 'the right leader for the country.'
$3.4 Trillion Deficit VoteMay 2025
LaHood votes for 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' adding $3.4 trillion to deficit.
LaHood praised this deficit-exploding legislation as 'bold' and 'comprehensive,' completely abandoning his 2017 promise of fiscal responsibility. The bill also cuts Illinois Medicaid by $48 billion, threatening 9 rural hospitals with closure and causing 330,000 Illinoisans to lose coverage.
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