A Representative from Illinois; born in New York, N.Y., April 30, 1956; graduated from Rhodes Prep High School, New York, N.Y., 1973; B.A., Bradley University, Peoria, Ill., 1977; M.A., Bradley University, Peoria, Ill., 1982; Ph.D., Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill., 2004; counselor; community affairs director, Matteson, Ill., 1992-2006; member of the Illinois state house of representatives, 2003-2007; chief of staff, Illinois state treasurer, 2007-2010; Cook County, Ill., chief administrative officer, 2010-2012; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, by special election, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., and reelected to the five succeeding Congresses (April 9, 2013-present).