Michael Bruce Quigley (/ˈkwɪɡli/ KWIG-lee; born October 17, 1958) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Illinois’s 5th congressional district since the April 7, 2009 special election. The district includes most of Chicago‘s North Side and several of its western suburbs. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Quigley is a former member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, where he represented Chicago’s northside neighborhoods of Lakeview, Uptown, and Rogers Park. He previously taught environmental policy and Chicago politics as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago.[1]

Chicago Sun-Times political writer Fran Spielman has described Quigley as, “a political centrist with a progressive bent”.[2]

Early life, education, and early political career

Quigley was raised in Carol Stream, Illinois, where he graduated from Glenbard North High School in 1977. He then attended Roosevelt University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Quigley moved into the Lakeview area of Chicago in 1982, and became involved in community activities. He attended the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree, and the University of Chicago, where he earned a master’s degree in public policy.

The start of Quigley’s political career saw him serve as a chief aide to Chicago Alderman Bernie Hansen.[2]

Cook County Board of Commissioners

Quigley was first elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1998, succeeding Maria Pappas, who was elected Cook County Treasurer.[3] During his tenure, he gained a reputation as a reformer, opposing tax hikes that were supported by Cook County Board President John Stroger and later his son and successor Todd Stroger. Quigley contended the county could operate more efficiently and presented reports to support his position. He also challenged the practice of finding jobs for Democratic officials with the Cook County Forest Preserve District.[4]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2009

In early 2009, incumbent U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel of Illinois’s 5th congressional district resigned to become White House Chief of Staff to newly elected President Barack Obama. The congressional vacancy was filled via the special election. Quigley was one of 12 candidates to file in the Democratic primary—the real contest in this heavily Democratic district. He was endorsed by the Chicago Sun-Times, which called him “a constant advocate for fiscal responsibility and a watchdog against waste and corruption”.[5] He was also endorsed by the Chicago Tribune, which cited Quigley’s efforts to improve county government, noting, “If Quigley’s ideas had all been put in place, the county would not be crying now for more money”.[6] He won the March special primary with 22% of the vote. The second-place candidate, State Representative John Fritchey, received 18%.[7] After the primary, Quigley won the April special election with 69% of the vote over Republican challenger Rosanna Pulido.[8] The district and its predecessors have been in Democratic hands for all but three years since 1909.

2010

Quigley won reelection to his first full term in 2010 with 71% of the vote.[9]

2012

After redistricting, Quigley’s district was pushed into DuPage County. The new district absorbed the home of 13th district Republican Congresswoman Judy Biggert. But Biggert opted to run in the 11th district, the successor to the old 13th. The old 5th is only slightly less Democratic than its predecessor; Obama won the district in 2008 with 70% (down three points from the old 5th), and 2010 Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias carried it with 55% of the vote.[10] No Democrat filed to run against him. Only one Republican filed, self-employed businessman Dan Schmitt.[11]

Tenure

On July 12, 2017, Quigley introduced H. R. 2884, “The Communications Over Various Feeds Electronically for Engagement Act (COVFEFE Act)”.[12] The bill would require the National Archives to preserve and store social media posts by the President of the United States. It was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the same day, yet saw no further congressional action.[13]

On September 30, 2023, Quigley was the sole Democrat to vote against Republican-introduced legislation to keep the U.S. government funded, citing its lack of aid to Ukraine.[14]

Quigley voted with President Joe Biden‘s stated position 100% of the time in the 117th Congress, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis.[15]

Gun control

In May 2011, Quigley sponsored an amendment to the Patriot Act prohibiting the sale of weapons to people on the FBI’s Terrorist Watch List.[16] He believed that the Republican limitation of civil liberties under the Patriot Act contradicted their unwillingness to limit Second Amendment rights. The amendment came under fire from Representatives James Sensenbrenner Jr. and Louie Gohmert, who argued that it would infringe on the Second Amendment rights of those mistakenly placed on the Terrorist Watch List. The bill failed on a party-line House Judiciary panel vote, 21–11.[16]

Public health

Quigley has received a rating of 100 (on a scale of 1 to 100) from the American Public Health Association, indicating his strong support of healthcare legislation. In April 2011, he voted against Paul Ryan‘s budget plan (which involved budget cuts to Medicare, as well as decreased government funding to help citizens procure health insurance). Also in April 2011, Quigley voted against repealing the “Prevention and Public Health” fund, a fund focused on Community and Clinical Prevention of chronic diseases, as well as allotting money towards health-care infrastructure and research. He also voted for increases in government spending on physical and occupational therapy.

In March 2021, Quigley announced his support for the Medicare for All Act of 2021 introduced by Pramila Jayapal and Debbie Dingell.[17]

Environment

A Sierra Club member since high school, Quigley initially joined politics because of his desire to help the environment through legislation. He has enacted this desire through supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act, a 2009 bill to create an emissions trading plan which passed in the House of Representatives, but was defeated in the Senate. Quigley also introduced the Federal Birdsafe Buildings Bill, a 2011 initiative to make all buildings built by the General Services Administration built with the maximum amount of bird-safe materials and features. In April 2011, he voted to prohibit invasive research on great apes.

Veterans

Quigley has worked to improve healthcare and education opportunities for veterans.[18] His district office is also known to make services available to veterans whenever they need it, such as helping one veteran receive medals that he had been waiting over 20 years to receive.[19] In 2013, Quigley introduced a bill to the House to prevent veterans from entering into debt to pay for tuition before GI benefits are received. His hope was to provide greater educational opportunities to veterans with this bill.[20]

Abortion

Quigley supports reproductive rights, and voted against banning federal health coverage for abortions.[21] He also supports federal funding for family planning and sex education, as well as creating more preventive steps to avoid unwanted pregnancies altogether.[18]

LGBTQ rights

Quigley supports LGBTQ rights, and showed his support in 2012 by participating in National Coming Out Day as a show of solidarity.[21][22] He has called for the FDA to revoke its ban on allowing blood donations from gay and bisexual men.[22]

In September 2014, Quigley was one of 69 members of Congress to sign a letter to then-FDA commissioner Sylvia Burwell requesting that the FDA revise its policy banning donation of corneas and other tissues by men who have had sex with another man in the preceding five years.[23][24]

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:[25]

Caucus memberships

Other political activities

Quigley considered running for mayor of Chicago in 2019, after Rahm Emanuel indicated he would not seek reelection, but ultimately did not.[32] In early 2022, it was reported that Quigley was considering a run for mayor in 2023.[33][34] In April 2022, he announced he would not enter the race,[35] and subsequently endorsed U.S. Representative Chuy Garcia‘s campaign.[36]

Electoral history

Cook County Board of Commissioners

1998
1998 Cook County Board of Commissioners 10th district Democratic primary[37]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 11,185 44.78
DemocraticRalph Martire6,79927.22
DemocraticPeter Miller2,60410.43
DemocraticBrian J. Berg2,53610.15
DemocraticStefanos “Scott” Venable1,8547.42
Total votes24,978 100
1998 Cook County Board of Commissioners 10th district election[38]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 56,208 100
Total votes56,208 100
2002
2002 Cook County Board of Commissioners 10th district Democratic primary[39]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 22,357 72.04
DemocraticMary Ellen E. Daly12,12727.96
Total votes34,484 100
2002 Cook County Board of Commissioners 10th district election[40]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 60,457 100
Total votes60,457 100
2006
2006 Cook County Board of Commissioners 10th district Democratic primary[41]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 26,207 100
Total votes26,207 100
2006 Cook County Board of Commissioners 10th district election[42]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 62,905 100
Total votes62,905 100

Congressional

2009 (special)
Illinois 5th Congressional District Special Democratic Primary, 2009[43]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley 12,118 22.04
DemocraticJohn A. Fritchey9,83517.89
DemocraticSara Feigenholtz9,19416.72
DemocraticVictor A. Forys6,42811.67
DemocraticPatrick J. O’Connor6,38811.62
DemocraticCharles J. Wheelan3,6816.69
DemocraticTom Geoghegan3,3426.08
DemocraticPaul J. Bryar1,1112.02
DemocraticJan H. Donatelli8921.62
DemocraticFrank Annunzio7551.37
DemocraticCary Capparelli7141.30
DemocraticCarlos A. Monteagudo5210.95
DemocraticRoger A. Thompson III100.02
Total votes54,989 100.0
Illinois 5th Congressional District Special General Election, 2009[44]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley 30,561 69.24
RepublicanRosanna Pulido10,66224.16
GreenMatt Reichel2,9116.60
Write-in votesFrances E. Farley30.01
Write-in VotesGoran Davidovac10.00
Total votes44,138 100.0
2010
Illinois 5th Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2010[45]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 56,667 100
Total votes56,667 100
Illinois 5th Congressional District General Election, 2010[46]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 108,360 70.62
RepublicanDavid Ratowitz38,93525.38
GreenMatthew Reichel6,1404.0
Total votes153,435 100.0
2012
Illinois 5th Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2012[45]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 37,967 100
Total votes37,967 100
Illinois 5th Congressional District General Election, 2012[47]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 177,729 65.73
RepublicanDan Schmitt77,28928.59
GreenNancy Wade15,3595.68
Total votes270,377 100.0
2014
Illinois 5th Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2014[45]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 26,364 100
Total votes26,364 100
Illinois 5th Congressional District General Election, 2014[48]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 116,364 63.23
RepublicanVince Kolber56,35030.62
GreenNancy Wade11,3056.14
Total votes184,019 100.0
2016
Illinois 5th Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2016[45]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 127,679 100
Total votes127,679 100
Illinois 5th Congressional District General Election, 2016[49]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 212,842 67.84
RepublicanVince Kolber86,22227.48
GreenRob Sherman14,6574.67
Write-in votesMichael Krynski30.00
Total votes313,724 100.0
2018
Illinois 5th Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2018[50]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 66,254 62.46
DemocraticSameena Mustafa25,59124.13
DemocraticBenjamin Thomas Wolf10,0329.46
DemocraticSteven J. Schwartzberg4,1963.96
Total votes106,073 100.0
Illinois 5th Congressional District General Election, 2018[51]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 213,992 76.66
RepublicanTom Hanson65,13423.33
Write-in votesFrank Rowder50.00
Total votes279,131 100.0
2020
Illinois 5th Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2020[52]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 97,865 75.10
DemocraticBrian Burns32,44024.90
Total votes142,062 100.0
Illinois 5th Congressional District General Election, 2020[53]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 255,661 70.77
RepublicanTommy Hanson96,20026.63
GreenThomas J. Wilda9,4082.60
Write-in votesFrank Rowder20.00
Total votes361,271 100.0
2022
Illinois 5th Congressional District General Election, 2022[54]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMike Quigley (incumbent) 190,999 69.56
RepublicanTommy Hanson79,11228.81
IndependentJerico Matias Cruz4,4391.61
Total votes274,550 100.0

Awards and recognition

In 2009, Quigley was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame as a Friend of the Community.[55]

Personal life

Quigley and his wife Barbara have two daughters.[56]

References

  1. ^ “Congressional Directory, 2020” (PDF).
  2. ^ a b Spielman, Fran (February 10, 2023). “After taking a pass on mayor’s race, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley endorses Garcia”. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  3. ^ Hevrdejs, Judy; Conklin, Mike (January 8, 1998). “For Elvis’ Fans, It Will Be A Jelly Doughnut Kind Of Day”. Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  4. ^ “Cook Co. Commissioner Quigley voice of independents” Abdon M. Pallasch, Chicago Sun-Times, February 7, 2009
  5. ^ “Quigley right choice for 5th District seat”. Chicago Sun-Times. February 14, 2009.
  6. ^ “Democrats Best: Quigley” Chicago Tribune, February 18, 2009
  7. ^ “IL – District 05 – Special Election – D Primary Race – Mar 03, 2009”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  8. ^ “IL – District 05 – Special Election Race – Apr 07, 2009”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  9. ^ “IL – District 05 Race – Nov 02, 2010”. Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  10. ^ Fieldman, Chuck (July 7, 2011). “Congressional remap pushes Chicago Democratic districts to Hinsdale, Oak Brook”. The Doings Western Springs. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  11. ^ “Variety of challengers for U.S. Congress”. The Doings Weekly. December 27, 2011. Archived from the original on January 3, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  12. ^ Danny Clemens (November 21, 2018). “Yanny vs. Laurel, ‘covfefe’, Beyonce’s twins and more moments that broke the internet”. WPVI-TV. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  13. ^ H.R.2884 – COVFEFE Act of 2017, Actions Overview, Congress.gov. Accessed 2019-09-10.
  14. ^ Folley, Aris (September 30, 2023). “Single Democrat votes ‘no’ on House GOP’s government funding bill”. The Hill. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  15. ^ Bycoffe, Aaron; Wiederkehr, Anna (April 22, 2021). “Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?”. FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Lillis, Mike (May 13, 2011). “Judiciary Republicans kill bill blocking gun sales to suspected terrorists”. The Hill.
  17. ^ “Quigley announces support for Medicare for All to expand health insurance for millions”. quigley.house.gov. United States House of Representatives. March 19, 2021.
  18. ^ a b “Policy Positions”. Congressman Mike Quigley.
  19. ^ “Quigley Presents Medals to World War II Veteran”. Congressman Mike Quigley.
  20. ^ “Quigley: No More Vets in Debt”. Congressman Mike Quigley. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012.
  21. ^ a b “Mike Quigley (Democrat, district 5)”. On The Issues.
  22. ^ a b “Quigley Tapes Mouth Shut for NOH8 Campaign and National Coming Out Day”. Congressman Mike Quigley.
  23. ^ https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/9.8.14%20Bicameral%20Letter%20to%20HHS%20on%20MSM%20Policies.pdf[bare URL PDF]
  24. ^ Research, Center for Biologics Evaluation and (December 4, 2020). “Tissue Guidances”. FDA. Archived from the original on March 19, 2008 – via www.fda.gov.
  25. ^ “Mike Quigley”. Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  26. ^ “Membership”. Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  27. ^ “Members”. Congressional Transparency Caucus. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  28. ^ “Members”. New Democrat Coalition. Archived from the original on February 8, 2018. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
  29. ^ “Our Members”. U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  30. ^ “Members”. U.S. – Japan Caucus. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  31. ^ “Members of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus”. Veterinary Medicine Caucus. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  32. ^ Sweet, Lynn (September 6, 2018). “Rep. Quigley may run: ‘Who wouldn’t be interested in being mayor of Chicago?’. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  33. ^ Spielman, Fran (March 8, 2022). “An early look at the race for mayor of Chicago”. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  34. ^ Kapos, Shia (March 24, 2022). “Bring out the soapbox. We’re all ears”. POLITICO. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  35. ^ “U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley he won’t run for Chicago mayor in 2023”. Chicago Tribune. April 28, 2022.
  36. ^ “After taking a pass on mayor’s race, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley endorses Garcia”. Chicago Sun-Times. February 10, 2023.
  37. ^ “OFFICIAL FINAL RESULTS GENERAL ELECTION COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1998” (PDF). results.cookcountyclerkil.gov.
  38. ^ “OFFICIAL FINAL RESULTS PRIMARY ELECTION COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1998” (PDF). www.cookcountyclerkil.com. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  39. ^ “TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE RETURNS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE GENERAL PRIMARY ELECTION HELD IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS IN ALL THE WARDS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO ON TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2002 A.D.” (PDF). Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  40. ^ “TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE RETURNS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS IN ALL THE WARDS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2002 A.D.” (PDF). Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  41. ^ “TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE RETURNS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE GENERAL PRIMARY ELECTION HELD IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS IN ALL THE WARDS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO ON TUESDAY MARCH 21, 2006 A.D.” (PDF). Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  42. ^ “Cook County and the City of Chicago Combined Summary Report November 2006 General Election Tuesday, November 7th, 2006” (PDF). Cook County Clerk’s Office. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  43. ^ “Election Results 2009 SPECIAL GENERAL PRIMARY”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved October 23, 2019.[permanent dead link]
  44. ^ “Election Results 2009 SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTION”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  45. ^ a b c d “Election Results”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  46. ^ “Election Results 2010 GENERAL ELECTION”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  47. ^ “Election Results 2012 GENERAL ELECTION”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  48. ^ “Election Results 2014 GENERAL ELECTION”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  49. ^ “Election Results 2016 GENERAL ELECTION”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  50. ^ “Election Results 2018 GENERAL PRIMARY”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  51. ^ “Election Results 2018 GENERAL ELECTION”. Illinois State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  52. ^ “Election Results 2020 GENERAL PRIMARY”. Illinois State Board of Elections.
  53. ^ “Election Results 2020 GENERAL ELECTION”. Illinois State Board of Elections.
  54. ^ “2022 General Election Results”. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  55. ^ “Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame”. glhalloffame.org. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  56. ^ Mike Quigley [@RepMikeQuigley] (August 14, 2018). “Thanks to our thoughtful daughters, Alyson & Meghan, for helping us celebrate our wedding anniversary. Barb, it has been the most amazing 19 years by your side” (Tweet) – via Twitter.

External links

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois’s 5th congressional district

2009–present
Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

United States representatives by seniority
92nd
Succeeded by