Bill Foster

Bill Foster is a Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois, currently serving the 11th District since 2013. He previously represented Illinois's 14th District from 2008 to 2011 after winning a special election to succeed former House Speaker Dennis Hastert. Before entering politics, Foster had a distinguished 22-year career as a high-energy physicist at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), where he was part of the team that discovered the top quark. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. In addition to his scientific career, Foster is a successful businessman who co-founded Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) at the age of 19 with his brother. The company has since grown to become a global leader in theater lighting equipment. In Congress, he is recognized as the only PhD physicist, a background he frequently applies to his work on technical and evidence-based policy. He currently serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he advocates for scientific research, financial reform, and consumer protection.

Bill Foster's policy platform is centered on scientific integrity, economic stability, and expanding access to healthcare. He is a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act and advocates for a public option to move toward universal healthcare coverage. As a member of the Financial Services Committee, he was instrumental in crafting the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to prevent future financial crises. He supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship and has voted for the DREAM Act. On the environment, Foster emphasizes the need for federal investment in clean energy innovation and climate research to combat the climate crisis. He also supports increasing federal funding for education, lowering the cost of higher education through student loan reform, and implementing common-sense gun safety legislation such as universal background checks.