Lauren Underwood is currently serving Illinois’ 14th district in Congress. She was the first woman to represent the 14th, and at 33, she is the youngest Black woman ever elected to Congress.

Lauren grew up in Naperville, IL. She is a registered nurse and health policy expert, with hands-on experience in America’s healthcare industry, which she now carries with her to Washington. Lauren was appointed by President Obama to serve as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). During her time in the Obama Administration, Lauren helped communities across the country prevent, prepare for, and respond to public health emergencies, disasters, and bioterror threats.  As a public servant at HHS, Lauren helped implement the Affordable Care Act — broadening access for those on Medicare, improving healthcare quality, and reforming private insurance.

In 2018, Lauren flipped this seat from red to blue in historic fashion, defeating a four-term Republican incumbent. She won every single county in her district, something an IL-14 Democrat has never achieved before.

During her first term in Congress, Lauren has personally introduced 42 pieces of legislation, passed 15 out of the House, and had 3 bipartisan pieces of legislation signed into law. 

As a registered nurse, public health expert, and a woman with a pre-existing heart condition, Lauren's number one priority in Congress is to ensure access to high-quality, affordable health care for families and eliminating cost barriers to care. She will also continue to be a strong advocate for a strong economy, action on climate change,  reasonable gun reform, and fair and just immigration policy, women’s reproductive freedom and cleaning up Washington.