About Peter

Deep Roots in the District

Peter Roskam's roots in the Sixth Congressional District go back to Hill Avenue in Glen Ellyn where Peter lived as a toddler. Forty years later, surrounded by his family and friends, he announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives on the same leafy street where he grew up.

The seed of interest in government was planted by his fourth grade teacher, Miss Lillian Anderson, at Ben Franklin Public School. Peter completed his "Illinois" project folder and still carries it with him to school classrooms when he visits today.

His years in growing up in the district were punctuated by experiences that left a lasting impression on him. He started a house cleaning service, served as Student Senate President at Glenbard West High School and was a varsity gymnast. He even bicycled across America - from San Diego to Virginia Beach.

To Washington and Back Again

Peter earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and his law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. He took a hiatus from his legal studies to teach in a cross-cultural high school in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He pursued his interest in public policy and

government and moved to our nation's capitol where he worked for Congressman Henry Hyde (R-IL) and former Congressman Tom DeLay (R-TX), then in his first term.

It was during these years on Capitol Hill that Peter met his wife Elizabeth. They decided to move back to Illinois and raise a family.

He served as Executive Director of Educational Assistance Ltd., a nonprofit scholarship program for disadvantaged youngsters. The organization received President Reagan's Volunteer Action Award.

Leadership in Springfield

In 1993 Peter was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives where he served six years. In 2000, he was appointed to the Illinois Senate and serves in the leadership as the Republican Whip and Floor Leader. He has received numerous awards from business and anti-tax organizations to health care and pro-family organizations. He has also earned the praise of environmental and law enforcement public policy groups for his community leadership.

Priorities in Congress

Congressman Peter Roskam was endorsed by Congressman Henry Hyde as his successor to the seat he has held for the last 32 years. In his endorsement Congressman Hyde said, "Peter is an energetic, compassionate, sensitive person. He has been a leader, not a follower in the legislature.”

In Congress, Roskam's priorities include providing tax relief for hard working families, promoting energy independence and expanding access to quality affordable heath care.

Finally, Congressman Roskam is our local advocate in our nation's capitol. He grew up in this district and has represented the suburbs for 13 years in the legislature. He and Elizabeth are raising their four children, Gracey, Frankie, Steve and AJ, in the district. His record of accomplishments is long and his commitment to this district is reflected in the experiences he had growing up locally.

Roskam was recognized as a “Rising Star” by the Chicago Sun-Times and Roll Call. The Daily Herald described him as an “avowed fiscal conservative who could lay claim to the anti-tax mantel.”

In just his second term, Congressman Roskam was appointed to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.  As one of the nation's oldest committees, Ways and Means oversees taxes, health care, Social Security, Medicare, and trade.  This wide scope of jurisdiction makes it the most influential committee in the House of Representatives.

Roskam also serves as Republican Deputy Whip.