Rory Hoskins
Proven Leadership – Deep Roots – New Voice for Congress
Mayor Rory Hoskins made history in 2019 when he became the first Black mayor of Forest Park, Illinois — winning 65% of the vote. He was re-elected in 2023 with an even stronger margin. A proud Democrat and two-time Delegate for President Joe Biden, Hoskins has been a steady hand for his community, guiding Forest Park through the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and public service.
Born on Galveston Island, Texas — the birthplace of Juneteenth — Hoskins has long championed civil rights and cultural heritage. In 2009, he co-founded Forest Park’s annual Juneteenth Family Pool Party, helping spark a wider Juneteenth movement in Chicago’s west suburbs. In 2021, he stood with Governor JB Pritzker and legislative leaders as Illinois officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday.
Before becoming mayor, Hoskins served two terms as a Forest Park Village Commissioner (2007–2015), where he led the creation of the village’s Diversity Commission. As mayor, he has expanded cultural recognition, launching Forest Park’s first Hispanic Heritage Month and Pride Month events, and formally honoring veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Under his leadership, the village adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.
Hoskins is committed to human rights both locally and globally. He’s traveled twice to Mauritania with the Abolition Institute to witness and address the enduring impact of slavery. In 2024, he represented Forest Park at the Strong Cities Global Mayors Summit in Cape Town, South Africa — joining leaders from around the world to combat extremism and build resilient communities.
He holds a B.A. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, and a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He is a member of the Illinois Bar and was named an Edgar Fellow in 2022, recognizing his leadership across party lines. In 2023, he was appointed to the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee of the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.
Rory Hoskins and his wife Monique have lived in Forest Park since 1999. They are the proud parents of four children and grandparents to one.
ENDORSEMENTS
RORY IN THE COMMUNITY
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RORY HOSKINS IN THE NEWS
Hoskins transit reform push pays off for Forest Park
Forest Park Mayor Hoskins brought Juneteenth to suburbs
How Juneteenth came to Forest Park
Juneteenth marks its 10th annual celebration
Inaugural Juneteenth parade unites west suburbs
An eye-opening visit to Mauritania
Rory Hoskins on being a Democratic National Convention delegate
Mayor Hoskins throws support behind merging CTA, Metra, Pace
Hoskins attends global mayors’ summit in South Africa
PLATFORM
Transportation
Reliable transit is the backbone of economic freedom and opportunity across the district. As mayor of Forest Park I’m keenly aware of how unreliable and unsafe transportation can isolate families and undercut economic mobility. Locally I’ve advocated for increased CTA oversight and safety funding, and I’ve partnered with neighboring leaders to push for infrastructure improvements and better CTA maintained bus shelters and lighting. Recently these efforts culminated in the passage of a transit bill in Springfield that not only increased investment in the CTA system, but will also reimburse Forest Park and other suburbs in Proviso Township for the costs of fire and police actions at CTA stations. This will result in hundreds of thousands of dollars coming back to our communities, money that can be reinvested in other services.
In Congress, I’ll fight to secure dedicated federal funding for safer, more equitable transit by supporting community based safety strategies, improved shelters, accessible platforms, and increased service frequency. I’ll also push for modernizing our transit infrastructure through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity and Transit Grant programs. Finally, I’ll work to advance fare equity through initiatives such as free or subsidized transit for students, seniors, and essential workers, ensuring mobility is a right, not a luxury.
Climate and Environment
Climate change and pollution are not far-off problems, and many of our neighborhoods are already suffering from the effects of the climate emergency. They have to deal with more flooding, poorer air quality, and heat islands that burden families with health risks and higher bills. In Forest Park, I’ve championed green alley conversions, tree planting, and storm water infrastructure upgrades to reduce flooding and improve climate resilience, especially in historically underinvested neighborhoods that face the worst impacts.
In Congress, I’ll fight to secure more robust federal grants for urban green infrastructure, expand access to the bipartisan RESTORE and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds, and protect communities disproportionately exposed to toxins and pollutants. I’ll also back clean energy tax credits, energy assistance for low income households, and climate-ready public buildings to uplift our constituents while fighting the climate crisis.
Economic Mobility
For families in the district economic mobility is a path out of uncertainty, but disparities in employment, wages, and wealth are serious obstacles. Research and data show that communities of color and lower income households face added systemic barriers such as a lack of access to capital or professional networks. As mayor, I have partnered with regional community colleges and nonprofits to launch job readiness workshops and small business incubators.
In Congress, I’ll work to expand federal support for targeted job training, apprenticeships, and microloans, especially in emerging sectors like clean energy and technology. I’ll also champion wage protections and tax credits for low income workers, while cutting red tape for minority-owned startups to ensure all residents can not only earn a livable wage, but also build a future.
Education
A quality education lays the foundation for generational progress and wealth. Every child deserves safe classrooms, equitable funding, and support to thrive. I see firsthand how educational investments strengthen communities, and as mayor I’ve worked with local school leaders to secure after school programming, upgrade park adjacent school facilities, and expand broadband access for remote learning.
In Congress, I’ll fight to fully fund Title I, push for universal pre-K for working parents, and invest in broadband and mental health counselors in schools. I’ll also support loan forgiveness for educators and incentives to place teachers in underserved schools so every child in the district can unlock their full potential.
Healthcare
Illinois families deserve affordable and accessible healthcare, without fear of financial ruin because of illness. As mayor, I have supported community-based health fairs and partnered with local clinics to improve outreach for Medicaid enrollment and preventive services.
In Congress, I’ll defend and expand the Affordable Care Act, strengthen Medicaid, and close the coverage gap for older workers and immigrants. I’ll also push for targeted funding for community health centers in underserved urban and rural areas, mental health integration, and maternal health programs for mothers of color. My focus is delivering care where it’s needed most, not just in the richest zip codes.
Childcare and Foster Parent Support
Too many families have to struggle with sky high childcare costs, especially single parents who often only have one income. Affordable, high-quality childcare is essential in order for many to work. I’ve worked with regional providers to expand emergency childcare slots and hosted recruitment drives for foster families.
In Congress, I’ll push for universal childcare with sliding scale subsidies, enhanced stipends and training for foster caregivers, and investments in home and center based early childhood programs. I will also back paid family leave and mental health support for families, ensuring children in foster care receive stability and love rather than system stress.
Veteran Care and VA Hospitals in Illinois’ 7th District
I am proud that the 7th District has one of the largest veteran populations in the state, and is home to two VA hospitals which stand as critical anchors to veterans healthcare in the area. I have coordinated with veterans’ groups to advocate for increased access to funding, and facilitated partnerships between the VA hospitals and local clinics.
I’ll fight hard to ensure that our VA hospitals are fully funded, and expand access to mental health services, telehealth programs, and specialized geriatric and post traumatic care. I’ll also push for seamless transition services, housing support for our homeless vets, and job training so every veteran in our district enjoys the great quality of life.
Immigration
We need to provide a path of citizenship that immigrants to this country can use to gain U.S. citizenship. We should also restore the asylum process to allow those fleeing violence and danger in their home country to be safe here and build a new life for themselves and their families. Our country was founded by immigrants, and immigration is one of the life bloods of our communities and economy. People of all citizenship statuses should feel safe in their neighborhoods, free to live the fullest extent of their American Dream.
Immigration is woven into Illinois’ 7th District. It fuels our workforce, enriches our culture, and strengthens our communities. I’ll back a humane, functional pathway to citizenship, and expand legal aid and community navigator programs. I’ll also work to reform our asylum system, rebuild refugee resettlement, and prevent deportation of longtime community members, keeping families together and building inclusive, thriving neighborhoods. I will take the lead in implementing meaningful reforms with respect to ICE, and imposing discipline on those responsible for illegal arrests and detentions.
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ILLINOIS 7th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
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