Rockford Sun

U.S. Representative Darin LaHood expressed his support for the appointment of U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik as an ambassador in a Facebook post dated November 18. "While we’ll miss her leadership in the House, I know she will make an outstanding representative for the U.S. on the world stage!" he said.

"Congratulations to my friend Elise Stefanik on being nominated to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations," said LaHood, according to Facebook. "She is a staunch defender of American values and has deep commitment to promoting our nation's interests. It has been an honor to serve with her in Congress and on the House Intelligence Committee. While we'll miss her leadership in the House, I know she will make an outstanding representative for the U.S. on the world stage!"

State Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, is currently the fourth-ranking House Republican and has been recognized as a strong ally to former President Donald Trump, according to CNN. She has also played a significant role as a fundraiser for the GOP. CNN reported that President-elect Trump announced her nomination in a statement: "I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said. Stefanik made history in 2014 when she became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's Nov. 18 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood Facebook page

In 2021, Stefanik succeeded Liz Cheney as the GOP conference chair. Now serving her fifth term, she represents New York’s 21st Congressional District. Her website describes her as a senior member of several committees including Armed Services and Intelligence.

Stefanik's legislative priorities include reducing tax and regulatory burdens on small businesses, protecting Second Amendment rights, and lowering prescription drug costs. She also emphasizes safeguarding Social Security and Medicare among other critical programs for seniors and future generations.

Congressman LaHood has represented Illinois since 2015, initially serving in the 18th Congressional District before redistricting placed him in the 16th District. His political career includes four years in the state senate from 2011-2015 and over nine years as a state and federal prosecutor. He also worked with the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Las Vegas.

LaHood holds academic credentials from Loras College and the University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall Law School and resides with his wife in Peoria.