Nikki Budzinski

A proven leader and an experienced public servant

Rep. Nikki Budzinski is a proven leader and an experienced public servant who ran for Congress to build on her life’s work of improving the lives of workers. Born in Peoria, Illinois, Rep. Budzinski is the granddaughter of a union painter and a public school teacher. She attended the University of Illinois Champaign and was inspired to pursue a career in public service after interning with former Congressman Dick Gephardt, former Sen. Paul Simon, and Planned Parenthood. She has worked to protect firefighters’ rights with the IAFF and has fought for grocery workers and meatpackers with the UFCW. Rep. Budzinski served as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s senior advisor on labor issues and as the chair of the Illinois Broadband Advisory Council. Most recently, she served as chief of staff for President Biden’s Office of Management and Budget. 

A champion for Illinois working families

Rep. Budzinski is dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for all. As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s senior advisor on labor issues, she successfully led the charge to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by bringing workers, small businesses, and elected officials to the negotiating table. Rep. Budzinski helped President Biden set up his new administration and deliver much needed relief for working families facing unprecedented challenges from the pandemic, by helping to implement the American Rescue Plan. She also helped get the Made in America Office off the ground, which ensures American companies and manufacturers get first priority in any taxpayer-funded contract. In Congress, Rep. Budzinski will fight for affordable college and job training, affordable child care and an economic recovery that doesn’t leave anyone behind. She is committed to helping create the good-paying middle-class jobs that make it possible for Downstate Illinois families and communities to thrive.

Victory in a newly-drawn seat

Rep. Budzinski ran for Illinois’ newly redrawn 13th Congressional District and won. We showed Rep. Budzinski the full support of the EMILY’s List community and helped this champion for Downstate Illinois women and families win this new seat.