Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
President Obama

Obama Picks Republican Illinois Congressman to Lead USDOT

lahood.jpgPhoto: Wikipedia

(Aaron Naperstek over at NYC Streetsblog carries the news that it's official: Little known Congressman Ray LaHood will be the next Secretary of Transportation.  The post below lists some of the discussion surrounding LaHood from earlier today)

The Hill
is reporting that Illinois Representative Ray LaHood, described as a
centrist Republican, is in talks with the Obama team about taking a
Cabinet post, most likely as Secretary of Transportation. The official
announcement could be made as early as Friday.

If LaHood is chosen, it would come as something of a surprise, as his name has so far escaped widely circulated short lists
for the position. His district includes Peoria and Springfield, and he
did not seek re-election this year. His recent voting record indicates a willingness to buck the party line on transportation measures: This year he supported the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act and the Passenger Rail Investment Act. We'll have more on this potential selection as the story develops.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Santa Monica Parking Enforcement Vehicles to Use AI Cameras to Ticket Bike Lane Violations

Similar to on-bus AI cameras for bus lanes, but with two new wrinkles: cameras will be on city cars, and will detect bike lane blockers

January 16, 2026

Friday’s Headlines

ICE, Metro vs. SB79, Olympics, Santa Monica parking, homelessness, Koreatown, Santa Clarita, Malibu, car-nage, and more

January 16, 2026

Monrovia’s ‘Haiku Park’ is Now Open

Satoru Tsuneishi Park honors the acclaimed poet once incarcerated in an internment camp.

January 15, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines

LAPD, potholes, green bike lanes, Metro policing, L.A. River, car-nage, and more

January 15, 2026

Metro Committee Approves Sepulveda Rail Alignment, Postpones Torrance Rail Approval

Plus: Metro announces a testing snag which means a likely delay for the D Line opening, and supports Foothill A Line extension to Claremont

January 14, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

ICE, LAX roadway expansion, Sepulveda subway, MLK parade, Pasadena, car-nage, and more

January 14, 2026
See all posts