Chicago City Wire

Mike Quigley, a longstanding member of the U.S. Congress representing Illinois’ 5th district, has voiced concerns about preserving the natural ecosystem of the Great Lakes. He has a history in public service both in the U.S. Congress and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, with an educational background from Roosevelt University and Loyola University, Chicago.

On April 9, 2025, Quigley highlighted the importance of conserving native fish species in the Great Lakes. He indicated that "The Great Lakes contain 139 native fish species. Without appropriate funding, we won’t be able to protect them from climate change and other threats." He expressed his support for the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act as a measure to safeguard these species.

In a subsequent tweet on April 10, 2025, Quigley elaborated on the invasive threat posed by sea lampreys to the Great Lakes. He mentioned a specific parasitic species, saying, "This sucker is a sea lamprey—a parasite that can kill 40 pounds of fish in the Great Lakes in a year." In advocating for the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act, he emphasized the need for funding to support scientific research aimed at tackling such invasive species.

In addition to his environmental advocacy, Quigley addressed young artists in his district through another communication on April 10, 2025. He announced an extension for submissions to the Congressional Art Competition, stating, "Attention all student artists! Interested in participating in the Congressional Art Competition? The deadline has been extended to Friday, April 11th at 4:00PM." Information for interested participants is further detailed on his official website.

Mike Quigley, now at age 64, resides in Chicago after being born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1958. Since 2009, he has devoted his career to representing Illinois’s 5th District in Congress, having also served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners.