Skip to content

Transpo Sec Rumor Mill: Rep. Ray LaHood the Leading Candidate

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.
lahood.jpgPhoto: Wikipedia

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.

Photo of Ben Fried
Ben Fried started as a Streetsblog reporter in 2008 and led the site as editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2018. He lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with his wife.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Prospect Heights Tried a Lighter Approach to Street Cleaning Enforcement — It Didn’t Work

October 9, 2026

Cycle Of Rage: One Crash Shows How Reckless Car Drivers Ruin Kids’ Childhoods

October 9, 2026

Friday Video: How Mamdani Can Avoid His BQE Bypass Boondoggle

October 9, 2026

Inside Baseball: Kuntzman To Step Down At Streetsblog; David Meyer To Take Over

October 9, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: ‘Bedford? Bedford?’ Edition

October 9, 2026
See all posts