Decision Maker

Bill Foster

U.S. House of Representatives - Illinois 11th Congressional District

District 11

George William "Bill" Foster is an American politician, physicist, and entrepreneur serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 11th congressional district since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Foster previously represented Illinois's 14th congressional district from 2008 to 2011. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, he pursued higher education at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in physics. Before entering politics, Foster had a distinguished career as a high-energy physicist and particle accelerator designer at Fermilab. He also co-founded Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc., a company specializing in theatrical lighting control systems. Foster’s blend of scientific expertise and business acumen has informed his legislative work, focusing on science, technology, and economic development.