Lauren Underwood is an American politician and registered nurse who serves as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Illinois's 14th congressional district. She was first elected in 2018, becoming one of the first African American women to represent Illinois in Congress. Underwood is known for her focus on healthcare, education, and economic issues. Before her political career, Underwood worked as a nurse and health policy expert. She has been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare and addressing disparities in health outcomes. Underwood is a member of the Democratic Party and has been active in advocating for policies that support working families.