Bill Houlihan is the State Director for U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, the Democratic Whip of the U.S. Senate, where he oversees all of the operations of the Senator’s four district offices.

 

Bill began his lengthy political career in 1964 at the tender age of 9, passing out literature during his father’s successful campaign for Illinois State Representative. His early understanding of public service followed him throughout his entire career.

 

Bill was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, the fourth of eight children. He attended elementary and high schools in the south suburbs of Chicago. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University in 1981, where he served as Student Body President, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, he took a position as an Organizer with the Illinois Education Association in Springfield. His responsibilities included directing local membership drives, assisting the Director of Public Affairs and consulting and developing strategies for numerous legislative races.

 

Following two years at the IEA, Bill was hired as the Administrative Assistant and the Director of the Legislative Services Staff for Illinois Senate President Phil Rock. He initiated annual district office conferences; assisted in the development of legislative issues; developed a legislative services staff; supervised district office management; developed and coordinated special conferences and hearings; and assisted in the development of legislative and communication strategies.

In 1993, Bill became the Director of the Downstate offices of U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun, coordinating her downstate activities and supervising constituent casework.

 

After Senator Durbin’s successful 1996 campaign for the U.S. Senate, Bill joined his staff, bringing his expertise in local, state and federal government to his current position as State Director.

 

Bill was also elected to three 2 year terms as Sangamon County Democratic Chairman, served as Springfield Public Building Commissioner, Springfield Sanitary District Trustee and Springfield Housing Authority Commissioner. In March of 2014, he was elected the State Central Committeeman of the 18th District for the Democratic Party of Illinois, a position he still holds.

 

Bill and his wife, Cindy Winans Houlihan, reside in Springfield and are the parents of four children, Mariah, Grant and John (triplets) and Neil. They have five grandchildren.