Biggert, Judy, 1937-

<p>Judith Borg Biggert (born August 15, 1937) is an American politician and attorney. She is the former U.S. Representative for Illinois's 13th congressional district, serving from 1999 to 2013. She is a member of the Republican Party.</p>

<p>Biggert was defeated in her 2012 re-election bid by former US Congressman Bill Foster. She was also the last Republican woman elected to Congress from Illinois until the election of Mary Miller of the 15th congressional district in 2020.</p>

<p>Prior to serving in Congress, she served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1993 to 1998. After leaving Congress, she was appointed to serve on the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board.</p>

<p>Illinois Republican Judy Biggert dedicated her career in the House to advocating for education reform and childcare programs, earning a reputation for crossing the aisle for issues she believed in. Reflecting on her ability to negotiate with her colleagues, Biggert noted, “What I will do is change their minds…. If I can’t change them, then I will have to work with them.”</p>

<p>Judy Biggert was born Judith Borg in Chicago, Illinois, on August 15, 1937, the daughter of Alvin Andrew and Marjorie Virginia (Mailler) Borg. She graduated from Stanford University in 1959 with a degree in international relations and earned a JD in 1963 from Northwestern University Law School. After graduating from Northwestern, she clerked for Judge Luther M. Swygert in the U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit. She married Rody Biggert and the couple raised four children: Courtney, Alison, Rody, and Adrienne. From 1975 to 1998, Biggert operated a home-based private law practice specializing in real estate, estate planning, and probate law.</p>

<p>Biggert eventually became active in local politics, serving as school board president of Hinsdale Township High School District 86. She later chaired the Visiting Nurses Association of Chicago and served as president of the Junior League of Chicago. In 1992 Biggert won election to the Illinois state house of representatives and served three consecutive terms (1993–1999). In the state legislature, she authored strict anti-crime laws and worked to balance the state budget without raising taxes.</p>