Meet Randy
Randy Raley: One of Us. Fighting for All of Us. Born and raised in Illinois, Randy has worked in factories, on this family farm, and in river towns. Today, he’s running to put rural communities and working families first in the 15th District.
For Farmers and Workers
Randy worked on his family farm for five years and understands firsthand the challenges family farmers face. He will fight to break the grip of agricultural monopolies and create fairer markets for local producers.
Raised in a union household and later serving as a United Steelworker and union steward, Randy stood up for his coworkers and stands with working people today. He opposes unfair laws like H.R. 1319 that weaken worker protections, and supports infrastructure investments that create stable, good-paying jobs.
Having lived in river towns along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, he also understands the economic and environmental challenges of river communities.
Healthcare and Connectivity
Randy supports universal, single-payer healthcare and will work to protect funding for rural hospitals and health centers so families can get care close to home. He believes every part of the district deserves broadband to support small-town businesses, expand educational opportunities, and reduce isolation among Seniors and others.
Listening. Leading. Delivering.
As a longtime radio broadcaster Randy learned that leadership begins with listening . He is ready to fight for the 15th District and deliver real results for rural communities.
Vote Randy Raley. The 15th District deserves a leader who fights for working families.
About Randy Raley
Randy Raley was born and raised in Moline, Illinois, in a proud union family. His dad was a union steward for 30 years at International Harvester, and his mom worked as a waitress in the Quad Cities. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, standing up for others, and fighting for dignity on the job.
He has lived the lives of the people of this district.
Randy has spent most of his life in small and mid-sized Midwestern towns. He’s lived in river communities and understands how vital our rivers are to farms and local economies and agriculture. He worked year-round on his family’s farm for more than five years and knows family farms are more than businesses; they are a way of life, and they deserve to succeed. He later became a United Steelworker and union steward, standing up for fair pay and safe workplaces.
Successful Career in Media and Leadership.
For 40 years, Randy built a respected media career as an on-air broadcaster across the Midwest, including 13 years at KSHE in St. Louis. He later moved into media sales and management, leading teams,solving problems, and helping local businesses grow. In 2021, he returned to radio from his home in Highland, earning multiple regional awards before stepping away due to federal equal-time rules to focus fully on his campaign.
Why he’s running.
Randy was deeply influenced by his older brother, a Vietnam Veteran and his lifelong hero. “He served our country with courage. I never wore the uniform, but I feel called to to serve now in my own way, and I am grateful for that opportunity.”
Randy has five grandchildren, including three who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. He thinks often about the world they are growing up in and believes everyone deserves dignity and respect. “It does not matter who you love, how you look, how you pray, or how you vote. I will represent you.”
He believes the incumbent has abandoned her responsibilities to her district. “This isn’t about party. It’s about paying your taxes and getting no representation. It’s about being heard. Farmers, union members, teachers, nurses, first responders, and factory workers all deserve a voice in Congress. There is hope.”
Randy moved to Highland in 2022 and is grateful to once again call a small town home. “I live in this district because I chose to. I’m here whether I win or lose. This is where my life is rooted. This is home, and the people here deserve strong, honest representation.”
He lives with his girlfriend, Tess, along with Poco the Wonder Dog and Big Head Todd, an orange tabby known for roaming the neighborhood. His daughter Jessica lives in Davenport, Iowa, with her husband and three daughters. His daughter Emily lives in Los Angeles. His stepson Paul and his family live in North Carolina.
