Cassidy, Bill (1957-…), became a United States senator in 2015. Cassidy, a Republican , represents Louisiana . Prior to his election to the Senate , Cassidy had worked as a physician and served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives .
William Cassidy was born in Highland Park, Illinois, on Sept. 28, 1957. He grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Louisiana State University in 1979. Cassidy received a medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1983. He then worked as a physician and as an associate professor of medicine. In 2000, Cassidy helped found the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic, which provides health care to people who are employed but uninsured.
Cassidy won election to the Louisiana state Senate in 2006. In 2008, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He won reelection in 2010 and 2012. As a congressman, Cassidy served on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. He also gained attention for his rejection of earmarks. Earmarks are funds designated for special projects as part of legislative spending bills.
In the November 2014 election, Cassidy and incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu received the most votes in a contest for a U.S. Senate seat. Because neither candidate won more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election was held the following month. Cassidy defeated Landrieu.
