The son of a union machinist and a homemaker, Phil Hare was born in Galesburg. He and his three sisters were raised in Rock Island where Phil and his wife, Becky, still live and raised their two children, Amy and Louis.
During his junior and seniors years of high school, Phil worked second shift at the Farmall tractor plant to help his family make ends meet.
After graduating from Alleman High School, Phil joined the United States Army Reserve where he served his country for six years. Simultaneously, he went to work at the Seaford Clothing Factory in Rock Island. During his 13 years there, Phil was a union leader and served as President of UNITE HERE Local 617.
When his friend Lane Evans was elected to Congress in 1982, Phil left his union position to be Congressman Evans' District Director. For nearly 24 years, Phil has worked side by side with Lane on behalf of the constituents of the 17th District. Together they have helped thousands of individuals from Whiteside to Calhoun County. Phil has worked with Congressman Evans to ensure that veterans get the benefits they deserve, that our farmers get the assistance they need, and that all families have access to quality healthcare.
When his boss and good friend Lane Evans decided to retire at the end of this term, Phil thought long and hard about the best way to carry on Lane's work on behalf of veterans, workers and their families. In a competitive primary, Phil was overwhelmingly chosen by the precinct committeepersons as the Democratic nominee.
