Lake County Gazette

Jim Carris, the Republican candidate contesting for the 10th Congressional seat, recently engaged in a fruitful dialogue with former Illinois U.S. Senator Mark Kirk. Known for his independent leadership and commitment to bipartisan collaboration, Kirk discussed with Carris various pressing issues facing the 10th District, focusing particularly on national security.

“Senator Kirk has a legacy of being an independent leader and working across the aisle to deliver for the families of Illinois,” Carris said on Facebook. “One of the Senator’s main focuses was on national security, being a defense hawk,”

“Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the issues that face our district. Most importantly, we agreed that the U.S. must continue to stand by our ally Israel and assist them in the war against Hamas. A big thank you to Mary at Gerhard's Elegant European Desserts for hosting Senator Kirk and I - the sweets were excellent!”

This meeting comes after Senator Kirk's recent reemergence into public discourse through an interview with CBS 2 earlier this year. His political career includes five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 10th Congressional District and a subsequent election to the U.S. Senate in 2010. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he suffered a near-fatal stroke in January 2012.

Reflecting on today's political climate, Kirk underscored the importance of bipartisanship. Drawing from his military experience in Kosovo, he emphasized supporting fellow Americans irrespective of their political leanings. Despite living modestly and facing physical challenges, Kirk continues to participate in local affairs such as supporting Fort Sheridan homeowners' association in Illinois. He expressed satisfaction with his retirement life.

Carris is well-known within Lake County's business community where he has been a long-term resident. His campaign website highlights his extensive business background rather than a career in politics.

“Jim has spent his life in business, not politics, practicing law, running his own company and as a corporate leader,” his campaign website reads.

Currently serving as Managing Principal, Executive Managing Director, and Market Leader at Colliers International, Carris is also an accomplished attorney. The son of an immigrant from Greece, Carris financed his own education through various jobs. His work ethic, evident from his diverse employment history, has been a key driver in his life.

The 10th District is currently held by incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider. Schneider’s website provides a map of the district. It covers the municipalities of Antioch, Fox Lake, Lake Villa, Grayslake, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Highland Park, North Chicago, Park City, Lake Forest, Gurnee, Zion, Libertyville, Round Lake, Round Lake, and Round Lake Beach in Lake County, the communities of communities of Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northbrook, and Wheeling in Cook County and the municipalities of Spring Grove, Richmond, Hebron, Wonder Lake, and Johnsburg in McHenry County.