Lake County Gazette

Illinois Tenth Congressional District Candidate, Jim Carris, expressed his sentiments on Israeli Independence Day, stating, "Today marks Israeli Independence Day and for many Jewish families around the world, commemorations look and feel very different - marked by solemnity and concern but hopeful and united." Carris, who is set to challenge incumbent Democrat Brad Schneider in the general election, further commented, "The torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl that aired Monday night marked a bleak 76th Independence Day, the first since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel."

"Today marks Israeli Independence Day and for many Jewish families around the world, commemorations look and feel very different - marked by solemnity and concern but hopeful and united," said Carris, according to Facebook. "The torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl that aired Monday night marked a bleak 76th Independence Day, the first since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. The current administration and many in Congress claim to support Israel but they continue to betray the US-Israel alliance by withholding US military resources vital to Israel's self-defense. Republicans in Congress are stepping up to stop these actions and block the administration from this travesty including Ken Calvert (R-CA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and David Joyce (R-OH) along with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer, and Conference Chair Elise Stefanik."

According to Reuters' report on May 13 about the Independence Day celebrations in Jerusalem, they were "toned down." The news agency reported: "Israel began toned down Independence Day celebrations at sundown on Monday, with hopes for an end to the seven-month-old Gaza war dim, anti-government protests growing and internal divisions festering. As the country marks its 76th year, firework displays were cancelled and the traditional torch-lighting ceremony at the Jerusalem national cemetery will be taped for TV audiences instead of livestreamed." Currently there are 128 Israeli hostages held by Hamas. When the war commenced on Oct. 7, Hamas launched an attack into southern Israel resulting in 1,200 fatalities. The group also took more than 250 hostages.

Screenshot of Jim Carris' May 14 Facebook post | Jim Carris For Congress Facebook page

Carris is a well-known figure within the local business community and has been a resident of Lake County for many years. His campaign website highlights Carris's extensive experience in business rather than politics. It reads: "Jim has spent his life in business, not politics, practicing law, running his own company and as a corporate leader."

Carris currently holds influential positions such as Managing Principal, Executive Managing Director, and Market Leader at Colliers International. He is also an accomplished attorney.

Born to an immigrant father who left Greece in pursuit of a better life, Carris financed his own education through various jobs. His work ranged from painting houses and construction to washing dishes and bartending, demonstrating a strong work ethic that has been a driving force throughout his life.

The 10th District is currently represented by incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider. The district encompasses 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 in Lake County; the 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.