Lake County Gazette

Illinois Tenth Congressional District candidate Jim Carris reacted to Kathy Salvi being elected chair of the Illinois Republican Party to replace outgoing chair Don Tracy, saying, "Kathy is a brilliant, kind, and well-respected leader and I look forward to working with her and watching her unite our party in her new role." He made the statement in a July 12 Facebook post.

"Congratulations to my fellow Republican and friend, Kathy Salvi, who was elected Chair of the Illinois Republican Party this afternoon, replacing Don Tracy," said Carris, according to Facebook. "Kathy is a brilliant, kind, and well respected leader and I look forward to working with her and watching her unite our party in her new role."

According to a news release from the Illinois Republican Party dated July 12, Kathy Salvi will assume the role of chair starting July 19, coinciding with the resignation of outgoing chairman Don Tracy.

Screenshot of JIm Carris' July 12 Facebook post | Jim Carris For Congress Facebook page

The Daily Herald reported that Salvi greeted delegates at the Republican National Convention, saying she was "expected to preach a message of unity for a state party that no longer has a statewide officeholder and is in the super minority in both chambers of the General Assembly." The outlet also noted that Salvi is an attorney from Mundelein.

The 10th District is currently held by incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider. It covers several municipalities across Lake County, Cook County, and McHenry County.

Carris is a prominent figure in the local business community and a longtime resident of Lake County. His campaign website emphasizes his extensive background in business rather than 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.

Carris currently serves as Managing Principal, Executive Managing Director, and Market Leader at Colliers International. He financed his own education through various jobs including painting houses, working in construction, washing dishes, and bartending. Carris attributes his work ethic to these experiences and highlights his immigrant background; his father left Greece in pursuit of a better life.