Seth Alan Cohen (Illinois)

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Seth Alan Cohen

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Stevenson High School

Bachelor's

University of Chicago, 2024

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Years of service

2016 - 2020

Personal

Birthplace

Evanston, Ill.

Religion

Judaism

Profession

Non-profit director

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Seth Alan Cohen (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 9th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Cohen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Seth Cohen was born in Evanston, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2016 to 2020. Cohen earned a high school diploma from Stevenson High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago in 2024. In 2022, Seth co-founded The Brigade, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with four other student veterans. The Brigade provides networking opportunities and professional development to student veterans in Chicago and New York City.

Elections

2024

See also: Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2024

Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 19 Republican primary)

Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 19 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Illinois District 9

Incumbent Jan Schakowsky defeated Seth Alan Cohen in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 9 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jan Schakowsky (D)	68.4	231,722
		Seth Alan Cohen (R)	31.6	107,106

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 338,828
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9

Incumbent Jan Schakowsky advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9 on March 19, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jan Schakowsky	100.0	75,106

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 75,106
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Michael Donahue (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9

No candidate advanced from the primary.

		Candidate	%	Votes
	Submit photo	Michael Walters (Write-in)	100.0	57

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Vote totals may be incomplete for this race.
	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 57
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Cohen in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Seth Alan Cohen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cohen's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, in a single-parent household with my twin sister. At 19, I joined the United States Marine Corps and served as a radio operator with the 2d Tank Battalion in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After being honorably discharged from active duty at the end of my four-year contract, I enrolled at the University of Chicago to begin my undergraduate studies. While in school, I co-founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit to help student veterans obtain jobs and become professionally developed. I graduated in June 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a minor in History, and immediately began my post-graduate studies as an MBA candidate at The Chicago Booth School of Business. I married Kaley Baker in September 2021, and we have a daughter who was born on Valentine's Day 2024. We are practicing Orthodox Jews and live together in the U.S. 9th Congressional District of Illinois.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Inflation acts as a hidden tax on Americans, driven solely by excess spending by the U.S. government. Addressing and mitigating this issue is entirely possible through mature and moral decision-making by the U.S. Congress. Today, our children face barriers to homeownership due to high interest rates, are spending significantly more on groceries, and are losing their jobs. We can overcome these challenges if we unite and elect leaders who prioritize the future of our children and grandchildren
• Immigration is a vital part of the American experience and essential to the nation's continued prosperity. However, illegal immigration harms working-class Americans by driving down wages, is unfair to those who have waited for years to immigrate legally, and threatens the safety and security of our communities. It is also crucial to uphold the sanctity of providing refuge to true asylum seekers who genuinely need protection. The U.S. Congress and the President must collaborate to ensure that economic migrants enter the nation through legal channels, maintaining fairness and protecting all Americans
• Israel is a crucial ally in the fight against terrorism abroad, and Jewish Americans deserve to live without fear in the U.S. Israel's fight is a moral battle against Hamas, a terrorist organization with archaic and barbaric values. As the sole democracy in the region and a beacon of economic strength, Israel needs our support to combat terrorism and free Palestinians and its citizens from oppression. Furthermore, Israel is our main ally against Iran and regional terrorist groups. Thus, maintaining our strong relationship is vital to protecting both nations from terrorism. Lastly, the government must do more to combat rising antisemitism in America. Jewish Americans, like all Americans, deserve to live daily without fear.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about economics, particularly fiscal policy, labor policy, and urban and regional development. Additionally, I am deeply interested in security and national defense, as well as social policy areas including health, education, and social welfare

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to the soldiers, Marines, and sailors who gave their lives for their country during World War II. United, they banished tyranny

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Declaration of Independence.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honor, integrity, service, and intelligence.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I possess many qualities that I believe would make me a successful officeholder, including intellect, honor, courage, a service-oriented mindset, and determination. However, what truly differentiates me from others is my lack of desire for fame or power. I am not driven by the prestige or authority that comes with being a congressman. Instead, I am motivated by the impact I can have on my community and my commitment to bettering the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of someone elected to office include upholding their principles with integrity, actively engaging with constituents, addressing challenging policy issues to ensure just outcomes, and maintaining a commitment to ethical behavior, avoiding corruption at all costs.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A better nation for my children.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was in the meat department at the Buffalo Grove Marianos. I was hired during the stores opening and worked there until I left for the Marine Corps.

What is your favorite book? Why?

This is not my favorite book, but I believe the most important book ever written is 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell. Through the use of fiction, Orwell masterfully illuminates the corrupting and destructive nature of totalitarianism, demonstrating how the ideals of socialism result in authoritarian control.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. The U.S. Constitution is very clear on the requirements to serve in each elected position. Prior government experience is not one of them.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The deplorable state of education in America is not only a grievous injustice inflicted on our children but also a severe national security and economic challenge. Despite having the resources to create the most educated population in world history, we have failed to do so. Various factors contribute to this crisis, including the role of teachers' unions, political parties, the weaponization of schools by government officials, and the unequal system that traps children in failing school districts based on their household income and zip code. Ultimately, this is a crime perpetrated by adults against children, robbing them of their future.

This educational failure has profound economic and national security consequences. How can individuals be civically engaged if they cannot read, think critically, or possess a well-rounded knowledge of the world? Why would companies offer higher wages to those who lack basic skills taught in primary education? The result of this negligence will be a weak and impoverished nation.

We must prioritize the future of our children and grandchildren above all else. Mastery of math, reading, writing, and critical thinking are essential competencies that must be achieved before graduating from high school. Our current education system is failing our future, and immediate action is required to reverse this course and ensure a prosperous and secure America.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No, I believe that representatives should serve three-year terms. This duration, which is half the term of a U.S. Senator, would provide representatives with more time to govern effectively rather than immediately focusing on their next campaign after winning the last election.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits. In theory, term limits might seem redundant because voters can choose their officials every election cycle. However, in practice, due to factors like gerrymandering, the power of incumbents, and the significant role of campaign funding, the idea that voters can freely choose their representatives is demonstrably false. Term limits are essential to the continued prosperity of the United States.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

U.S. Congressman Trey Gowdy (SC-4) is a patriot and true American statesman. He is one of the few members of government who genuinely cares about our country rather than pursuing selfish ends. I strive to emulate the character, intellect, and courage of the gentleman from South Carolina.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, I do. While some policies may not be suited for compromise, overall, compromise tends to achieve more progress. A 50% success rate is better than 0%, allowing for meaningful advancements even if not all goals are fully met.

What committees interest you?

House Armed Services Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and the House Financial Services Committee.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe the government should be completely transparent unless true national security is at stake, and individuals in the government need to be hold accountable for their failures.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Cohen’s campaign website stated the following:

“	Inflation Through monetary and fiscal policy, the US Gov’t has imposed a very real tax on the American people. Bluntly, both parties are subject to blame for their rampant spending habits. Moral leadership and mature problem solving is the sole solution. Average inflation rate for 2021, 2022, and 2023 was 4.7%, 8.0%, and 4.1% respectively Food increase by 11% from 2021 to 2022 Cumulatve inflation is up 20% since President Biden took office Average US inflation rate over the last decade is 2.65% Immigration The US Gov’t has been derelict in their duties of ensuring the southern border of the United States is properly controlled and legally governed. This has caused massive internal pressures on both the border and in the interior of the United States. While empathy must be felt for economic migrants coming from other countries, the American people’s interests must come first. Aug 2021: 200,000 illegal crossings Oct 2022: 853 migrants died crossing border, deadliest on record Jan 2023: 250,000 border crossings, worst month in history Since 2001, there has been over 7 million illegal border crossings Israel The approach of some Congressmen towards America’s greatest ally is nothing short of reprehensible. Israel, a strategic partner in the Middle East, a sovereign democratic nation, and the homeland of the Jewish people, was attacked by an immoral band of terrorists- Hamas, on Oct 7th. Furthermore, the widespread antisemitism on campus has created an unsafe and untenable situation for Jewish Americans trying to peacefully attain a college education. Oct 7 2023: 1,200 Israeli’s murdered and 36 children butchered April 22 2024: Michigan students chant for a renewed intifada April 26 2024: 53 encampments on American college campuses May 1 2024: 300 students arrested in NYC May 1 2024: Northwestern University capitulates to protestors Inflation is an Avoidable Tax on Americans As your congressman, and leveraging my knowledge as an economics education at the University of Chicago, I will work endlessly to perform every measurable action within my power to protect the buying power of your hard earned dollar. Government is solely responsible for causing inflation through increasing the money supply by actions either from the Federal Reserve or the Department of the Treasury. This manipulation of American currency makes it more expensive for you to purchase food, gas, clothes, toiletries, it increases the cost of your car insurance, prevents your children from buying their first home or car, and more. Congress has failed to protect the American people through their fiscal insanity and deficit spending. As your Congressman, I will stand up for your children, neighbors, brothers, and sisters, wives, and husbands, friends, and other family members by urging and advocating for rational spending. If we continue to spend more than we take in, more drastic actions will need to be taken to avoid catastrophe. Seth Cohen’s Solution to Economic Woes: While the country transitions to greener energy substitutes and technologies, grow the economy and GDP by unleashing the abundant stores of American natural gas, simultaneously lowering fuel prices Cut deficit spending drastically and expend American coffers thoughtfully and maturely without partisan and personal political input Decrease taxes to energize growth and investment in new companies, technologies, and existing industries, and intelligently end redundant regulations which have shackled growth, hampered the entrepreneurial spirit, and the creation of new technology, goods, and services End corruption in the Department of Defense acquisition process, ensuring the American people are paying fair market price for goods and services, lowering annual defense spending increases and increasing a return on investment Exploit the success of H.R.4346 - Chips and Science Act (2022) and invest in technologies which will grow GDP, create jobs, increase tax revenue, and facilitate future prosperity Illegal Immigration is Hurting America & her Citizens As your congressman, I will work day and night to ensure illegal immigrants are not adversely effecting the district and entering the country illegally. To be clear, immigration is a critical component of the American dream and I wholeheartedly support immigration by legal means. Individuals wait years if not decades to enter the nation, eager to partake in the prosperity of free market capitalism and the promise of our foundational individual liberty. But economic migrants are not asylum seekers, though I possess great empathy for them, and the current governments dereliction of duty is an outrage to its purpose of facilitating life, liberty, and property for its citizens. Wielding moral courage, I will not only vote to close the southern border from economic migrants, infuse more capital into proven solutions, and hold government official accountable, but work across bipartisan lines to find a clear and effective resolution to the issue. Seth Cohen’s Solution to the US - Mexico Immigration Crisis: Secure the border and close it besides normal ports of entry to regain control of the situation with the help of the National Guard and other entities Increase the Boarder Patrol, the use of drones, and other technologies, and build a wall in specific places where it makes sense Maintain the “Remain in Mexico Policy” to ensure undocumented migrants are kept outside of the inner-continental United States until they’ve been processed Reform current immigration law by engaging productively with Democrats, Republicans, NGOs, think tanks, governmental workers in the space with explicit experience, historians, and policy academics to find lasting solutions Drastically increase the number of judges available to process undocumented migrants expediently Israel + Jewish Students Need our Support Now More Than Ever As your congressman, you can expect me to possess and exercise the moral courage to stand up for America’s greatest strategic partner and the sole democracy in the region. I will vote to send resources and aid to assist Israel in destroying Hamas, an American recognized terrorist organization responsible for the vile and reprehensible cold-blooded murder of 850+ Israeli civilians. Furthermore, I will vehemently toil to hold certain college administrators and presidents responsible for facilitating an environment which is clearly fuming with antisemitism and hatred. I unapologetically support free speech, a principle solely tested as one’s detractors and enemies exercise their rights. But the recent Jewish experience on campus has been nothing short of intimidation, violence, and racism towards Jewish college students simply attempting to earn an education. Verbally supporting the Palestinians is one thing, but crying for the murder of Jews and threatening Jewish students with physical assault and death is another. Seth Cohen’s Solution to Israel & His Thoughts on Anti-Semitism: Provide military, economic, and logistical aid to the Israeli Defense Forces as they seek to destroy the terrorist organization known as Hamas, freeing the Palestinians and Israelis from their death, desolation, and cruel ideology Unequivocally support a single Israeli State so the Palestinian’s and the people of the region can enjoy the access to education, healthcare, religious tolerance, security, economic prosperity, and civil rights that those currently living in the State of Israel enjoy in abundance Urge the Department of Defense to facilitate in increase in integrated training exercises between the IDF and the US Military Continue the efforts of Congress to actively question college presidents, high school principles, and other heads of academic organizations which have allowed intimidation and physical violence against Jewish students Confront anti-semitism unapologetically, and within the confines of the law and our shared American values, in the streets, on campuses, in news rooms, written in newspapers, posted online, in the clothes people wear, and the words individuals say Wear Jewish garbs, attend a synagogue which aligns with your current values, light the Shabbat candles and say the Shabbat prayer regardless off how religious you are, spend time with your family, friends, and neighbors, and build a relationship with G-d in whatever capacity you feels is appropriate	”
—Seth Alan Cohen’s campaign website (2024)

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Seth Alan Cohen campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Illinois District 9	Lost general	$12,109	$7,900
Grand total			$12,109	$7,900
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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2024 Elections

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Candidate

U.S. House Illinois District 9

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Footnotes

[show]

Illinois' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Tammy Duckworth (D)

Dick Durbin (D)

Representatives

District 1

Jonathan Jackson (D)

District 2

Robin Kelly (D)

District 3

Delia Ramirez (D)

District 4

Jesus Garcia (D)

District 5

Mike Quigley (D)

District 6

Sean Casten (D)

District 7

Danny Davis (D)

District 8

Raja Krishnamoorthi (D)

District 9

Jan Schakowsky (D)

District 10

Brad Schneider (D)

District 11

Bill Foster (D)

District 12

Mike Bost (R)

District 13

Nikki Budzinski (D)

District 14

Lauren Underwood (D)

District 15

Mary Miller (R)

District 16

Darin LaHood (R)

District 17

Eric Sorensen (D)

Democratic Party (16)

Republican Party (3)