Independent Leadership
for Illinois

About

Jim Carris


Jim Carris is not a politician. He’s a local business leader and decades-long resident of Lake County running for Congress to change the trajectory of the country – by working to end the negative social discourse that has taken hold in Washington and passing real policy solutions for Americans based on logic, compassion, and common sense.

Jim is the child of an immigrant. His father left Greece because he was unable to attend college due to his parents’ political affiliation. Jim’s father moved to Chicago, where he met his mom at their local Greek church. He got his big break as a union house painter and later went on to be a contractor – all while providing for his family and raising five kids in Illinois with Jim’s mom – who herself was the daughter of immigrants.

From his father’s experiences Jim gained three things: one, the love for this country because of what it has provided him – the ability to live the American dream. Two, the importance of small government oversight. And finally, the importance of education.

College wasn’t just an option for Jim, he was expected to go. However, how to pay for it was a different story. The contracting business is sometimes difficult and so for periods of time during Jim’s life, money was tight. So, Jim put himself through college and law school by painting houses, working construction, washing dishes, and bartending – never afraid to put in the work.

Jim has spent his life in business, not politics, practicing law, running his own company and as a corporate leader. His career in business, as well as watching his father run a small business, has provided Jim with the understanding of keeping a balanced budget and making payroll. Additionally, he understands the costs and hardships small businesses contend with, and the struggles 10th District families are dealing with, due to burdensome government overregulation, inflation and high taxes.

Throughout the years, Jim has been deeply involved in his community serving on numerous community and charitable organizations, including the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross of Chicago, NAIOP, Lurie Children’s Hospital Pro-Am Golf Committee, the Plan Commission of Lake Forest as well as coaching youth soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and flag football. This extensive involvement has given him firsthand knowledge of the issues that matter most to the people of the 10th Congressional District.

In Congress, Jim will work across the aisle to deliver results for the families of the 10th Congressional District. He’s a new, independent leader who will make the economy, public safety and national security his main focus in Washington.

Jim and his wife, Kimberly, are raising their three children in Lake County.

News


  • Jim Carris Statement Against the Alabama Ruling on IVF


    Jim Carris (R-Lake Forest) released the following statement on the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling on IVF: “As a parent who has personally experienced the process of IVF, I vehemently oppose the recent ruling in Alabama. Denying women and their families the right to pursue fertility treatments not only infringes upon their reproductive freedoms but also…

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  • Carris Statement On Congressional Democrats Supporting Ceasefire


    Jim Carris (R-Lake Forest) today released the following statement on the letter that Congressional Democrats released in support of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas: “After learning more details about the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, and the ongoing brutality that continues towards the hostages in captivity, it’s extremely troubling to see Democrats in Congress…

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  • Jim Carris Files Petitions to Run for Congress


    Lake Forest, IL – Jim Carris (R-Lake Forest) today filed his petitions in his run for Congress as a Republican in Illinois’ 10th Congressional District, which consists of Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs, including Lake and portions of Cook and McHenry Counties. “The overwhelming support that my campaign has received in the 3 months since announcing…

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  • Rep. Schneider Votes Against Israel


    Jim Carris released the following response to Congressman Brad Schneider’s vote against providing Israel with the capability to defend itself while they are under attack by Hamas terrorists. “I strongly disagree with Congressman Brad Schneider’s decision to vote against both the stand-alone aid package for Israel and the Israel supplemental funding bill. Israel, our key ally in…

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  • Local Business Leader Jim Carris Announces Run for Congress


    Carris looks to change the trajectory of the country – by working to end the negative social discourse that has taken hold in Washington and deliver real policy solutions for American families Lake Forest, IL – Jim Carris (R-Lake Forest) today announced his candidacy for Congress as a Republican in Illinois’ 10th Congressional District, which…

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Issues


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As a decades-long resident of Lake County in #IL10 and a business professional with a commercial real estate background, it’s incredibly important to me to be informed about the state of fair housing, affordable housing options, and the County’s long-term plans for affordable housing for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those experiencing housing insecurity. I attended the Lake County Housing and Community Development Commission where we heard from County officials, experts, and commision members about Lake County’s current affordable housing development updates and the creation of the 2025-2029 plan. It was invaluable to hear the tenant, landlord, and diverse perspectives on the needs in communities like North Chicago, Waukegan, Zion, and others. #carrisforcongress See MoreSee Less

As a decades-long resident of Lake County in #IL10 and a business professional with a commercial real estate background, it’s incredibly important to me to be informed about the state of fair housing, affordable housing options, and the County’s long-term plans for affordable housing for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those experiencing housing insecurity. I attended the Lake County Housing and Community Development Commission where we heard from County officials, experts, and commision members about Lake County’s current affordable housing development updates and the creation of the 2025-2029 plan. It was invaluable to hear the tenant, landlord, and diverse perspectives on the needs in communities like North Chicago, Waukegan, Zion, and others. #carrisforcongress

I had the pleasure of spending some time with the leadership and some students of Heart of the City on the soccer field this week.

Founded in 2014, Heart of the City strives to level the playing field for over 1,100 youth in underserved communities in Lake County including Waukegan. Using soccer as the vehicle, their programs are designed to provide a developmental pathway for youth to build social-emotional and leadership skills, access academic support, and earn stackable credentials for postsecondary education and employment success. Under the outstanding leadership of Executive Director Rena Lee, the program is growing and we’re thrilled to support the work that they are doing to help families all over #IL10. Join us in helping Heart of the City!

To learn more, visit heartofthecitysports.org and follow @heartofthecitysports
See MoreSee Less

I had the pleasure of spending some time with the leadership and some students of Heart of the City on the soccer field this week. 

Founded in 2014, Heart of the City strives to level the playing field for over 1,100 youth in underserved communities in Lake County including Waukegan. Using soccer as the vehicle, their programs are designed to provide a developmental pathway for youth to build social-emotional and leadership skills, access academic support, and earn stackable credentials for postsecondary education and employment success. Under the outstanding leadership of Executive Director Rena Lee, the program is growing and we’re thrilled to support the work that they are doing to help families all over #IL10. Join us in helping Heart of the City!

To learn more, visit https://heartofthecitysports.org and follow @heartofthecitysports