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.