Seth Alan Cohen, Republican For Congress In 9th District: Patch Candidate Questionnaire

EVANSTON, IL — Republican candidate Seth Alan Cohen is challenging incumbent Democrat Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois' 9th Congressional District.

As part of our commitment to providing voters with information about local elections, we shared identical questionnaires with both campaigns and are publishing each candidate's responses in their entirety and in the order it was received, without edits or alterations.

Cohen's answers, offering insight into his policy positions and priorities as he seeks to represent the residents of the 9th District, are below.

Name:
Seth Alan Cohen

Town of Residence:
Chicago

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Family:
I have been married for three years and we have a 7-month old daughter

Education:
University of Chicago, Bachelor of Arts in economics (2024)

Occupation:
Non-profit Director, The Brigade (https://www.the-brigade.org), 2022 - Present; United States Marine Corps Reserve, 2020 - Present; United States Marine Corps, 2016 - 2020

Previous or current elected or appointed office:
None

Campaign website:
www.SethAlanCohen.com

The single most pressing issue facing our district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it:

The quality of the education system is the greatest threat to prosperity in the 9th Congressional District. In recent years, adults have exploited the education system for personal and political gain, to the detriment of our children. Instead of increasing academic rigor, new initiatives have done the opposite. The impact is evident, particularly in the Chicago Public School System. Unfortunately, at the federal level, there is limited capacity to address this due to the principle of federalism, which ensures that local governments control their educational curriculum.

However, some federal policies can help. These include ending most federal mandates on schools, reducing the scope of the Department of Education, and using the platform of office to expose failing schools and ineffective curriculums. I believe America must revalue the importance of a high school diploma in hiring, which can only be achieved if schools embrace a more rigorous academic environment.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

There are several key differences between Congresswoman Schakowsky and myself. First, we hold distinct political and economic ideologies. I believe in fiscal conservatism and free-market capitalism, while Congresswoman Schakowsky supports large entitlement programs, increased regulation, and unchecked government spending.

Second, our allegiances differ. My loyalty is to the U.S. Constitution and the American people, as demonstrated by my military service and the values I uphold. Congresswoman Schakowsky, on the other hand, appears more aligned with the Democrat Party and her ideological agenda.

Lastly, we differ in age and experience. Congresswoman Schakowsky has served in Congress since the 20th century and comes from a different era—she is 80 years old. I, on the other hand, was raised in the 2000s and 2010s, bringing fresh perspectives on new technologies and modern American challenges. These are the key distinctions between us.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the incumbent not done what you wanted or done something different than you would have done?

Congresswoman Schakowsky has been in office since 1999, focused on maintaining power through incumbency and gerrymandering, to the detriment of Illinois and the American people. I believe all politicians, whether Republican or Democrat, should recognize when they are no longer the right person for the job and allow new leadership to step in. It’s time for a change in Illinois' 9th District.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My campaign platform is defined by three key issues: inflation, immigration, and Israel.

On inflation, I believe that unchecked deficit spending is the primary driver of rising prices and economic instability. To address this, I will prioritize ending deficit spending, reducing the national debt, and simplifying the tax code. By ensuring fiscal responsibility, we can create a more stable economy, reduce inflation, and secure a prosperous future for all Americans.

Regarding immigration, I support reforms that create a fair and secure system. This includes streamlining visa processes for agricultural workers and foreign graduates from American universities to ensure they can contribute to our economy. I also advocate for stronger border security measures, including increased border patrol, physical barriers, and the "Remain in Mexico" policy. By enforcing existing laws and implementing proven solutions, we can reduce illegal immigration and strengthen the integrity of our immigration system.

In terms of Israel, I stand firmly with our strongest ally. The U.S.-Israel alliance is crucial for both nations' security, and I support continued military assistance and collaboration on defense technologies. I believe in a one-state solution that ensures prosperity and peace for Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the region, with U.S. backing to secure Israel’s future stability.

These issues—fiscal responsibility, immigration reform, and strong U.S.-Israel relations—are central to my campaign and vital for America’s future.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

The large number of individuals in the House of Representatives makes it challenging for any one person to accomplish much. However, I plan to lead and participate in key initiatives during my first term, focusing on fiscal responsibility, Department of Defense financial accountability, and immigration reform. Additionally, I will prioritize bipartisan efforts, working on bills and policies that both sides of the aisle can agree on. By collaborating with my colleagues, including those with different viewpoints, we can address critical issues that matter to all Americans. For the United States to come together, Congress must come together.

Why are you running for office?

I am running for office to fight for a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive without government overreach and unnecessary interference. I believe in fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and the empowerment of local communities. The current political climate, dominated by progressive ideals, has undermined the principles that made our country strong: personal responsibility, economic freedom, and limited government. I want to ensure that we restore sanity to our economic policies, defend our individual rights, and create an environment where families can prosper. Running for office is my commitment to fight for those values.

My opponent has held office since the 20th century and is now 80 years old. Her grip on power has been maintained through gerrymandering, alignment with powerful figures in Congress, and the advantage of incumbency. Her actions, statements, and policy choices often fail to reflect the will of her constituents or serve their best interests. She supports unfettered immigration, is proud of Chicago's sanctuary city status, endorses inflationary government spending, and consistently prioritizes political ideology and power over the needs of the American people. As your next Congressman, I promise to genuinely represent your interests, putting your will ahead of partisan politics.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office. Do you think they are different than your opponent?

I believe it is the duty of the U.S. Congress to ensure fiscal responsibility within the federal government on behalf of the American people. Except in times of Congress-declared war, there is no justification for deficit spending. Instead, Congress should prioritize reducing the national debt through consistent surpluses fueled by GDP growth and economic expansion.

As your next Congressman, I pledge to uphold these principles in my office, ensuring that no taxpayer money is wasted. In stark contrast, my opponent is a staunch advocate of progressive politics, believing that unchecked government spending is the solution to every economic challenge. Congresswoman Schakowsky supports policies that rely on unregulated spending, from massive entitlements and government programs to burdensome bureaucratic regulations. These approaches contribute to inflation, economic instability, and, ultimately, the weakening of the U.S. dollar.

I will fight for responsible governance, economic certainty, and a prosperous future.

What would you do to help constituents struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living?

The drastic increase in the cost of living has harmed all families and individuals in the 9th U.S. Congressional District. Government-driven inflation is the primary cause, but there are multiple factors behind skyrocketing prices, from housing and groceries to energy and other goods and services. The core issue is inflation, which is fundamentally a supply and demand problem, caused by excessive government intervention in the economy through monetary and fiscal policy.

The Biden administration’s deficit spending, combined with large spending bills passed by Congress, along with the Federal Reserve’s prolonged low-interest-rate policies, flooded the market with cheap capital. This influx of money devalued the dollar, leading to a broad rise in prices. In response, the Fed raised interest rates, making it harder for Americans to finance major purchases like homes and cars.

To address this for my constituents, I will work to reduce wasteful government spending and eliminate deficit spending. While Congress doesn’t control the Federal Reserve, it does control how much the government spends. The American people deserve price stability, and I am committed to fiscal responsibility to help restore that stability.

Regarding the migrant crisis: Should the Biden Administration stiffen requirements for asylum seekers, and should Texas provide more notice to Illinois when busing migrants to the Chicago area?

The Biden Administration doesn't need to impose stricter requirements for asylum seekers; it simply needs to enforce the laws already in place. Under the Trump Administration, the U.S. saw the lowest levels of illegal immigration in decades. While the Remain in Mexico policy was introduced, most enforcement tools were already available. By following existing laws, illegal immigration would be significantly reduced.

As for Texas notifying Illinois about busing economic migrants to Chicago, it shouldn't be required. Chicago is a sanctuary city, and with that status comes both the benefits and the consequences. If Chicago wants to address this issue, it must reconsider its own laws and policies.

Should state or federal funding be provided to help municipalities address the arrival of asylum seekers?

The federal government must assist municipalities in managing the influx of asylum seekers because it is directly responsible for the crisis. If the federal government had enforced existing immigration laws using its vast resources, this situation could have been prevented. Unfortunately, it is the taxpayers who are left to pick up the bill, with hardworking Americans forced to pay for the very problems that have been imposed on them.

Is the federal government doing enough to secure the borders? Why or why not?

The government is failing to adequately secure the U.S. southern border. Over the last three years, millions of economic migrants have illegally crossed into the United States, placing significant strain on resources, disrupting communities, and diverting attention from other critical issues. The federal government is complicit in this crisis by not fully utilizing its resources and existing laws to address the situation.

This includes the failure to maintain the "Remain in Mexico" policy, insufficiently deploying National Guardsmen, underfunding and under-resourcing the Border Patrol, and neglecting to maximize the use of drones and other advanced technologies. Worse yet, they have seemingly aided in the release of millions of individuals into the interior of the United States. This is neither acceptable nor in the best interest of American citizens. We need a secure border and a government committed to protecting its people.

Should the US continue providing military funding to Israel?

The U.S. must continue providing military funding to Israel, our greatest and most vital ally. Israel plays a critical role as our key partner in countering Iran and combating terrorism throughout the region. Continued support strengthens this alliance and ensures stability in one of the most volatile areas of the world.

Should the U.S. continue providing military aid to Ukraine?

The U.S. should continue providing military aid to Ukraine. As your Congressman, I believe it is far better to send financial support than to risk the lives of American soldiers in a regional conflict. By aiding Ukraine, we are effectively engaging in a proxy war against Russia, significantly weakening their global influence and reducing their threat for years to come. This approach safeguards American interests without directly involving our troops in the conflict.

Should candidates be disqualified from holding office if they faced misdemeanor charges related to Jan. 6, 2021?

Candidates should not be disqualified from holding office due to misdemeanor charges related to January 6, 2021. Federal law is explicit about what constitutes grounds for disqualification, and misdemeanor charges are not among them.

Do you support your party's nominee in the presidential race?

Yes

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

To those voters who consistently vote Democrat, I’m asking you to consider giving me a chance. I am a young U.S. military veteran, father, and husband, committed to making a positive difference in our community. Congress is a two-year term, and if you feel you’ve made a mistake in voting for me, it can be easily corrected. But I assure you, you won’t regret it. While we may not agree on every policy, I promise to make you proud of my words and actions each day. I will be a principled Congressman, accessible to the public, and willing to challenge both my party and the Democrat Party to serve your best interests. Give me the opportunity to prove I am who I say I am—you won’t regret it.