Seth Cohen
Seth grew up in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and attended Adlai E. Stevenson High School. At 19, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a radio operator (0621) with the 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Seth cherished his time in the Marines, but after being accepted to the University of Chicago, he left and was honorably discharged as a sergeant after four years of active duty service (2016-2020). He continued serving in the Marine Corps Reserve with 2d Battalion, 24th Marines at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, from 2022 to 2024.
From 2020 to 2024, Seth attended the University of Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a specialization in business and a minor in history. On campus, he actively participated in student organizations like The Blue Chips value investing club, Student Veterans of America, and the Institute of Politics. Seth also enjoyed intramural sports, where he became a two-time flag football champion. Every day, he felt privileged to be at his dream school.
During his undergraduate years, Seth co-founded The Brigade (TB), a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping student veterans achieve financial independence through meaningful careers. So far, TB has positively impacted over 400 student veterans by connecting them with Fortune 500 companies and Chicagoland’s top colleges and universities. TB is growing to become Chicagoland’s premier student veteran organization.
In July 2020, Seth met Kaley Baker, and they married in Winnetka, Illinois, on September 2, 2021. Practicing Orthodox Jews, they observe the Jewish Sabbath, keep all Jewish holy days, and attend services at Beis Medresh Mikor Hachaim in Chicago. On Valentine’s Day 2024, they welcomed their first child, Annette Sarah, or “Annie.”
The Mission
Driven by a lifelong passion for public service, Seth is running to bring fresh leadership and vision to Illinois' 9th Congressional District. Gerrymandering by the State Legislature has allowed Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky to maintain her seat since 1999, when Seth was just two years old. Though he respects her years of service, Seth believes that new leadership is essential for the district’s future.
As a conservative, Seth understands the importance of coalition-building and finding common ground. His campaign is focused on connecting with new groups of voters who Republican candidates have traditionally overlooked, reaching out to those who are open to change. For Seth, this isn’t about abandoning values—it’s about recognizing that teamwork is the foundation of a stronger, more unified nation.
Seth’s mission is to bring optimism and fresh ideas to the 9th District, ending years of stagnation. Over the coming months, he looks forward to engaging with voters and demonstrating why he is the best choice to represent them in the U.S. Congress.