If you’re driving north from Chicago, past the botanical gardens and into the quiet, leafy streets of the North Shore, you’ve officially entered the 10th district of illinois. It’s a place that doesn't really fit the typical "Illinois" stereotype. It isn't just endless cornfields, and it certainly isn't the gritty urban sprawl of the South Side.
Instead, it’s a weird, fascinating mix. You’ve got some of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the entire country—places like Kenilworth and Winnetka—sitting just a few miles away from Waukegan, a gritty industrial hub with a totally different vibe. Honestly, it’s one of the most economically diverse stretches of land in the Midwest.
What is the 10th District of Illinois exactly?
Geographically, it’s basically the "upper right" corner of the state. It hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, starting in the northern Cook County suburbs and stretching all the way up through Lake County to the Wisconsin border. Since the 2020 redistricting, it even dips its toes into McHenry County.
The district is 99.7% urban, but don't let that fool you. There’s a lot of "green" here. Between the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the massive naval base at Great Lakes, there’s a sense of space that you don't get in the city.
People here are smart. Like, really smart. About 47% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is way above the national average. This plays a huge role in how the district votes and works. When you have that many people with post-grad degrees, the conversations at the local coffee shop in Highland Park tend to be... intense.
The Political Tug-of-War
For a long time, the 10th district of illinois was the ultimate "swing" territory. It was famous for being a "moderate" stronghold.
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Think about it: from 1980 until about 2012, this was Republican territory, but not the "fire-and-brimstone" kind. They were moderate, fiscal-conservative types like John Porter and Mark Kirk. Then things got weird. Between 2012 and 2016, the seat flipped back and forth between Democrat Brad Schneider and Republican Bob Dold like a political ping-pong match.
- 2012: Schneider wins.
- 2014: Dold wins it back.
- 2016: Schneider wins again.
Since 2016, Schneider has held onto it pretty tightly. As of early 2026, he’s still the guy in the seat, serving his sixth term. He’s a "New Democrat"—basically a centrist who focuses on things like small business and the Middle East (he’s a massive supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship).
Even though the Cook Political Report currently rates the district as "Solid Democratic" (D+12), it doesn't feel like a deep-blue partisan bubble. It’s more of a "pragmatic blue." People here want their taxes handled well, but they also want social liberties protected.
Big Business and the Boot Camp
The economy here is kind of a juggernaut. It’s not just a bedroom community for Chicago commuters; some of the biggest companies on the planet are headquartered right here.
You’ve got Walgreens in Deerfield. AbbVie and Abbott Labs are huge employers in North Chicago and Lake Bluff. Then there’s CDW and Allstate. If you live in the 10th, there’s a good chance you or your neighbor works for a Fortune 500 company without ever having to jump on the Metra to the Loop.
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Then there’s the Naval Station Great Lakes.
This place is a big deal. It’s the Navy’s only boot camp. Every single recruit who joins the U.S. Navy passes through North Chicago. That brings in about 38,000 recruits a year and a ton of federal funding. It gives the northern part of the district a military-town feel that contrasts sharply with the "old money" vibes of Lake Forest.
The Reality of the Divide
If you only looked at the median household income—which sits north of $105,000—you’d think everyone is living the high life. But that’s a bit of a statistical lie.
The 10th district has some real sharp edges. In Waukegan and Zion, the poverty rates are much closer to the national average, and the schools face way different challenges than the ones in Glencoe. The Hispanic population is also significant, making up about 24-26% of the district. This demographic shift is part of why the district moved from a Republican lean to a Democratic one over the last twenty years.
Issues on the Horizon for 2026
With the 2026 midterms approaching, the 10th isn't exactly a "battleground" in the way it used to be, but it’s still worth watching. Brad Schneider is running for re-election, and while he’s a heavy favorite, the internal debate within the Democratic party is where the real action is.
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Progressives sometimes complain that Schneider is too moderate. They want someone who pushes harder on Medicare for All or the Green New Deal. But so far, the "Independent Thinkers" (as former local officials like to call the voters here) seem to prefer his centrist approach.
On the Republican side, candidates like Carl Lambrecht are trying to make a dent, but in a district that went heavily for Biden and then Harris, it’s a steep hill to climb.
Real-World Stats at a Glance
| Feature | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Major City | Waukegan |
| Median Age | 39.3 |
| Homeownership Rate | Around 74% |
| Commute | 65% drive alone; 17% work from home |
| Education | 47%+ have at least a Bachelor's |
Looking Ahead
If you’re a resident or just someone interested in Illinois politics, the 10th district of illinois is basically a barometer for the American suburbs. It’s wealthy, educated, and increasingly diverse. It’s moved away from the GOP, but it hasn't sprinted into the arms of the far-left either. It’s a place that values stability.
Whether it’s the massive pharmaceutical campus of AbbVie or the graduation ceremonies at Great Lakes, the district is a powerhouse for the state’s economy.
Next Steps for Residents:
If you live in the district and want to get involved before the 2026 cycle heats up, you should check your registration status. The primary is set for March 17, 2026. Even if the general election seems "safe," the primaries are where the actual direction of the district is decided. You can find your specific polling place and representative details through the Lake County or Cook County Clerk websites.
Monitoring the House Ways and Means Committee activities is also a smart move, as Schneider’s role there directly impacts the local tax policies and health care innovation that drive the 10th's economy.