Seth Alan Cohen
Republican | Illinois
Candidate Profile*
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Seth Alan Cohen
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 9
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Chicago, Chicago, BA, 2024
The Chicago Booth School of Business, Chicago, MBA, 2025
WORK & MILITARY
United States Marine Corps, Sergeant, 2016 - 2020
United States Marine Corps Reserve, Sergeant, 2020 - Current
AFFILIATIONS
The Brigade, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer, Marine Corps Association
Member, Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Member
Illinois State Rifle Association, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (1)
*Illinois Family Action
OTHER (2)
Lake County Republican Party
Republicans of Wheeling Township
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection Survey in 2024.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives state governments the authority to determine matters not explicitly outlined in the Constitution. I firmly believe that this is a states' rights issue rather than a federal one. As a candidate for U.S. Congress, I believe these decisions should be left to the states, respecting their autonomy and the principle of federalism. Therefore, I do not have an official stance on the legality or policy decisions regarding this issue at the federal level.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives state governments the authority to determine matters not explicitly outlined in the Constitution. I firmly believe that this is a states' rights issue rather than a federal one. As a candidate for U.S. Congress, I believe these decisions should be left to the states, respecting their autonomy and the principle of federalism. Therefore, I do not have a official stance on the legality or policy decisions regarding this issue at the federal level.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
To ensure businesses create more jobs and Americans can keep more of their wealth, I support reducing taxes, and regulations, increasing domestic oil drilling, ending tariffs, and improving American public education, to name a few key policies.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
Federal student loan forgiveness is an immoral policy and a ploy to garner votes from young voters. The real issue is not student debt itself, but the coercive nature of our economy that demands degrees for jobs that don't genuinely require them. We need a significant overhaul in the American job market that recognizes and values high school education, and stops overemphasizing the necessity of a college degree for many careers. This change would reduce unnecessary educational expenses.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Separation of church and state means the government cannot incorporate religious practices and principles within its core operations. For example, Christianity cannot be the official state religion, nor can public schools force students to pray to Jesus. However, a chaplain can give a sermon in Congress, and schools can allow time at the beginning of class for silent personal prayer. This ensures the government does not endorse or impose a specific religion while respecting individual freedoms.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccine mandates in public schools and state governments are a states' rights issue. The federal government should not mandate vaccines beyond those that are time-proven. Employers should also not regulate the healthcare decisions of their employees.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
I align most closely with option C, but I believe Medicaid needs significant reform to prevent abuse. America should support its less fortunate citizens and those in economic hardship, but Medicaid requires changes to ensure it serves its intended purpose effectively. Currently, approximately 83 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid, which is almost 25% of the population.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
At heart, I am a pure isolationist. However, history and reason have shown that this approach is neither possible nor safe for the American people. The United States must continue to engage extensively in international trade and conflicts. Ignoring the international world would allow others to fill the power vacuum, harm American trade interests, and spread tyranny, and communism throughout the world. Therefore, I most closely align with option B.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Our relationship with Israel is paramount for security in the Middle East and is crucial for trade, technological, and military advancements. As our greatest ally, Israel deserves and expects our full support. As a U.S. Congressman, I promise to support Israel in all their endeavors and to ensure their security with federal aid.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Historically, recruitment and retention in the U.S. military have been correlated with the job market or national tragedy (e.g., Pearl Harbor and 9/11). However, I believe the current issue of the decline in recruitment and retention could be resolved by strengthening standards, providing better training opportunities, ending DE&I initiatives, and improving living standards for service members.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe there are two essential criteria for allowing individuals to immigrate to the U.S.: asylum seekers and economic contributors. Those fleeing imminent danger and seeking asylum deserve the opportunity to find safety in the United States. Additionally, individuals who can contribute economically should be welcomed, including those with critical skills, those willing to fill high-demand labor jobs like farming, and those who have been accepted to or graduated U.S. colleges.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Choose not to answer
The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives state governments the authority to determine matters not explicitly outlined in the Constitution. Therefore, school choice and voucher programs are a states' rights issue rather than a federal one. As a candidate for U.S. Congress, I believe these decisions should be left to the states, respecting their autonomy and the principle of federalism. Therefore, I do not have an official stance on the legality or policy decisions of school choice.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Neutral
Marriage can be two things simultaneously: a sanctified union ordained by G-d and a legal contract between two individuals recognized by the state. Religious institutions have the right to define marriage according to their beliefs. As an Orthodox Jew, I acknowledge G-d is clear regarding gay marriage. However, as a state action, marriage should be defined by the people. As a supporter of individual rights, I believe two consenting adults should have the right to marry if they choose.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My family and I are practicing Orthodox Jews, and I hold a deep and unwavering faith in G-d and the principles of Judaism. While I am not a perfect practitioner, I strive to become closer to G-d every day.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Agree
While climate change may not be entirely man-made, humanity has significantly contributed. Rational political action is needed. Transitioning from coal to natural gas reduced America's CO2 emissions by 32%. Updating the power grid and investing in fusion energy are essential. However, eliminating gas stoves, forcing blackouts, and ending American energy independence, are regressive and unhelpful. Balanced solutions should promote environmental sustainability without harming economic stability.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
America must heavily invest in fusion technology as the long-term solution for cheap and perpetual energy. In the short term, natural gas is key for reducing CO2 emissions and providing consistent, affordable energy for the American people.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To protect the individual freedoms of Americans, defend them from foreign nationals, and national strife, and ensure economic fairness through courts and regulation.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
At the federal level, I believe in the necessity of federal background checks. Additionally, I support the essence of red flag laws but not their current practice. It is logical for individuals to report neighbors exhibiting erratic and violent behavior, resulting in a temporary confiscation of firearms pending an immediate court case and due process. However, in practice, these laws have often failed to protect due process. If an effective red flag law could be drafted, I would support it.
