Brad Schneider: 2026 candidate for the 10th Congressional District

Bio

Office sought: 10th Congressional District

Party: Democrat

City: Highland Park

Age: 65

Previous offices held: U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 10th Congressional District (2013–2015; 2017–present)

Q&A

What is your view on the role of tariffs in the American economy? Do you support the president’s policies on setting tariffs on goods from other countries?

President Trump’s indiscriminate and unpredictable trade policies, including his illegal abuse of limited presidential tariff authorities, have created uncertainty and raised costs for American families, farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses, while diminishing America’s trade relations around the world.

Tariffs, when used strategically, can be an important tool to combat unfair trade practices, protect American workers, and defend critical industries. They should be part of a coherent trade strategy that strengthens American manufacturing, creates good-paying jobs, and secures critical supply chains.

The Constitution gives Congress authority over taxes, and Congress must reassert that responsibility. I have introduced legislation to repeal outdated tariff authorities, most recently the BAD DEAL Act, which would repeal Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and refund duties collected under that authority. I support a targeted approach that works with our allies to advance our shared economic and national security interests, not a chaotic policy that leaves American families and businesses paying the price.

What should Congress do to protect Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid? Will Congress act in time to prevent significant cuts in Social Security benefits?

Social Security and Medicare are promises Americans earned over a lifetime of work, and Congress has an obligation to keep them. Without action, the Social Security retirement trust fund is projected to be depleted in 2032, when incoming revenue would cover only 78 percent of scheduled retirement and survivor benefits.

Congress knows the timeline and has the tools to act. What we need is the political will. I was proud to help pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which ended provisions that unfairly reduced benefits for millions of public servants, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers. That effort showed Congress can come together to protect benefits people have earned.

I will continue to oppose cuts to Medicaid, which seniors, people with disabilities, and children depend on. Congress must work across the aisle on a durable solution that secures Social Security and Medicare for future generations, lowers health care and prescription drug costs, and preserves Medicaid’s essential role. The longer we wait, the harder the choices become. We must act now.

How do you rate the state of health care in America? In particular, what are your views on the Affordable Care Act and the concept of Medicare for All?

Every American should have quality affordable care, from providers they know and trust, when and where they need it.

At the same time, our health care system is too expensive and too difficult to navigate. Quality, affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege.

The Affordable Care Act made historic progress by expanding coverage and protecting people with preexisting conditions. That is why I introduced the Keep Healthcare Affordable Act to extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits while ensuring that assistance remains focused on working- and middle-class families. I support strengthening the ACA and pursuing practical solutions that expand coverage, lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and reduce prescription drug prices while also protecting and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid.

”Medicare for All” is a slogan, not a solution. What we can all agree on is “Better Care for All,” working to ensure quality affordable care for everyone. Congress needs to work just to bolster Medicare for seniors who rely on it, while focusing on the broader goal of ensuring quality healthcare is available to all Americans through a variety of options, including a public option.

How would you describe the working relationships in the U.S. House today? What can be done to promote more effective government in Congress, and what will you do personally to work toward this goal?

Congress is often defined by partisan conflict, but that is not the whole story. I have learned that bipartisan work is still possible when members build relationships, listen to one another, and focus on solving problems rather than scoring political points.

Effective government does not require abandoning our principles. It requires willingness to find common ground where it exists and the courage to stand firm where it does not. I am proud of my work with Republicans and Democrats on national security, retirement security, health care, and small business. I will continue building those relationships and turning shared priorities into commonsense legislation.

Bipartisanship cannot mean ignoring attacks on our constitutional system or pretending fundamental disagreements do not exist. Congress works best when members debate those differences honestly, negotiate in good faith, and remember that governing is ultimately about delivering results for the people we serve.

Do you believe the nation's election system and those of the individual states are secure and fair? If not, what must be done to improve them?

Secure and fair elections are the foundation of our republic gifted to us by the framers of our constitution. Such elections require that every citizen be able to easily and confidently cast their vote, with certainty that their vote will be counted, and confidence that the tally of the vote reflects the will of the people. Our election system is unquestionably under attack, and we cannot take election security for granted. Foreign adversaries continue to seek opportunities to interfere in our democracy, cyber threats evolve, and election workers face threats and intimidation simply for doing their jobs.

Congress should ensure state and local election officials have the resources they need to secure voting systems, protect against cyberattacks and foreign interference, maintain reliable paper records, and protect election workers and voters. Election security and voting access are not competing goals. We can protect the integrity of our elections and restore Americans’ trust in the system while ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot and every lawful vote is counted.

If elected, what will you do to help make Congress more effective?

I believe Congress is most effective when members are willing to work together, where we can find common ground, engage honestly where we disagree, and remain focused on delivering results for the people we represent.

Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked across the aisle to advance bipartisan legislation while standing firm on the principles and priorities that matter to my constituents. I will continue that approach, while also working to strengthen Congress as an institution: returning to regular legislating rather than governing from crisis to crisis, conducting serious oversight, and ensuring Congress exercises the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to it.

Ultimately, the American people do not send us to Washington simply to identify problems or assign blame. They expect us to solve problems and deliver results. That is the standard I have brought to my work in Congress, and it is the standard I will continue to hold myself to.