After dominating Democratic primary, Schneider sets sights on taking back House

Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of Highland Park on Tuesday easily fended off a primary challenge from Mundelein business owner Morgan Coghill.

With an estimated 83% of ballots counted in the 10th Congressional District, Schneider bested Coghill 41,782 votes to 10,084 votes, according to unofficial results. That gave Schneider about 81% of the total.

The Associated Press declared Schneider the winner just after 8 p.m.

The six-term congressman’s first primary challenge in a decade came from Coghill, a progressive who differed with him most sharply on the United States’ relationship with Israel and the conflict in Gaza.

Schneider, who chairs the centrist New Democrat Coalition on Capitol Hill, calls himself a Zionist who believes in the Jewish people’s right to a state in their historical homeland. But he’s also criticized Israel’s policies on settlements and settler violence.

On Tuesday night, Schneider, who will face Republican Carl Lambrecht of Highland Park in the general election, already had his eyes on November. He expressed optimism that his party would be successful in the midterms.

“Tonight is not the finish line — it’s the starting point,” Schneider said in a statement. “We have important work ahead to take back the House majority and restore a check on Donald Trump, standing up to his continued abuses and defending our democracy. And just as importantly, we have an opportunity to advance the solutions that build an economy that works for everyone, strengthen our communities, and ensure every family has a fair shot at success.”

The 10th District includes parts of Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.