Schneider declares victory in 10th Congressional District

Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider is on his way to a third term in Congress, soundly defeating a conservative challenger in the historically moderate 10th District.

Unofficial results showed Schneider trouncing Deerfield Republican Douglas Bennett 204,192 to 79,358. Those totals don't include some Cook County precincts.

In a victory statement, Schneider called representing the district "an incredible honor." He pledged to continue working across the aisle and listening to constituents.

Schneider won the post in 2012 by defeating Republican Bob Dold, but Dold reclaimed the job in 2014. Schneider won another rematch with Dold two years later.

Whereas Dold often distanced himself from the more conservative elements of the GOP, Bennett embraced them. In fact, Schneider and Bennett expressed polar-opposite views on many of the issues facing the nation.

Schneider supports abortion rights and same-sex marriage, while Bennett does not. Bennett acknowledged he voted for President Donald Trump and voiced support for some of Trump's policies, while Schneider has been an outspoken critic of the president.

But they also found common ground, with both candidates calling for immigration reform.

Stretching from Lake Michigan into the North and Northwest suburbs, the 10th District includes parts of Cook and Lake counties.