Benjamin Sohn
From Usgovsimulation
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Democratic Party | ||||
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Congressman | ||||
Began Present Office: 2008 | ||||
Electoral District | 10th Congressional District | |||
State | Illinois | |||
Region and Superregion | Wabash Valley, Midwest | |||
Previous Offices | Illinois State Senator | |||
Born | August 18th, 1972 Chicago, Illinois | |||
Spouse | Alexis Schwartz | |||
Religion | Jewish | |||
Residence | Northbrook, IL | |||
Occupation | {{{occupation}}} | |||
Education | MBA, Northern Illinois University, |
Benjamin Sohn was born in Chicago in 1972 to Jewish parents, Chaim and Rachel. He is the oldest of 2 siblings, his brother Isaac born three years younger. Benjamin was raised in Lincolnwood, IL, where he attended Niles West High School, earning good grades, especially in the social sciences and math. The Sohn family lived on modest means, Chaim owning a small marketing company and Rachel substitute teaching at local schools. Benjamin attended Northern Illinois University, graduating in 1994 with a degree in business. After graduating, he took over the family business with his brother. He married Alexis Schwartz in 1996, and moved with her to Northbrook, IL, where he still resides. His first son, Jeremy, was born in 1998, and his second, Daniel, in 2001. Benjamin and his family are active members of the Shir Chadash Reconstructionist Synagogue in Northbrook. In 2000 he decided to leave business to pursue a career in politics, winning a seat in the Illinois state senate. There he promoted a progressive economic policy, with a focus on worker's rights. He also pushed for environmentally friendly legislation, and bio-fuel/alternative energy research. When elected Representative of Illiinois' 10th District in 2008, he continued this platform, in addition to an anti-outsourcing, anti-Bush Doctrine style foreign policy, and liberal social policy stance.
Elections
Election Result for Illinois' 10th District Congressional Seat, 2008 | ||||||
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Party | Candidate | Status | % | |||
Republican | Mark Kirk | Incumbent | 47% | |||
Democratic | Benjamin Sohn | Challenger | 53% |
Election Result for Illinois State Senate 29th District State Senate Seat, 2000 | ||||||
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Party | Candidate | Status | % | |||
Republican | Joe Shapiro | Challenger | 40% | |||
Democratic | Benjamin Sohn | Challenger | 60% |