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    Brad Schneider

    Brad Schneider

    Politician

    politician•businessperson

    Birthday

    August 20, 1961

    Birth Sign

    Leo

    Birthplace

    Denver, Colorado

    Age

    65 years old

    Height

    5 ft 10 in (178 cm)

    About

    Bradley Scott Schneider is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 10th congressional district. He first took office in January 2017 after a dramatic political comeback, having previously held the seat from 2013 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he represents a district covering the northern suburbs of Chicago along Lake Michigan, including communities like Lincolnshire and Skokie.

    In early 2025, his colleagues elected him chair of the New Democrat Coalition, positioning him as a central figure in the moderate wing of the House Democratic conference. His career is defined by resilience and a focus on economic policy, drawing on his background as a former executive in the financial services industry.

    Early Life & Background

    Born in Denver, Colorado, Bradley Scott Schneider moved to Illinois at a young age and grew up in the affluent suburb of Highland Park. His upbringing was steeped in public service; his father, William Schneider, was a prominent lawyer, civil rights activist, and federal judge who also served in the state legislature. This environment instilled a deep commitment to civic duty in the younger Schneider.

    He attended Highland Park High School before heading east to Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics in 1983. He continued his education at the Harvard Kennedy School, completing a Master of Public Administration in 1984. Following his studies, Schneider entered the private sector rather than immediately pursuing politics. He spent several years in the insurance industry, eventually rising to become the president of the Midwest region for Prudential Financial.

    In the late 1990s, he co-founded his own firm, Schneider & Associates, which specialized in retirement planning and wealth management. The company grew significantly under his leadership, providing him with substantial capital and a practical understanding of the economic challenges facing small businesses and families. He sold the firm in 2008, setting the stage for his eventual entry into electoral politics just a few years later.

    Career Growth

    Schneider's political career began in earnest in 2012 when he challenged incumbent Republican Bob Dold in Illinois's 10th congressional district. The race was fiercely contested and became one of the most expensive House elections in the nation that year. Schneider won by a razor-thin margin of just 0.5 percentage points, flipping the seat to the Democrats.

    His tenure faced a major setback in 2014 when national political tides shifted against Democrats. In a stunning upset during the midterm elections, Dold defeated Schneider, ending his first term in Congress. Rather than retiring, Schneider decided to run again in a rematch. In 2016, he returned to the campaign trail and secured a decisive victory over Dold, reclaiming the seat.

    Since his return, Schneider has solidified his position as a reliable winner in the district. He has been re-elected four consecutive times (2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024) with increasing margins. Throughout his tenure, he has served on the influential House Ways and Means Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He has been a vocal advocate for free trade, climate action, and social security reform. In January 2025, he was elected Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, further cementing his role as a leader within the party's moderate faction.

    Career Timeline

    1983Graduates from Princeton University with a BA in Politics
    1984Earns MPA from Harvard Kennedy School
    Late 1990sCo-founds Schneider & Associates financial firm
    2008Sells Schneider & Associates
    2012Elected to U.S. House of Representatives, defeating Bob Dold
    2014Defeated for re-election by Bob Dold
    2016Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives in rematch against Dold
    2018Re-elected to third term
    2020Re-elected to fourth term
    2022Re-elected to fifth term
    2024Re-elected to sixth term
    2025Elected Chair of the New Democrat Coalition

    Public Image & Style

    Schneider projects the image of a pragmatic, moderate Democrat who prioritizes bipartisanship and economic growth. Voters in his suburban district know him as a steady hand who can navigate the complexities of Washington while delivering tangible results for local communities. His communication style is direct and focused on practical legislation rather than ideological posturing.

    Media outlets often describe him as a key bridge-builder within the Democratic Party, capable of working across the aisle on issues like infrastructure and veterans' affairs. His reputation as a "comeback kid" following his 2014 loss adds a layer of narrative resilience to his public persona.

    Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)

    iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. As a sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Schneider does not hold a ranking in global celebrity fame lists, nor does he possess a formal fanbase in the pop-culture sense.

    His supporters are primarily constituents within Illinois's 10th congressional district. These voters value his focus on economic stability, his ability to secure federal funding for local projects, and his moderate stance on political issues. Unlike entertainment figures, his audience engages with him through town halls, constituent services, and legislative updates rather than fandom rituals or online communities.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    The rivalry between Brad Schneider and Bob Dold stands out as one of the most dramatic in modern congressional history. They faced each other head-to-head three times: Schneider won in 2012, Dold won in 2014, and Schneider won again in 2016. This back-and-forth flip-flop of the seat made their races national news and study subjects for political strategists.

    Before entering politics, Schneider was a top executive at Prudential Financial, bringing significant business acumen to his legislative work. His background in finance heavily influences his focus on housing finance and economic stability in Congress. He often speaks about the importance of bipartisan solutions to complex economic issues.

    Both Schneider and his wife, Susan, are graduates of Princeton University, where they met in the early 1980s. Their long-standing relationship is a well-known aspect of his personal life, spanning over four decades of marriage.

    Notable Quotes

    “I'm going to come back and win this seat.”
    “We need to address the messaging of democratic socialists if we want to maintain our broad coalition.”
    “Fixing our broken immigration system will grow our economy, reduce our debt, and strengthen our communities.”
    “We cannot allow hate speech to go unchallenged... I am calling out those who refuse to condemn these words.”

    Family & Personal Life

    Bradley Schneider is married to Susan Schneider, whom he met while attending Princeton University. They were married in 1984 and have been together for over forty years. Susan, a former teacher, has supported her husband through his business ventures and his political career. The couple resides in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

    They do not have biological children but remain deeply involved in community activities and family-oriented events in their district. Schneider often credits his parents, particularly his father William, for shaping his values and path toward public service. The family maintains a low-profile lifestyle despite his high-ranking position in Washington.

    Notable Connections

    Susan Schneider (wife), Bob Dold (political rival), Zohran Mamdani (DSA representative), Hasan Piker (streamer).

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Marriedto Susan Schneider

    Brad Schneider's romantic history is marked by a single, long-term partnership that began during his college years. He met Susan Schneider while both were students at Princeton University in the early 1980s. The couple dated for several years before marrying in 1984, shortly after Schneider graduated.

    For over four decades, Susan has been a constant presence in his life, supporting his transition from the corporate world to public service. She is a former teacher who has remained largely out of the political spotlight while helping raise their family and manage their home in Lincolnshire. There are no public records of previous marriages, engagements, or high-profile relationships prior to Susan.

    Their union is widely regarded as a stable and enduring partnership within the political community. As of 2026, the Schneiders remain happily married with no reports of separation or divorce. Their shared history and mutual support have been a cornerstone of Schneider's personal life throughout his rise in Congress.

    • MarriedSusan Schneider1984 - presentCurrentMet at Princeton University; married in 1984; still together as of 2026.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $3 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    As of 2026, iFANN estimates Brad Schneider's net worth at approximately $3 million. This figure reflects a combination of his congressional salary, real estate holdings, and assets accumulated from his successful business career before entering politics.

    Schneider's primary income sources include his annual congressional salary, which stood around $174,000 in recent years, along with various allowances. His financial foundation was significantly bolstered by the sale of his financial services firm, Schneider & Associates, in 2008. Reports indicate the sale generated proceeds in the low millions, providing him with substantial liquid assets.

    Real estate plays a major role in his portfolio, with ownership of multiple properties in the Chicago suburbs, including his primary residence in Lincolnshire valued in the high hundreds of thousands. Additionally, he holds investment accounts and retirement funds that generate dividends and interest. While exact figures fluctuate with market conditions, his overall wealth remains consistent with that of a mid-career member of Congress who had prior success in the private sector.

    Awards & Accolades

    View 2 records, honours and achievements

    Known For

    U.S. House of Representatives

    2017 · Representative for Illinois's 10th District

    New Democrat Coalition

    2025 · Chair

    Keywords

    Brad SchneiderIllinois 10th DistrictNew Democrat CoalitionUS RepresentativeDemocratic PartyBob DoldChicago Suburbs

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    politician, businessperson
    Born
    August 20, 1961
    Birthplace
    Denver, Colorado
    Gender
    Male
    Birth Sign
    Leo

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Bradley Scott Schneider
    Height
    5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
    Spouse
    Susan Schneider
    Children
    Education
    Princeton University (BA), Harvard Kennedy School (MPA)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How old is Brad Schneider?
    Brad Schneider was born on August 20, 1961, making him 64 years old in 2026. He will turn 65 later this year in August.
    Who is Brad Schneider married to?
    He is married to Susan Schneider, whom he met while attending Princeton University in the early 1980s. They have been together for over forty years.
    What district does Brad Schneider represent?
    He represents Illinois's 10th Congressional District, which covers the northern suburbs of Chicago along Lake Michigan, including areas like Lincolnshire and Skokie.
    Did Brad Schneider lose an election?
    Yes, he lost his bid for re-election in 2014 to Republican Bob Dold. However, he defeated Dold again in a rematch in 2016 and has held the seat since.
    Is Brad Schneider still in Congress?
    Yes, as of 2026, he is serving his sixth term and chairs the New Democrat Coalition, playing a key role in the Democratic Party's moderate wing.

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