Jim Oberweis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Oberweis
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Oberweis in 2014
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| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 25th district |
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| In office January 9, 2013 – January 13, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Chris Lauzen |
| Succeeded by | Karina Villa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 10, 1946 Aurora, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Elaine
(div. 2003)Julie
(m. 2008) |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (BA) University of Chicago (MBA) |
James D. Oberweis (born June 10, 1946) is an American businessman and politician from Illinois. He used to own Oberweis Dairy, a well-known dairy company. From 2013 to 2021, he served as a member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 25th district.
Mr. Oberweis has run for many different political offices over the years. He tried to become a U.S. Senator in 2002, 2004, and 2014. He also ran for Governor of Illinois in 2006. In 2008 and 2020, he ran for a seat in the U.S. House for Illinois's 14th district. He won his state senate seat in 2012. As of 2025, he is planning to run for a U.S. House seat in Florida in 2026.
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Learning and Schooling
After finishing high school at Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois, Jim Oberweis went to the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. He studied there for a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also spent a year studying in Germany at Technische Universität Darmstadt. Later, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago.
Working Life
In 1968, Mr. Oberweis started his career as a junior high school teacher. He taught math and science at Waldo Junior High in Aurora, Illinois.
Two years later, in 1970, he changed jobs and became an investment stockbroker. He quickly moved up and became a manager of a branch office.
Investment Business
In 1976, he started publishing an investment newsletter called the Oberweis Report. This report focused on new and growing companies. It became very well-known among investment advice newsletters. In 1978, he and his first wife, Elaine, started their own investment company, Oberweis Securities.
In 1987, he created the Oberweis Emerging Growth Fund. Two years later, in 1989, he founded Oberweis Asset Management (OAM). This company specializes in investing in "small-cap growth equities," which means investing in smaller companies that are expected to grow quickly. By 2015, OAM managed about $2 billion for investors.
Oberweis Dairy
In 1986, Mr. Oberweis bought and took over the family business, Oberweis Dairy. His father had passed away, and his older brother, who was running the dairy, became ill. After buying the company, Jim Oberweis hired other people to manage the daily operations.
He moved the Oberweis Dairy from Aurora to its current location in North Aurora. He also started a chain of dairy stores owned by the company. The dairy continued its home delivery service in the Chicago area. In 2004, the company began a franchise program to expand the dairy business to other areas.
On Television
Jim Oberweis also worked as a financial news anchor. He hosted a show called Catching Winners Early on the Financial News Network. In Chicago, he was often a guest on the Ask an Expert show. He was also a popular guest on other financial news channels like CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg TV.
Political Journey
Jim Oberweis has run for political office many times. He was successful in 2012 when he won a seat in the Illinois State Senate. Because he ran for office so many times without winning, some people jokingly called him "the Milk Dud."
Running for U.S. Senate
In 2002 and 2004, Mr. Oberweis ran for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senator in Illinois. He finished second in the primary elections both times.
In 2004, the person who won the Republican primary later dropped out. Some Republicans thought Oberweis should take his place, but the state committee chose someone else.
He ran for U.S. Senate again in 2014. He won the Republican primary but lost the general election to the Democratic candidate, Dick Durbin.
Running for Governor
In 2006, Oberweis sought the Republican nomination for Governor of Illinois. He lost in the primary election, finishing second.
Running for U.S. House
When U.S. Representative Dennis Hastert left his seat in 2007, Oberweis ran to replace him in Illinois's 14th congressional district. He won the Republican primary for both the special election and the general election in 2008. However, he lost both elections to the Democratic candidate, Bill Foster.
In 2020, Oberweis ran for the 14th congressional district seat again, challenging the Democratic incumbent, Lauren Underwood. He won the Republican nomination. After the election, the vote count was very close. Mr. Oberweis initially thought he had won, but after all the votes were counted, the Associated Press announced that Lauren Underwood had won. Oberweis did not agree with the result and tried to challenge it, but the U.S. House of Representatives rejected his challenge in May 2021.
Serving in the State Senate
In 2012, Jim Oberweis won the election for the 25th State Senate seat in Illinois. He defeated his Democratic opponent, Corinne Pierog. He was re-elected in 2016, again defeating Pierog.
In October 2018, he was appointed as the Senate Republican Whip, a leadership role. He did not run for re-election in 2020.
Senate Committees
While in the State Senate, Mr. Oberweis served on several important committees. These included:
- Commerce and Economic Development
- Environment and Conservation
- Executive (which included a Subcommittee on Election Law)
- Labor
- Revenue
- Transportation (which also had a Subcommittee on Capital)
Future Political Plans
In March 2025, Jim Oberweis announced that he plans to run for a U.S. House seat in Florida in the 2026 election. This seat is currently held by Byron Donalds.
Personal Life
Jim Oberweis has five children from his first marriage to Elaine. He also has two stepchildren with his second wife, Julie, and twenty grandchildren.
He is a Roman Catholic.
Mr. Oberweis is a big fan of chess. He is a skilled player and has supported the Fox Valley Chess Club for many years. He also served as the President of the Illinois Chess Association for two years.
