Daniel Joseph Seals (born June 19, 1971) is an American business consultant and a Democratic politician from Illinois.

He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, a master's degree in International Economics and Japanese Studies from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

[4] Seals ran against Winnetka attorney and former Park Board Commissioner Zane Smith for the Democratic nomination in the 10th Congressional district.

Smith highlighted Seals' lack of experience in prior elected office and his location outside the 10th district boundary.

He focused on popular dissatisfaction with the Iraq war and the scandals plaguing several Republican members of Congress.

[12] The race was considered one of the most competitive in the country; Illinois Senator Barack Obama was the Democratic nominee for president and was expected to carry the district easily.

[13] In the general election, Seals once again lost to Kirk 53% to 47%, despite Obama winning the district by over 20 points.

Seals narrowly defeated state representative Julie Hamos in the Democratic primary,[15] and faced Republican businessman Bob Dold in the general election.

[16] Seals was endorsed for the general election campaign by the Joint Action Committee (JACPAC) which supports a strong US-Israel relationship; pro-choice organizations NARAL and Planned Parenthood; environmental organizations Sierra Club and League of Conservation Voters; and labor unions including Illinois Federation of Teachers, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, SEIU, UAW Region 4, Illinois AFL-CIO and Communications Workers of District 4.