Full Breakdown
Daniel Biss Secures Democratic Nomination in Illinois' 9th Congressional District
3/18/2026, 8:41:52 PM
Overview of the Primary Election
Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Illinois, has won the Democratic primary for the 9th Congressional District, a seat that has been held by retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky since 1999. The Associated Press projected Biss's victory after he garnered approximately 33,634 votes, surpassing political newcomer Kat Abughazaleh, who received 29,287 votes, and state Sen. Laura Fine, who finished with 22,610 votes. This primary was notable for its competitiveness, featuring 15 Democratic candidates vying for the nomination in a district characterized by its strong Democratic leanings.
Key Issues and Campaign Dynamics
The primary race was heavily influenced by the candidates' positions on Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Biss, who is Jewish, maintained a nuanced stance, advocating for a Palestinian state while opposing unconditional U.S. aid to Israel. In contrast, Abughazaleh, a Palestinian American, described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and called for an end to military support. Fine, also Jewish, defended Israel and opposed conditions on aid, which created a significant divide among voters.
The race was further complicated by substantial outside spending, particularly from pro-Israel groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which supported Fine and targeted Biss with negative advertisements. Biss's campaign framed this spending as an attempt to "buy" the election, emphasizing a commitment to progressive values and grassroots support.
Background of the Candidates
Daniel Biss, 48, has a background in mathematics and previously served in the Illinois General Assembly. He has been Evanston's mayor since 2021 and is known for his progressive policies, including environmental initiatives and housing reforms. His campaign was bolstered by endorsements from prominent figures such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren and retiring Rep. Schakowsky.
Kat Abughazaleh, 26, positioned herself as a progressive challenger, advocating for a new generation of leadership within the Democratic Party. She gained attention for her activism and involvement in protests against U.S. immigration policies. Despite her loss, Abughazaleh's campaign was recognized for shifting the conversation around Democratic values and priorities.
Laura Fine, a state senator since 2013, focused on healthcare issues, drawing from personal experiences with the insurance system. She was seen as the more moderate candidate in the race.
Official Statements and Responses
Following his victory, Biss stated, “The 9th District made its voice heard loud and clear by rejecting AIPAC’s money and electing a true progressive fighter!” He emphasized the importance of representing the district's progressive values in Congress. Abughazaleh, in her concession speech, expressed pride in her campaign's impact, stating, “We forced our opponents to the left and to be more aggressive against this administration.”
Criticism and Controversies
Biss faced scrutiny over a past relationship with a former student, which his campaign acknowledged as "ill-advised" but stated was ended at the time. This revelation was part of a broader narrative that included accusations of AIPAC's influence in the election, which both Biss and Abughazaleh criticized.
What's Next
Biss will face Republican candidate John Elleson in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Given the district's historical Democratic support, Biss is favored to win the seat, which encompasses parts of Chicago's North Side and several northwestern suburbs. The outcome of this primary reflects ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding issues of foreign policy and the influence of special interest groups.
