Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has won the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, securing the party nomination to succeed retiring 14-term incumbent Representative Jan Schakowsky. Major networks called the race late Tuesday evening, concluding a 15-candidate contest focused heavily on generational leadership and foreign policy.
With over 90 percent of the vote counted, Biss captured a plurality victory with approximately 29.6 percent of the vote. Political newcomer Kat Abughazaleh finished second with roughly 25.6 percent, while Illinois State Senator Laura Fine placed third at 20.2 percent.
Schakowsky, who held the district seat since 1998, previously endorsed Biss to succeed her. The district boundaries stretch from Chicago’s North Side into the northern suburbs.
The primary race highlighted internal party divisions regarding foreign policy. Abughazaleh campaigned on a progressive platform that criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the influence of pro-Israel lobbying organizations. Conversely, third-place finisher Fine received nearly $6 million in outside support from Elect Chicago Women, a super PAC reportedly linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Biss’s nomination occurs amid a massive reshuffling of Illinois congressional seats in 2026. The impending retirement of United States Senator Dick Durbin prompted current representatives to launch Senate campaigns, subsequently opening multiple House seats across the state to new candidates.
On the Republican side, John Elleson won the GOP primary, capturing 48.5 percent of the vote to defeat Paul Friedman and two other challengers.
Biss is scheduled to face Elleson in the November 2026 general election. Because the 9th District is gerrymandered to favor Democratic candidates, Biss is positioned as the heavy favorite to win the House seat.