Trending Now - Daniel Biss Secures Democratic Nomination for Illinois House Seat

WHO:

Daniel Biss, Democratic nominee for U.S. House in Illinois' 9th Congressional District

Kat Abughazaleh, 26-year-old political newcomer and candidate in the Democratic primary

Laura Fine, state senator and candidate in the Democratic primary

Jan Schakowsky, retiring Democratic Representative who held the House seat since 1999

JB Pritzker, current Governor of Illinois

WHAT:

Daniel Biss won the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Illinois' 9th Congressional District.

Biss received approximately 30 percent of the district’s Democratic primary electorate.

Biss won by fewer than 4,000 votes over Kat Abughazaleh.

Abughazaleh's campaign slogans included “What if we didn’t suck?” and “I’m done waiting for change.”

The Democratic primary was competitive, with Abughazaleh and Fine rounding out the top tier.

As much as 15 percent of the district’s Democratic electorate remained undecided a week before the primary.

Biss is expected to win the U.S. House seat in the November 2026 midterm elections.

WHERE:

Illinois' 9th Congressional District

Evanston, Illinois, a city of about 75,000 just north of Chicago

WHEN:

The primary election took place in March 2026.

Biss has been the mayor of Evanston since May 2021.

Schakowsky announced her retirement in 2025, inspiring Abughazaleh to enter the race on her 26th birthday.

WHY:

Abughazaleh aimed to challenge the status quo and push for new party leadership.

Abughazaleh's decision to run was influenced by the 2024 presidential election and the need for generational change.

HOW:

Biss campaigned as the front-runner for much of the race.

Abughazaleh's campaign focused on progressive values and challenging the current administration.

Biss expressed his commitment to fight for progressive values in his victory speech.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 13:28 UTC)

Daniel Biss has won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House in Illinois' 9th Congressional District, securing approximately 30 percent of the primary electorate and defeating Kat Abughazaleh by fewer than 4,000 votes. The primary was competitive, with Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old political newcomer, and state senator Laura Fine also in the mix, while as much as 15 percent of voters remained undecided just a week before the election. Biss, who has served as the mayor of Evanston since May 2021, is expected to win the House seat in the upcoming November midterm elections.