By: Dr. Avi Verma

As the holiday season approaches and the year winds down, Democratic congressional candidate Phil Andrew, running to represent Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, has accelerated his outreach efforts across the area. Over the past two weeks, Andrew has made a series of community-focused appearances aimed at listening, connecting, and elevating the priorities of the people he hopes to serve in Congress.

Last weekend, Andrew attended Pit & Tap’s Annual Christmas Show, where festive music and conversation filled the venue. The event, he noted, highlighted the energy and togetherness that define communities throughout the district. 

On Sunday, Andrew met with NBA legend and gun violence prevention advocate Steve Kerr. Both men have experienced the trauma of gun violence in their personal lives, and their conversation underscored the urgency of addressing the nation’s gun violence crisis as the country enters 2026. 

Even a winter storm couldn’t slow the campaign. Braving heavy snow, Andrew and his team visited neighborhood shops during Small Business Saturday in Evanston, recognizing the vital economic and cultural role that local entrepreneurs play. He expressed appreciation for the small business owners “who work tirelessly to keep our communities strong.”

On Tuesday, he met with voters, activists, and community leaders at Reba Place Church’s Congressional Meet and Greet, also in Evanston. Andrew outlined his top priorities, shared his personal story of public service, and listened to residents’ perspectives on how he can best represent them in Washington.

Looking ahead, Andrew is inviting supporters to a special conversation with NBC correspondent Mike Leonard this Saturday at American Legion Post 42. The discussion will focus on the national crisis of gun violence, Andrew’s campaign for Congress, and the common ground that unites communities across the 9th District.

As the year draws to a close, Andrew says he remains grateful for “every handshake, every conversation, and every story shared.” These moments, he says, fuel his commitment and reinforce the significance of this campaign.