By: Dr. Avi Verma

As the 2026 election cycle intensifies, congressional candidate Bushra Amiwala, running to represent Illinois’ 9th District, is expanding her presence across the community with a series of public forums and grassroots organizing events aimed at energizing voters and highlighting her campaign’s people-powered momentum.

Amiwala to Join United Civic Engagement Forum in Vernon Hills

Amiwala will participate in the United Civic Engagement Forum (UCEF) on Sunday, December 14th, at the Sullivan Community Center in Vernon Hills. The non-partisan town hall, hosted by UCEF—an unregistered civic organization committed to fairness, justice, and community engagement—will feature leading candidates for Congress in IL-09.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., candidates will introduce themselves to attendees, outline their priorities, address issues affecting residents across the district, and connect with community members following the program.

Amiwala, currently an elected member of the Skokie District 73.5 School Board, will also be available to speak with the media before and after the event. The Vernon Hills forum is one in a growing lineup of constituent-focused events she is attending, including an upcoming appearance at the West Ridge Action Network Candidate Forum on January 15th, 2026.

Event Details:

• What: United Civic Engagement Candidate Forum
• Who: Candidates for Congress in IL-09
• Where: Sullivan Community Center, 635 North Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
• When: Sunday, December 14th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CST

Amiwala Draws District’s Largest Volunteer Crowd of the Cycle

Just days earlier, Amiwala’s campaign headquarters in Skokie was filled with energy and celebration as she welcomed nearly 100 volunteers—the largest volunteer gathering held by any IL-09 candidate to date. The event served both as a thank-you to supporters and a launchpad for the next phase of voter outreach, including major phonebanking, textbanking, and canvassing drives.

Addressing the diverse crowd, Amiwala emphasized the community-driven nature of her campaign.

“Look around this room. Every age, race, gender, ethnic background and geographic part of the district is represented,” she said. “Everyone here has a direct tie to our district and to our movement… I cannot do this alone, and I’m so grateful that all of you are with me.”

Amiwala was joined by Miracle Jenkins, former IL-09 congressional candidate and lead organizer for Bernie Sanders, who recently endorsed her.

“Bushra understands that the core issue of our day is affordability,” Jenkins said. “We’re not here to pursue half measures. We’re here to pass aggressive policies that move America forward.”

Volunteers enjoyed dinner from Pita Inn and cupcakes from Kinza’s Cakes, while campaign staff helped attendees sign up for upcoming organizing shifts.

To many volunteers, the evening signaled renewed hope in a challenging political climate.

“Bushra understands the challenges of our generation like no other candidate does,” said Evan Arvizu, citing the housing crisis, climate concerns, and health care instability.

“There’s not much to be optimistic about in this news cycle. But I feel optimistic today,” added volunteer Zayd Islam. “Bushra has a vision to make life better in our home. She’s reminding us that the authoritarian dystopia of this administration does not have to be our future.”

As Amiwala continues her district-wide outreach—from civic forums to grassroots mobilization—her campaign is positioning itself as a broad coalition of residents seeking practical solutions, generational change, and a more equitable future for Illinois’ 9th District.