By: Dr. Avi Verma

Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has won the crowded Democratic primary for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, securing the party’s nomination to replace longtime Representative Jan Schakowsky, who is retiring after more than 25 years in office. The March 17, 2026 primary featured 15 candidates and drew significant attention from both progressive and establishment Democratic factions.

Unofficial results showed Biss leading with about 29.5 percent of the vote, followed by former journalist Kat Abughazaleh at 25.9 percent and State Senator Laura Fine at 20.2 percent. The fragmented field allowed Biss to prevail with a plurality rather than a majority.

How Biss built a winning coalition

Biss’s victory reflected a combination of political experience, local recognition, and coalition-building across Democratic factions.

Local experience and name recognition

Biss previously served as a state senator for the district and currently serves as mayor of Evanston, a key Democratic stronghold within the 9th District. His long-standing presence in local politics gave him an advantage in voter familiarity and issue credibility.

Balancing progressive and establishment support

Positioned between progressive and moderate wings of the party, Biss secured backing from traditional Democratic networks, including an endorsement from Schakowsky. This support helped reinforce his image as a continuity candidate while still appealing to reform-minded voters.

Fundraising strength

Biss raised nearly $2.6 million, keeping him competitive in a financially intense race that included strong fundraising efforts from rivals such as Abughazaleh and Fine. His resources enabled sustained outreach across the district.

External spending influence

The race saw significant outside spending from political action committees, including groups aligned with pro-Israel advocacy organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The influx of outside money shaped campaign messaging and reinforced voter skepticism about external influence in local races.

General election outlook

Biss will now face Republican nominee John Elleson in the November 2026 general election. The 9th District has long leaned heavily Democratic, with Schakowsky previously winning reelection by wide margins, making Biss the early favorite.

However, shifting voter engagement patterns and issue salience could shape the contest. Key factors include:

• Turnout dynamics: Strong Democratic turnout in Chicago and suburban North Shore areas, including Evanston, will be critical
• Issue positioning: Voters are likely to focus on healthcare, economic concerns, and foreign policy
• National environment: Broader midterm trends and economic sentiment could influence local outcomes

Broader political implications

Biss’s victory reflects a broader pattern in Illinois Democratic primaries, where candidates with strong local governance experience and institutional credibility continue to perform well in crowded fields. While progressive voices remain influential, voters often appear to favor candidates perceived as broadly electable and administratively experienced.

This trend may shape Democratic strategy in future competitive districts, especially where internal ideological divisions risk fragmenting the vote.

Conclusion

Daniel Biss’s nomination marks a significant step in a tightly contested and strategically complex primary. His ability to consolidate support across multiple Democratic factions, combined with strong local roots and fundraising capacity, positioned him for victory in a fractured field.

As he advances to the general election, his challenge will be to maintain Democratic unity, broaden appeal beyond the base, and navigate a changing political landscape while defending a historically safe seat.