By: IndoUS Tribune Staff

In a heartfelt message shared this week, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced that she will not seek reelection at the end of her current term, closing a remarkable 26-year chapter of public service representing Illinois’ 9th Congressional District—a district she has proudly called home her entire life.

“I announced my decision not to seek reelection with profound gratitude and the utmost appreciation for my constituents,” Schakowsky wrote, expressing deep affection for the communities she has served since first being elected to Congress in 1998.

A trailblazer for progressive causes and a fierce advocate for consumer rights, healthcare reform, and seniors, Schakowsky’s legislative legacy includes being one of the key architects of the Affordable Care Act—a milestone she says ensured coverage for millions of Americans and ended discrimination against pre-existing conditions.

A Champion for Consumers and Seniors

Throughout her tenure, Congresswoman Schakowsky championed consumer protection laws that safeguarded children from dangerous products, improved auto safety, and protected seniors by defending Social Security from privatization and expanding Medicare and Medicaid access.

From reducing prescription drug prices to securing long-term care options for aging Americans, her focus remained unwaveringly on the well-being of working families.

“Constituent Services Were My Greatest Joy”

Though legislative achievements marked her time in Congress, Schakowsky emphasized that the most fulfilling part of her role was engaging directly with residents. Whether meeting students, supporting local businesses, or helping immigrants and veterans navigate bureaucracy, she proudly called her team’s constituent services “among the most effective in the country.”

Her office has helped thousands resolve complex issues—from immigration holds and Social Security glitches to expediting passports and supporting small businesses and nonprofits with federal funding requests.

Mentorship and the Future

In her farewell note, Schakowsky shared her belief in the power of young people to lead with purpose and passion. “When I talk with students, I don’t ask what they want to be when they grow up—I ask what they want to do today to make a difference,” she said.

Looking ahead, she expressed confidence that the 9th District is in good hands, with “dozens of talented leaders, advocates, and organizers ready to fight back against the extreme MAGA agenda and the shameful policies of Donald Trump.”

Not a Goodbye, But a Transition

While stepping down from elected office, Schakowsky made it clear that she’s not stepping away from activism. “For the remainder of my term, and beyond, I vow to continue fighting for equal rights, economic justice, climate action, and reproductive freedom,” she affirmed. “We must all keep the faith… because when we fight, we win!”

A Legacy of Integrity

In her closing remarks, the Congresswoman thanked her staff, family, and constituents for their enduring support. “I have tried to serve you each and every day with the integrity, decency, and fire you deserve. It truly is the honor of a lifetime.”

As the IndoUS community reflects on Schakowsky’s legacy, we recognize a leader who remained accessible, accountable, and steadfast in her values—a rare combination in today’s political landscape.

Her departure will be felt deeply, but her work continues to inspire a new generation of public servants in Illinois and beyond.