Last updated March 17 at 10:03 p.m.
Mayor Daniel Biss has secured the Democratic nomination to represent Illinois’ 9th Congressional District and appears poised to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston), marking the district’s first leadership change since 1999.
Biss has 29.7% of the vote with 91% of ballots counted, according to data from the Associated Press last updated at 9:56 p.m. AP called the race in favor of Biss at 9:36 p.m.
Throughout the campaign, Biss leaned on his record as Evanston’s mayor, highlighting his opposition to federal immigration enforcement and work to expand housing affordability.
In an interview with The Daily last month, Biss said he’s “really proud to have been willing to do what’s right, even when it’s politically hard.” His message of political risk-taking resonated with voters, helping propel him past 14 Democratic opponents.
Before becoming mayor, Biss served in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2018. His name recognition probably gave him an edge in a crowded primary field, according to several analysts who spoke with The Daily in March.
The mayor also received support from several progressive figures, including U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Schakowsky endorsed Biss as her successor in January.
Tuesday’s election marked the conclusion of a turbulent campaign during which Biss faced stiff opposition from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the nation’s largest pro-Israel lobbying group.
Despite reportedly pouring millions of dollars into opposing Biss and boosting State Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) through shell organizations, AIPAC failed to prevent the mayor’s victory. Biss has sharply criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza and called for a two-state solution.
Biss will face Republican John Elleson in the Nov. 3 general election. Should the mayor prevail this fall, City Council could be tasked with selecting an acting mayor. If Biss resigns before Nov. 27, as he promised during an on-campus candidate forum in November 2025, a special election will be triggered to choose his replacement.
Biss positioned himself as the sole Democratic candidate capable of both mobilizing a protest movement and driving legislative change. Seeking to carry on Schakowsky’s legacy, Biss told The Daily last month that her seat represents a “precious thing that can be used to make change beyond just voting the right way in Washington.”
“She’s in the fight, and then she’s using her voice to move others along, to build political power, to change the country,” Biss said. “That’s what I’m going to do.”
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