The primary election for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District saw Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old political newcomer, lose to Daniel Biss, who received approximately 30 percent of the votes. This election was particularly significant as it marked the first open contest in the district in decades following the retirement of long-serving Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who held the seat since 1999.
Abughazaleh finished a close second, losing by fewer than 4,000 votes. Her campaign, which featured slogans like “What if we didn’t suck?” and “I’m done waiting for change,” focused on universal rights and aimed to challenge the status quo within the Democratic Party.
Throughout the race, Biss was considered the front-runner, with Abughazaleh and Laura Fine rounding out the top tier of candidates. The primary was closely watched, featuring more than a dozen candidates and significant financial backing, with Democrats raising and spending approximately $1.5 billion during the campaign.
In a statement following the election, Abughazaleh emphasized the ongoing fight for progressive values, stating, “The work isn’t over. There are progressives all over the country who are taking a chance just like we did and we have to help them win, no matter how hard it is.” Meanwhile, Biss vowed to continue advocating for progressive values, asserting, “We will not back down, and we will fight for the progressive values that are the values, not only of this district, but of this whole country.”
Abughazaleh’s campaign was not without controversy; she was indicted in October 2025 on charges related to a protest outside an ICE facility. This incident added a layer of complexity to her candidacy as she sought to galvanize support among progressive voters.
As the district is heavily Democratic, Biss is now considered the likely winner in the upcoming general election. Observers anticipate that his victory will further solidify the progressive movement within the party, especially in a district that has historically leaned towards Democratic candidates.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of Abughazaleh’s campaign and her future political ambitions, but her strong showing in the primary indicates a growing appetite for progressive change among voters in the district.
