Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss Wins Illinois House Primary as Democrats Clash Over Israel Policy

Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss secured the Democratic nomination for Illinois' 9th Congressional District in a highly contested primary that drew national attention.

““We’re going to stand up”

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Biss emerged victorious from a crowded field of 15 candidates seeking to replace retiring longtime Representative Jan Schakowsky.

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He defeated progressive content creator Kat Abughazaleh and state Senator Laura Fine in the race.

The district is considered safely Democratic, with Schakowsky having won 68 percent of the vote in 2024.

Biss positioned himself as a seasoned progressive ready to deliver results at the federal level, leveraging his experience as a former state legislator and mayor.

His background includes a PhD from MIT and teaching experience at the University of Chicago.

The race became a focal point for intense Democratic division over Israel policy.

Progressive candidate Kat Abughazaleh centered her campaign on criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, which she characterized as genocide.

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Her Palestinian American background and provocative stance on the issue created a stark contrast with Biss.

Biss maintained a more nuanced position while still facing criticism from pro-Israel groups.

Abughazaleh attacked Biss for meeting with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) early in his campaign.

NBC polling showed Democrats' views of Israel had become more negative, with only 13 percent viewing Israel positively compared to 34 percent in 2023.

Outside spending and dark money dramatically influenced the primary outcome.

Pro-Israel groups and anonymously funded organizations poured millions into the race.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee and aligned super PACs spent over $4 million specifically targeting Biss and supporting Laura Fine.

Total AIPAC spending across the four open Illinois congressional races reached more than $21 million.

Three anonymously funded groups spent over $16 million to boost Miller, Bean and Fine without disclosing their funding sources.

Biss successfully overcame this financial onslaught, declaring that 'AIPAC found out the hard way that the 9th District is not for sale.'

Candidate Mike Simmons noted he was 'outspent 30 to one' but still finished in the top tier of the field.

The primary exposed deep ideological fissures within the Democratic Party.

Biss positioned himself as a progressive with governing experience, securing endorsements from retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairman Greg Casar, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

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Abughazaleh gained support from the progressive 'Squad' members including Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, along with Rep. Ro Khanna.

This division extended beyond the 9th District, similar dynamics playing out in other Illinois races.

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller won the 2nd District primary with AIPAC backing.

State Sen. Nancy Stratton defeated Raja Krishnamoorthi in the Senate primary with AIPAC support.

Alexandra Rojas of Justice Democrats characterized the results as a 'massive loss for Aipac,' while AIPAC celebrated what it called 'a great night for the pro-Israel community.'

Beyond the Israel policy clash, the race featured significant generational and identity politics dimensions.

“Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has won the contested Democratic primary in Illinois' 9th Congressional District, part of a split decision Tuesday night for progressives and moderates who fought furiously across four Chicago-area House districts over a number of issues, including Israel policy”

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26-year-old Kat Abughazaleh positioned herself as a voice for younger, more diverse voters.

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Her background as a Palestinian American former journalist and Media Matters employee created a sharp contrast with Biss's more traditional political profile.

Abughazaleh would have been the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress if victorious.

Her campaign faced controversy when revelations emerged about her upbringing in a $3.3 million Dallas mansion.

Biss, at 48 a member of Gen X, emphasized his governing experience and eight years in the Illinois legislature.

Biss acknowledged personal challenges from his disclosure of an 'ill-advised' relationship with a former student from his time as a University of Chicago professor in 2004.