Daniel Biss wins Democratic primary for closely-watched Illinois House seat : NPR

Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Ill., has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 9th congressional district. The Associated Press reported his win in a competitive race for a seat in the Chicago area that hasn’t been open for nearly three decades.

Biss’s win in this reliably Democratic district concludes a fiercely contested primary involving more than twelve candidates vying to replace retiring Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who first assumed office in 1999 and is now 81 years old.

Supported by endorsements from Schakowsky and national leaders like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Biss was perceived as a leading contender. His campaign focused on his experience in public office and his commitment to progressive causes, including opposition to President Trump’s policies.

“I just don’t think we can afford to compromise on either of those two things,” Biss stated in an NPR interview before the primary.

The results from Tuesday offer an early glimpse into what Democratic voters seek from emerging party leaders and the extent of change they desire as the party remains out of power in Washington, D.C.

Political newcomer Kat Abughazaleh finished second to Biss, trailing by four percentage points with more than 90 percent of the votes tallied, according to the AP. At 26, the progressive researcher and commentator advocated for an anti-establishment approach, criticizing Democrats for not delivering tangible results and calling for a departure from long-standing party practices.

“Bipartisanship is negotiating different approaches to a similar goal. I think that goal should be: everyone can afford housing, groceries, and health care with money left over to save and spend. I think that is the true center,” she expressed during a campaign event leading up to the primary.

“We can’t just look at compromise as getting your hand cut off and being grateful they left you your pinky.”

Despite the barriers often faced by young and new candidates in congressional races, Abughazaleh garnered significant attention in this contest. Had she won, she would have been poised to become the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress.

While generational politics played a role in the race—Biss, aged 48, belongs to Gen X—the primary was also marked by debates over the influence of special interest groups, particularly pro-Israel organizations like AIPAC. Groups and individuals associated with AIPAC reportedly spent millions attacking Biss and supporting another candidate, state Sen. Laura Fine.

Biss, who is Jewish, has criticized AIPAC, but revealed a meeting with the group early in his campaign. He faced criticism for not clearly stating his position on U.S. aid to Israel. Meanwhile, Abughazaleh, who is Palestinian American, condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide.

Biss also encountered scrutiny towards the end of his campaign when a former student accused him of having “an inappropriate romantic relationship.”

The Biss campaign acknowledged the relationship in a statement shared with The Daily Northwestern, stating it occurred in 2004 when Biss was a 26-year-old postdoctoral instructor at the University of Chicago and the student was 20.

“Daniel realized then, as he does now, that it was ill-advised, and he ended it,” the campaign said.