Congressman Sean Casten's 17-Year-Old Daughter Dies

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The daughter of Congressman Sean Casten, who is currently running in the IL-06 Democratic primary, has died.

According to an announcement from Casten’s congressional office, Gwen Casten, 17, died Monday morning. Rumors of the teen’s death made the rounds of candidates’ offices, as early voting began Monday for the upcoming June 28 Illinois primary.

“This morning, Congressman Casten’s beloved daughter, Gwen, passed away. The Casten family requests privacy, and we will be issuing no further comment during this heartbreaking time,” the statement said.

Gwen Casten was the co-director of March 4 Our Lives Illinois Chapter, a national group founded by survivors of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, FL. The youth-led movement promotes civic engagement, education and direct action by youth to eliminate the epidemic of gun violence. Gwen had most recently appeared in a political ad for her father.

Casten's primary opponent, Congresswoman Marie Newman, issued a statement that she would suspend campaign advertising for the time being.

"My heart breaks for the Casten family for the devastating loss of their daughter. My prayers are with Sean, Kara, and the entire Casten family," Newman said.