Daniel Biss Wins Democratic Primary In 9th Congressional District, Will Face Pastor John Elleson

EVANSTON, IL — Current Mayor of Evanston Daniel Biss will be the Democratic nominee in the November election, according to unofficial election results from the Associated Press.

The Associated Press called the race after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, when Biss came out on top with 33,634 votes, ahead of former journalist and political commentator Kat Abughazaleh, who received 29,287 votes.

State Sen. Laura Fine rounded out the top three with 22,610 votes.

In a statement on X, Biss thanked voters, writing:

"This is a district of fighters, a district of believers, a district of progressive Democrats who know that we can never back down from Donald Trump and his MAGA cronies. This was one of the most hard fought, closely watched primaries in the country because this district is a bellwether for the entire Democratic party. Tonight the 9th District made its voice heard loud and clear by rejecting AIPAC’s money and electing a true progressive fighter! I am so grateful to all of the voters, volunteers, and supporters who were a part of this phenomenal team. We’ve still got to get through the November election before we get to Washington. But once I get there, my promise to you is this: you will always know where I stand, you will always have a partner in Congress, and you will always have a fighter on your side. You have entrusted me with this enormous responsibility, to represent you at the highest levels of our government. My promise to you is that I will never take that responsibility lightly."

A total of 15 Democrats and four Republicans were looking to fill the seat with a fresh candidate for the first time in 28 years.

The Associated Press called the Republican primary for John Elleson just after 10 p.m., as he led the race by a large margin ahead of Paul Friedman.

In an email statement to Patch, Elleson also expressed gratitude to voters.

"Very thankful to the Lord and everyone who worked hard in this campaign. We pledge to represent ALL as we march to the General Election in November. Congratulations to my opponent Daniel Biss," Elleson said.

Biss and Elleson will face off on Nov. 3 in the general election.

In the 9th Congressional District, which includes parts of Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties, longtime Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky did not seek reelection.

Schakowsky, 81, served for more than 25 years representing Chicago's North Side and the north suburbs. She was first elected in 1998 and has been an advocate for health care and senior issues throughout her time in the House.

Illinois' 9th Congressional District has been represented by a Democrat since 1949, and is expected to remain blue in November.

Biss has served as Evanston's mayor since 2021, and was recently re-elected in 2025. He also served in the Illinois State Senate from 2013 to 2019 and in the Illinois House from 2011 to 2013.

In January, Shakowski announced her endorsement of Biss to succeed her in the district.