Illinois State Senate District 9: Primary Election 2026

GLENVIEW, IL — Voters will weigh in on a variety of federal, state and county races, including in Illinois State Senate District 9.

Illinois' 9th Senate District encompasses part of northern Cook County and includes all or portions of Chicago, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Kenilworth, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette and Winnetka.

State Sen. Laura Fine has served in the Illinois Senate in District 9 since 2019. Prior to serving in the state Senate, Fine served as the state representative in the 17th District.

Fine will not be seeking reelection, as she is running to succeed Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky as House Representative in Illinois' 9th Congressional District.

Democratic Primary

Two Democrats, Rachel Ruttenberg and Patrick Hanley, are looking to fill the seat.

Ruttenberg is a former Chicago Public School teacher and a lawyer. She said she was inspired to run because she is worried about the world her children could inherit.

On her campaign website, Ruttenberg details her priorities, which include expanding affordable health care access, strengthening gun laws, increasing funding for local schools and defending reproductive and abortion rights. She also supports protecting LGBTQ+ rights and combating antisemitism.

Campaign website: rachelforillinois.com

Hanley is a small business owner and political organizer. As a lifetime resident of the district, he said he was inspired to run to preserve stability and opportunities for its residents.

On his campaign website, said his priorities are standing up to President Donald Trump, opposing ICE, fighting for reliable and affordable healthcare, supporting clean energy and investing in public education institutions. He also supports strengthening gun regulations and protecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Campaign website: hanleyforillinois.com

Republican Primary

Republican Candidate Tom Lally is running unopposed and has not campaigned. He does not have a campaign website.