Daniel Biss Joins Race For Congress In Illinois' 9th District

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss announced he is running for Congress in Illinois' 9th District to succeed Rep. Jan Schakowsky following her retirement.

In a video, Biss said he decided to run for Congress because the country needs, "Democrats who won't flinch, won't fold, won't forget what we're fighting for."

"People gave up on government because they saw politicians from both parties give up on them, that's how Trump wins and the rest of us lose. But here's the thing, I've never backed down from the fight as legislator or as mayor," Biss said.

Biss, who was just re-elected as Mayor of Evanston last month, vowed to advocate for economic security for working families, environmental sustainability and abortion rights.

After more than 25 years representing Chicago's North Side and the north suburbs, Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement this month. Schakowsky made the announcement that she wouldn't seek reelection in the upcoming election at her annual Ultimate Women's Power Lunch at the Sheraton Grand Chicago hotel on May 5.

Biss is the latest to announce his candidacy for Illinois' 9th District, running against progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh, Sen Laura Fine and environmental health and safety professional Justi Ford.

The General Election will take place on Nov. 3, 2026.

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