Who's In the Race

Democrat Daniel Biss faces Republican John Elleson in the Nov. 3 general election in Illinois's 9th District. Janice D. Schakowsky announced on May 5, 2025, that she is retiring and will not seek reelection in 2026, leaving the seat open. ​

Biss has served as Evanston's mayor since 2021, previously held seats in the Illinois House and Illinois Senate, and began his career as a mathematics professor at the University of Chicago. He won the Democratic primary with about 29 percent of the vote over runner-up Kat Abughazaleh in a 15-candidate field.

Elleson is a pastor who says he has served the Chicagoland area for 40 years. He took the Republican primary with about 49 percent of the vote over runner-up Paul Friedman.

What They Stand For

Biss has proposed codifying abortion rights into federal law, according to his campaign website. He's also supported:

  • Rebuilding an economy that works for everyone and empowering workers to organize,
  • Bold congressional action on the climate crisis,
  • Medicare for All; and
  • Addressing rising rent, child-care costs, health-care premiums and prescription-drug prices.

Elleson has said comprehensive, bipartisan immigration legislation is the country's most pressing need, according to WTTW's voter guide. He also supports:

  • Reducing the national debt to curb inflation, arguing in a September debate that the country's "$40 trillion burden is devouring" it, according to the Chicago Tribune; and
  • Curbing violence and addressing what he describes as threats to democratic governance, according to CBS Chicago.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Biss raised about $2.9 million through June 30 and had about $262,000 in the bank. Elleson reported no receipts and no cash on hand in FEC filings.

Outside groups spent about $9.2 million in the race as of Oct. 13, and the largest spender, Elect Chicago Women, put in about $5.8 million in support of some candidates and in opposition to others.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race Solid Democratic as of Oct. 9. Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Solid Democratic as of Oct. 11. Inside Elections rated it Solid Democratic as of Oct. 2.

On Kalshi, traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is Biss, a 98.96 percent chance of winning as of Oct. 13.

The district has voted heavily Democratic in recent cycles: Schakowsky won it with about 72 percent in 2022 and about 68 percent in 2024. Statewide, Democrats held 14 of Illinois's 17 U.S. House seats in both 2022 and 2024. Democrat Kamala Harris carried Illinois in the 2024 presidential election with about 54 percent of the vote.

Online registration closed Sunday, Oct. 18. Grace-period and Election Day registration runs Wednesday, Oct. 7, through Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Mail-ballot applications: Due by Thursday, Oct. 29, at 5:00 p.m.

Early voting: Runs Thursday, Sept. 24, through Monday, Nov. 2; local sites may open on different dates within that period.

Election Day polls: Open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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