Illinois' 9th Congressional District Sees Crowded Democratic Primary

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After nearly 30 years of representation by Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois' 9th Congressional District is holding an open-seat Democratic primary that has attracted 15 candidates. The race encapsulates the transformation of the Democratic Party in the Trump era, the growing influence of outside money in safe-blue districts, and the generational shift in a seat long anchored by Chicago's liberal Jewish political tradition.

Why it matters

The 9th District primary is one of the most closely watched House races in the country, as it represents a significant shift in the Democratic Party and the growing influence of outside money in safe Democratic districts. The outcome could signal the direction of the party and the priorities of its base.

The details

In 1998, when the 9th District last had an open-seat primary, it was a three-way Democratic fight that Jan Schakowsky won. One of the candidates who came in last was a young JB Pritzker, who would later become the governor of Illinois. Now, with Schakowsky retiring, 15 Democrats are vying for the nomination, reflecting the transformation of the party and the generational shift in the district.

• The 9th District last had an open-seat primary in 1998.
• Schakowsky has represented the district for nearly 30 years.
• The current open-seat primary is one of the most closely watched House races in the country.