Daniel Biss Wins Illinois' 9th District Primary After AIPAC Drops Millions

Biss secured the Democratic nomination following a hard-fought primary race.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:37am

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Daniel Biss secured the Democratic nomination for Illinois' 9th Congressional District on Tuesday night. The race was marked by significant spending from groups affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which spent more than $4 million in the contest. Biss emerged victorious, defeating fellow candidates Kat Abughazaleh and Laura Fine.

Why it matters

The race in Illinois' 9th District was closely watched as a bellwether for the Democratic party, with national polling showing a shift in Democrats' views of Israel in recent years. The AIPAC-affiliated spending raised questions about the influence of pro-Israel groups in Democratic primaries.

The details

Biss won the primary with 29.5% of the vote, according to the Associated Press, with 91% of votes counted. Groups tied to AIPAC, including its PAC and affiliated super PACs, drove much of the spending in the race. One such group, "Elect Chicago Women," spent $2.8 million backing Fine and $1.3 million opposing Biss. Another AIPAC-affiliated group, Chicago Progressive Partnership, was formed to target Abughazaleh.

  • Polls in Illinois' 9th Congressional District closed at 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
  • Following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 75,000 Palestinians in the war, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Global Health.

The players

Daniel Biss

The winner of the Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District.

Kat Abughazaleh

A former journalist and Palestinian American who was one of the leading Democratic contenders in the race.

Laura Fine

A state Senator who was also one of the leading Democratic contenders in the race.

AIPAC

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which spent more than $4 million in the race through affiliated groups.

John Elleson

The Republican nominee who Biss will face in the November general election.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey. 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.”

— Daniel Biss (X)

“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!”

— Daniel Biss (X)

“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.”

— Daniel Biss (X)

“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.”

— Daniel Biss (X)

What’s next

Biss will face Republican nominee John Elleson in the November general election.

The takeaway

The race in Illinois' 9th District highlights the growing influence of pro-Israel groups like AIPAC in Democratic primaries, as well as the shifting views on Israel within the Democratic party. Biss's victory suggests voters in the district prioritized progressive values over the influx of AIPAC-linked spending.