Illinois Congressional Candidates Debate Health Care, Economy

Evanston mayor, state senators, and others to participate in Fox Chicago forum

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Multiple candidates for the Democratic nomination in Illinois' 9th Congressional District will participate in a debate hosted by Fox Chicago on Wednesday night. The lineup includes Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, State Senators Laura Fine and Mike Simmons, as well as Kat Abughazaleh, Phil Andrew, and Bushra Amiwala.

Why it matters

The 9th Congressional District race is expected to be highly competitive, with the seat currently held by a retiring Democrat. The debate will give voters a chance to hear the candidates' positions on key issues like health care and the economy ahead of the primary election.

The details

The debate will feature six Democratic candidates vying for the party's nomination in the 9th Congressional District race. The district covers parts of Chicago's North Side as well as several northern suburbs, including Evanston.

  • The debate will take place on Wednesday night.

The players

Daniel Biss

The mayor of Evanston and a former state senator.

Laura Fine

A state senator representing parts of the 9th Congressional District.

Mike Simmons

A state senator also running for the 9th Congressional District seat.

Kat Abughazaleh

One of the Democratic candidates in the 9th Congressional District race.

Phil Andrew

Another Democratic candidate in the 9th Congressional District race.

Bushra Amiwala

The youngest candidate in the 9th Congressional District Democratic primary.

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The takeaway

This debate will give voters in the 9th Congressional District a chance to hear the candidates' positions on key issues ahead of the primary election, which could help shape the future representation of the district in Congress.