Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss Defeats Zoomer Dem Kat Abughazaleh in Illinois Primary

Biss emphasized his political experience over Abughazaleh's online fame in the race to succeed retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:51am

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In a closely watched Democratic primary race for Illinois' 9th Congressional District, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss defeated progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh. Biss, who previously served in the state legislature and ran for governor, highlighted his political experience compared to Abughazaleh's online activism. The 26-year-old Abughazaleh had gained attention for stunts like getting arrested during an immigration protest, but ultimately fell short with 26% of the vote to Biss' 30%. Biss will be heavily favored to keep the safely Democratic seat in November.

Why it matters

The 9th District race was seen as a test of the strength of the Democratic party's progressive wing, with Abughazaleh backed by high-profile 'Squad' members and Biss supported by establishment figures like retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Biss' victory suggests Democratic voters in the district prioritized political experience over online fame and activism.

The details

Abughazaleh, a former Media Matters employee, was one of 15 Democrats vying to succeed the retiring Schakowsky. She gained attention for stunts like getting arrested during an immigration protest, but was ultimately defeated by Biss, the longtime Evanston mayor. Biss, who previously served in the state legislature and ran for governor, emphasized his political experience over Abughazaleh's online presence.

  • The primary election was held on March 17, 2026.
  • The Associated Press called the race just after 10:35 p.m. ET on election night.

The players

Daniel Biss

The mayor of Evanston, Illinois, who previously served in the state legislature and ran for governor. Biss defeated progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh in the Democratic primary to succeed retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky.

Kat Abughazaleh

A 26-year-old progressive activist and former Media Matters employee who ran an insurgent campaign in the Democratic primary, gaining attention for stunts like getting arrested during an immigration protest.

Jan Schakowsky

The retiring Democratic Congresswoman whose seat Biss and Abughazaleh were vying to fill.

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What they’re saying

“Am I poor? Right now, yeah. I have depleted my savings. I have been financially independent since I was 21.”

— Kat Abughazaleh

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Biss will be heavily favored to keep the safely Democratic 9th District seat in November.

The takeaway

Biss' victory suggests Democratic voters in the district prioritized political experience and establishment backing over online fame and activism, dealing a blow to the party's progressive wing.