CHICAGO, IL — In a high-stakes battle for the future of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, voters have chosen a traditional path over a “Squad”-style insurgency. Daniel Biss, the Mayor of Evanston and a veteran of state politics, secured the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, defeating a crowded field of 15 candidates looking to replace the retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
The defeat of Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old progressive activist and former Media Matters journalist, marks a significant moment in the 2026 primary cycle, suggesting that even in deep-blue districts, voters may be wary of candidates facing legal entanglements and those who openly challenge party leadership.
The Anti-Establishment Campaign
Abughazaleh positioned her campaign as a digital-first, grassroots alternative to the “Democratic consultant class.” Gaining national attention for her sharp online presence, she frequently targeted “right-wing billionaires” and entrenched political structures.
However, her campaign drew fire from party unifiers when she publicly distanced herself from Democratic leadership, stating during a debate that she did not support Hakeem Jeffries continuing in his role. While this resonated with the far-left wing of the party, it raised concerns among moderate voters focused on maintaining a unified front against the Trump administration in the upcoming midterms.
The Broadview ICE Indictment
The most significant hurdle for Abughazaleh’s campaign was a federal indictment filed late last year. The charges stem from a series of aggressive demonstrations outside the Broadview, Illinois, ICE detention facility.
Federal prosecutors allege that on September 26, Abughazaleh was part of a “mob” that obstructed a moving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle. The indictment, filed on October 23, charges her with conspiracy and “forcibly impeding, intimidating, and interfering” with a federal agent. According to court documents, agents were forced to drive at “extremely slow speeds” to avoid injuring protesters who repeatedly stood in front of the vehicles.
While Abughazaleh defended her actions as “liberation” work and accused agents of attempting to run over protesters, the legal cloud—which included charges against five other individuals—became a central point of contention in the closing weeks of the primary.
A Victory for Experience
In contrast to the turbulence of the Abughazaleh campaign, Daniel Biss ran a conventional, disciplined race. Carrying the coveted endorsement of Jan Schakowsky, who has held the seat for nearly three decades, Biss emphasized his legislative experience and local ties.
Biss’s victory signals that the “Schakowsky wing” of the district remains the dominant force. While Biss himself has participated in protests at the Broadview facility, he largely avoided the intraparty disputes and federal charges that defined Abughazaleh’s bid.
Looking Toward November
With the primary concluded, Biss is the overwhelming favorite to win the general election in this safely Democratic district. For the progressive movement, the loss in IL-09 serves as a reminder of the challenges “insurgent” candidates face when balancing activism with the requirements of a federal campaign, especially under the shadow of a federal indictment.
