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Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 17 Democratic primary)
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Illinois' 9th Congressional District |
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Democratic primary Republican primary General election |
Election details |
Filing deadline: November 3, 2025 |
Primary: March 17, 2026 General: November 3, 2026 |
How to vote |
Poll times:
6 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Race ratings |
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic |
Ballotpedia analysis |
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026 |
See also |
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th • 10th • 11th • 12th • 13th • 14th • 15th • 16th • 17th Illinois elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 |
A Democratic Party primary takes place on March 17, 2026, in Illinois' 9th Congressional District to determine which Democratic candidate will run in the district's general election on November 3, 2026.
Candidate filing deadline | Primary election | General election |
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A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Illinois uses an open primary system. Voters do not have to register with a party, but they do have to choose, publicly, which party's ballot they will vote on at the primary election.[1][2]
For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.
This page focuses on Illinois' 9th Congressional District Democratic primary. For more in-depth information on the district's Republican primary and the general election, see the following pages:
- Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 17 Republican primary)
- Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2026
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9
The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 9 on March 17, 2026.
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Jan Schakowsky (D)
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "My name is Kat Abughazaleh. I'm a researcher and journalist who has devoted my career to fighting the far-right. I've worked for outlets like Media Matters, Mother Jones, and Zeteo News, but I'm probably best known for my video explainers about Fox News and right-wing media on my personal social media accounts. I decided to run for Congress because I don't think Democrats are doing enough to stand against fascism, to make billionaires pay their fair share, and to protect the working class. And unfortunately, our leadership in the House of Representatives refuses to acknowledge the true impact that the far-right, the Internet, and working class struggles have on our country — and that's part of the reason Democrats keep losing elections. I'm trying to run a progressive grassroots campaign that I can be proud of. I'm not taking a cent of corporate cash and I'm trying to spend our money in ways that help people now, rather than waiting to make a difference in my community until I'm elected. By making our events engaging, centered around mutual aid, and accessible to everyone no matter their income, my campaign is showing our values rather than providing lip service with nothing to show for it. In my spare time, I like reading space operas, doing crafts like embroidery and knitting with my friends, and hanging out with my partner, Ben, and our cat, Heater."
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I’m Phil Andrew and I’m running for Congress to bring principled, compassionate and mission-driven leadership to Illinois’ 9th District. I grew up here. I am a survivor of gun violence, which informed my leap into public service as an FBI special agent and hostage negotiator. I remain determined to turn that tragedy into something positive to keep all our communities safe. My experience has taught me about resilience and the power of teamwork and being a force for what’s right, good and just in our community. Meaningful change starts with listening. I have spent my life working to solve problems and bring people together. Real leadership isn’t about noise; it’s about results. It’s about living your values in service of others. Protecting our rights and creating opportunities that help every family thrive. Enough is enough. Our nation is in crisis. We’re building a team right here in District 9—ready to work together and deliver real results. From advancing gun safety to protecting our personal rights, to ensuring affordable healthcare and expanding access to good-paying jobs, our district can lead the way. Together, we’ll drive the forward-thinking solutions our community, our democracy, and our country need—now and for the future. We are ready for the fight. Join our team!"
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I’m Justin Ford, a lifelong advocate for working people and a Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Illinois’s 9th District. I was born in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to a teacher and a judge, raised with a strong sense of fairness, dignity, and public service. I’ve lived in Andersonville for over a decade, raised two sons, and worked to protect people’s health, safety, and rights on the job. I’ve helped organize workers, supported unions, and built a career in public health as a Certified Industrial Hygienist—focusing on protecting people in workplaces, schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods across the country. I’m running because too many working families are being left behind while corporate power grows unchecked. It’s time for bold structural reforms, like a four-day work week, real climate action, and rebuilding the labor movement, to build an economy and a democracy that actually work for all of us"
Do you have a photo that could go here? Click here to submit it for this profile!
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I’m Tamika La’Shon Hill, a systems-driven reformer, grassroots organizer, and proud Chicagoan running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois’ 9th District. My journey—from federal candidate to President of the Rights Of Americans Association National Committee—has been defined by a relentless commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive civic empowerment. I specialize in reverse-engineering complex compliance systems and building resilient campaign infrastructure that withstands scrutiny and uplifts communities. Whether I’m designing donor vetting dashboards, forensic audit protocols, or signature collection frameworks, my focus is always on operational clarity and legacy-building. I’m organizing this campaign remotely from a nursing home, turning personal adversity into a rallying point for innovation and grassroots action. My lived experience fuels my fight for accessible governance, disability rights, and economic justice. I believe every voter deserves a representative who not only understands the system—but can redesign it to work for everyone. This campaign isn’t just about winning a seat. It’s about setting new standards for how campaigns are run, how communities are engaged, and how leadership is passed on with dignity and purpose."
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I came to this district as a trans youth living out of my van, looking for safety and a future. I built a life and career here, becoming the first trans woman to play roller derby in Chicago. After some time away traveling the country and completing my college degree, I returned five years ago with my husband - because we knew this was where we wanted to build our life together. I was forced to drop out of college in my early 20s when my parents discovered I was trans. But in 2016, I returned to Springfield, Missouri, and earned my Bachelor of Science in Theatre with a minor in Computer Science. I was told it couldn’t be done in a year, but I proved them wrong. During that time, I also fought for LGBTQ+ rights in Springfield, and later became the Data Manager for Senator Angus King’s 2018 re-election campaign. Since then, I’ve worked in data engineering and implementation roles, continuing to use my skills to support progressive causes. I’m running because my friends, neighbors, and family know how deeply I care about this district - and because I’m tired of seeing out-of-state influencers and career politicians try to decide what’s best for us. This district deserves someone who understands it firsthand, who’s already been doing the work without chasing clout or power. I’m not here to build a brand, I’m here to fight for the people who live and work in this district. I’ve been doing that for years, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do."
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Sam is a Wilmette native and Special Operations Veteran who deployed to the Middle East three times and rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. He served first with Army Air Defense, before passing one of the military’s most demanding selection processes to become an Airborne-qualified Special Operations Civil Affairs Officer. In Sam’s new role, he learned Arabic and completed multiple deployments with SEAL teams as part of a Joint Special Warfare task force. “I’m running for Congress because I am deeply concerned about the direction this country is headed under the Trump Administration and the failures of our current national Democratic leadership,” said Polan. “More than deeply concerned… I’m angry. I learned early on you don’t leave problems for other people. I don’t know how to bury my head in the sand, or how to sit idly by when Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans threaten our very democracy and all the institutions we hold dear, that I was driven to defend in uniform.” “We are at an inflection point where our Democratic leaders have also failed us… failed to stop the Trump attacks, failed to put up candidates with fresh ideas that excite voters, and failed to provide a clear vision. Democrats need to WIN again. We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We need a new generation of leadership that brings not only fresh ideas, but the life experience and ability to get things done.”"
Do you have a photo that could go here? Click here to submit it for this profile!
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I’ve taught public school in New York City with Teach for America, prosecuted corporate crimes in President Obama’s Justice Department, and led strategy for major products at Microsoft. I’ve always been driven by a belief that things can be better - and an impatience to get there. Since November, that impatience has been growing. I’ve watched the wreckage of this administration pile up, and have been waiting for the Democratic Party–my party since before I could vote–to lead. Now, I'm running for Congress because it’s clear that we need new leadership and a new approach. That’s why I’m offering a clear vision for the future, focused on renewing the American dream, building the future, and fighting for freedom–all deeply informed by my experience. I was born and raised in the Chicago area and now live in Evanston with my wife and our sons. School and work have taken me around the country, but this has always been home. Our country desperately needs leadership now, and I know our district is up to the challenge."
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Illinois
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
Campaign finance
Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
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David Abrevaya | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | As of April 16, 2025 |
Kat Abughazaleh | Democratic Party | $904,576 | $237,808 | $666,768 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Bushra Amiwala | Democratic Party | $198,933 | $7,886 | $191,047 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Phil Andrew | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Daniel K. Biss | Democratic Party | $702,975 | $57,501 | $645,474 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Laura Fine | Democratic Party | $262,805 | $25,579 | $237,226 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Justin Ford | Democratic Party | $24,509 | $23,524 | $986 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Tamika La'Shon Hill | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Hoan Huynh | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Miracle Jenkins | Democratic Party | $29,446 | $27,185 | $2,261 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Bethany Johnson | Democratic Party | $789 | $212 | $577 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Bruce Leon | Democratic Party | $610,000 | $0 | $610,000 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Jill Manrique | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Lauren Million | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Sam Polan | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Nick Pyati | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Howard Rosenblum | Democratic Party | $49,946 | $768 | $49,178 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Mike Simmons | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
District analysis
This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.
Ballot access
This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.
See also
- Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2026 (March 17 Republican primary)
- Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2026
- United States House elections in Illinois, 2026 (March 17 Democratic primaries)
- United States House elections in Illinois, 2026 (March 17 Republican primaries)
- United States House Democratic Party primaries, 2026
- United States House Republican Party primaries, 2026
- United States House of Representatives elections, 2026
- U.S. House battlegrounds, 2026
External links
Footnotes