Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss won a Democratic primary to represent parts of Chicago and its suburbs, fending off attacks from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in a closely watched race.

Biss emerged from a crowded field, with her toughest competition coming from researcher Kat Abughazaleh and state Sen. Laura Fine, AIPAC’s preferred candidate. The pro-Israel lobby spent more than $7.5 million on the race, attacking Biss and Abughazaleh while boosting Fine.

Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss addresses supporters at his election night party at Bluestone Restaurant on April 1, 2025.
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss addresses supporters at his election night party at Bluestone Restaurant on April 1, 2025.

John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

The race in Illinois’ District 9, one of the most Jewish districts in the country, became an indicator of the strength of AIPAC and the popularity of US military support for Israel within the Democratic Party.

Progressives will celebrate Biss’ victory, which was supported by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, retired Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).