2026 Midterms · U.S. House · Illinois Safe
Illinois — 9th District
Democratic
Daniel K. Biss
Republican
John Elleson
The 2026 election for Illinois' 9th Congressional District is an open-seat matchup between Democrat Daniel K. Biss and Republican John Elleson, following the retirement of long-time Democratic incumbent Jan Schakowsky. The race hinges on contrasting visions for the economy, healthcare, government reform, and public safety in a heavily Democratic Chicagoland district. Major election handicappers—including The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill—rate the district as Solid Democratic or Safe Democratic.
Economy and Cost of Living
high salienceBiss advocates for stringent federal antitrust enforcement, price caps, and minimum wage increases, while Elleson focuses on removing regulations and empowering local business job creation.
Healthcare and Public Health
high salienceBiss champions a federal single-payer Medicare for All system, whereas Elleson favors community-first healthcare policies expanding local clinics without federal overreach.
Democracy, Ethics, and Governance
high salienceBiss proposes comprehensive political reforms including stock trading bans, campaign finance matching, and Supreme Court term limits, while Elleson advocates for strict 6-year congressional term limits and constitutional adherence.
Public Safety and Criminal Justice
medium salienceBiss calls for repealing the Second Amendment and enacting sweeping federal gun bans, whereas Elleson emphasizes supporting law enforcement funding, de-escalation training, and drug prevention.
Taxes and Wealth Inequality
medium salienceClimate Change and Energy
medium salienceImmigration
medium salienceAbortion and Civil Rights
medium salienceBiss advocates for codifying federal abortion access and passing the Equality Act, while Elleson focuses on protecting religious liberty and supporting working families.