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State Sen. Mike Simmons (D-7th). (Photo submitted)
After U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th) announced she would not seek reelection in 2026, the field of those seeking her seat in Congress has become increasingly full. The latest to announce his candidacy was State Sen. Mike Simmons (D-7th) of Chicago.
The 9th Congressional District includes parts of Cook, Lake and McHenry counties, including portions of Des Plaines, Niles, Park Ridge, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights in the Journal & Topics area.
Simmons, the first openly gay person elected to the Illinois Senate in 2021, announced his run for Congress on Tuesday, July 8. He brought his husband and mother to the Niles Pride Walk on Saturday, June 21. At the event, the Journal asked Simmons if he would run for the 9th District seat, to which he said he was considering a run.
State Sen. Mike Simmons (D-7th) speaks before the Saturday, June 21 Niles Rainbow Pride Walk as State Sen. Laura Murphy (to his left) (D-28th) and others, including his husband and mother, looked on. (Tom Robb/Journal photo)
“I symbolize everything Donald Trump is trying to erase,” said Simmons. “I don’t look like your typical member of Congress, and I won’t be your typical member of Congress. Our communities are being targeted, and they are hungry for new energy and vision. I’ll bring outspoken leadership to Capitol Hill just as I have done in the Illinois Senate. I’ve spent my life fighting for the communities that raised me and have shaped who I am.
“Families across the 9th Congressional District are facing double-digit rent increases, devastating cuts to Medicaid, immigration raids, hits to small businesses, and relentless attacks from the Trump administration.
“Our communities on the far north side of Chicago and north and northwest suburbs are becoming unaffordable and out of reach for too many — the single parents, the small business owners, young families, seniors, college graduates, immigrants, and many more.”
Previously announced 9th District Democratic candidates include State Sen. Laura Fine (D-9th), Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, and social media influencer Kat Abughazaleh. Among others also filing to run for the 9th Congressional District Democratic primary are school board member and Skokie resident Bushra Amiwala, State Rep. Hoan Huynh (D-13th) of Chicago, whose District is in the 7th Senate District, and former FBI agent Phil Andrew of Wilmette.
Schakowsky has represented the 9th Congressional District since 1999 and has not endorsed any Democrat.
The post Simmons Joins Crowded Field Of Dems Looking To Fill 9th District Seat In Congress first appeared on Journal & Topics Media Group.
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July 15, 2025 at 04:23PM
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