Daniel Biss won the Democratic Party nomination for Illinois’ 9th District US House Representative position.

In the NPR article linked above, Biss’s relationship with a student during his time as an instructor at the University of Chicago. I wrote a diary about that here, and have kept it updated as Megan Wachspress (the student) added more information. She posted an article that I feel everyone should read.

And this is Biss’s opportunity:

• He can distinguish himself as a values-based candidate who openly and loudly speaks on an issue that is difficult for some to discuss, and that has gotten pushback from his supporters.
• Biss can come forward to explain why power imbalance relationships — particularly between instructors and students — are inherently damaging to students.
• He can make it clear that people who feel that related experiences didn’t affect them negatively are people who are exceptions to the rule.
• He can make a strong case for why we need to be careful to put education and caution first, for the sake of the mental health and careers of those in the position of less power.
• He can cite academic sources and personal disclosures, to make the issue connect with a broader audience.
• He can cite academic and professional codes to show that this is a serious issue and that the correct action is to prohibit such relationships.

These actions on Biss’s part can have a concrete, positive impact on students living in his district and around the US.

I replied to Biss’s acceptance/thank you thread on BlueSky to highlight the opportunity and encourage him to take it.