Democrat Daniel Biss Wins Illinois House Primary Despite AIPAC Attacks

Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Illinois, was projected Tuesday night to win the crowded Democratic primary in Illinois’ deep-blue 9th Congressional District, a race that highlighted divides within the party over Israel and which generation is best suited to lead the party.

The primary was expected to test the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s influence over Democratic politics at a time when the group’s popularity is waning. The district, which includes the Chicago suburbs, has a large Jewish population.

AIPAC-aligned PACs targeted Biss, who is Jewish, in negative ads for holding more moderate positions on Middle East politics.

But the group shifted its strategy in recent days to prevent criticism of Biss from inadvertently aiding a more progressive candidate, similar to what happened in New Jersey’s special election earlier this year. The AIPAC-affiliated group Chicago Progressive Partnership spent $266,000 to oppose Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive influencer and Palestinian American who is critical of Israel.

Elect Chicago Women, a super PAC aligned with AIPAC, spent more than $5 million attacking Biss and supporting state Sen. Laura Fine, who is also Jewish.

The two-term mayor earned the endorsements of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who currently represents the district, and several other members of Congress.