Both Lightfoot and Demmer said they are closely watching the crowded race to replace Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District.
“It’s hotly contested, lots of money poured in, both pro and against certain candidates,” Lightfoot said.
Demmer said he thinks it could be the night’s upset race, with Kat Abughazaleh surging as primary day neared despite Daniel Biss leading in polls for most of the race.
“Candidates who can really galvanize supporters overperform,” he said.
Federal campaign finance records show Abughazaleh, who just moved to Illinois in 2024, raised more than $3.3 million for her campaign, with most of her donations coming from people who gave $200 or less, and most of those contributions coming from outside Illinois.
Fine raised more than $2.5 million, with most of that money coming from outside Illinois, from donors who gave $1,000 or more.
Biss raised more than $2.3 million, with nearly $2 million of that coming from Illinois donors, and most of his donations coming from people who gave $2,000 or more.
Andrew raised more than $1.3 million, Amiwala raised more than $1.1 million, and Huynh raised more than $1 million. No other candidate raised more than six figures.
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/illinois-midterm-primary-election-results-2026/
