U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, center, weeps with staffers Leslie Combs, right, and Taina Rodriguez while posing for photos at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk on May 5, 2025, after she announced she will not run for re-election next year. (Chicago Tribune)
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, a prominent voice for progressive causes, has decided not to seek reelection in 2024. After serving Illinois' 9th Congressional District for over two decades, Schakowsky made the announcement on Monday at the Ultimate Women’s Power Luncheon in Chicago.
The 80-year-old congresswoman revealed her decision to retire in front of an audience of around 1,000 attendees. "This is the official — I’m not going to run again for Congress," she said. Though she expressed a deep love for her work, Schakowsky emphasized that she felt it was time for a change.
A Legacy of Leadership
Schakowsky’s retirement marks the end of an era for a district long considered a Democratic stronghold. First elected in 1998, Schakowsky defeated her opponents, including a young JB Pritzker, to secure the seat once held by Sidney Yates for nearly 50 years. Since then, she has become a steadfast representative, focused on women's rights, health care reform, and consumer protection.
Her decision to step down comes less than two weeks after U.S. Senator Dick Durbin also announced he would not seek re-election, signaling a shift in Illinois' political landscape.
A Competitive Field Ahead
Schakowsky’s retirement is expected to spark a competitive race for her seat. Even before her announcement, 26-year-old Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive social media content creator, declared her candidacy. Other potential candidates include state Senator Laura Fine, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, and state Representative Hoan Huynh.
Schakowsky has not yet endorsed a candidate to succeed her. Biss and Fine, both in attendance at the luncheon, declined to comment on their interest in the race.
A Remarkable Career
Schakowsky’s tenure in Congress has been marked by her strong advocacy for progressive policies. As a member of the House Democratic leadership team under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, she became a powerful voice for women’s rights and worked tirelessly to increase female representation in politics.
She was also a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, often calling for resistance against his policies. Schakowsky’s activism extended beyond her congressional duties, advocating for stricter gun laws, universal health care, and abortion rights.
Schakowsky Reflects on Her Legacy
Throughout the years, Schakowsky has seen her district evolve. The 9th District, once stretching along Lake Michigan from Diversey Avenue to Evanston, now covers parts of Cook and McHenry counties. Despite these changes, she has faced minimal opposition and has won re-election with ease, maintaining her strong connection with the constituents she served.
At the luncheon, Schakowsky, wearing a red suit similar to the one she wore during her first campaign, shared her pride in her career. She recalled her first victory, when she broke barriers as one of the few women in Congress, and spoke about her commitment to activism.
A Call to Action
Even in retirement, Schakowsky isn’t stepping away from political engagement. She urged her supporters to continue fighting against policies they oppose and to stay committed to progressive change. "I can still be a badass," Schakowsky declared, earning loud applause from the crowd.
Her remarks resonated deeply with attendees, including former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, who both honored her work. Schakowsky’s retirement may be the end of an era, but her influence will continue to shape the political landscape in Illinois and beyond.
A Political Journey Rooted in Activism
Schakowsky’s journey into politics began as a state representative and activist advocating for consumer protection. She famously fought for freshness dates on grocery items — a seemingly small issue that turned into a defining moment in her career. This early experience convinced her that individual efforts could spark meaningful change, a lesson she carried throughout her time in Congress.
As Schakowsky leaves her congressional seat, the legacy she leaves behind is one of unwavering dedication to the values she championed throughout her career.
