State Sen. Mike Simmons will launch his campaign Tuesday, he told the Tribune, joining recently announced state Rep. Hoan Huynh — who also planned a campaign kickoff event Tuesday evening — and some 10 other Democratic candidates vying for the seat.
The latest campaign announcements come just ahead of the Cook County Democratic Party’s planned slating meetings next week, when the party is expected to endorse candidates ahead of the 2026 primary. […]
“I’m running because the communities in the 9th District have raised me, and they’re struggling,” Simmons said Monday. “It’s one of the most diverse areas in the nation, and it is becoming unaffordable for too many.” […]
He said he’s running in part to help families who feel priced out of the district.
“I symbolize everything that Donald Trump is trying to erase right now, but the point that’s really important is that this is going to be about so much more than Donald Trump. It’s going to be about talking about those (affordability) struggles,” said Simmons, who is 42 and lives in Rogers Park.
Sen. Simmons jumping into the race isn’t a surprise, he participated in a campaign event with other Democratic challengers last month.
[Sen. Simmons] joins a crowded field of Democrats vying for the seat that includes Chicago’s North Side and nearby suburbs. Democratic candidates include fellow state Sen. Laura Fine, state Rep. Hoan Huynh, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Skokie school board member Bushra Amiwala, civil rights attorney Howard Rosenblum, progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh, community organizer and former Schakowsky aide Miracle Jenkins, high school math teacher David Abrevaya, Evanston resident Bethany Johnson, environmental health and safety professional Justin Ford and homeless advocate Lauren Million.
