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* Press release…
Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, released the following statement announcing her decision not to seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026:
“For the last 26 years, I have had the distinct honor and privilege of representing the 9th Congressional District of Illinois, my lifelong home and the best district in the nation. Today, it is with profound gratitude and the utmost appreciation for my constituents that I announce my decision not to seek reelection at the end of my current term.
“I am incredibly proud of the things I have been able to accomplish during my time in Congress. I was honored to help draft and pass the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that Americans could no longer be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions and providing quality health coverage for millions. I was able to pass consumer protection bills that have saved lives and protected Americans, especially our children, from dangerous products and improved auto safety. I worked hard to protect the well-being of seniors and their families, blocking Republican attempts to privatize Social Security and to improve Medicare and Medicaid by lowering prescription drug prices and expanding access to quality long-term care. I would not have been able to do any of this without the counsel of committed consumer advocates and the continued trust and support of our community.
“While these legislative wins are important, the most rewarding part of my job has always been engaging directly with constituents in the 9th District. Whether it be a school visit, attending a rally, touring a new small business, or speaking with fellow shoppers at my local Jewel, I have always prioritized and enjoyed meeting with constituents and providing constituent services. I am so proud that I have always had one of the best and most successful constituent service operations in the country. Whether solving problems with health insurers or Medicare, expediting a passport or immigration application, assisting small businesses, not-for-profits, and community colleges with funding requests, helping veterans get their benefits, cutting through red tape to solve Social Security and IRS problems, stopping deportations, and so much more, my team and I have worked diligently each day to advocate and deliver for our constituents.
“For my entire career, I have made it my mission to mentor and guide the next generation of leaders. In fact, when I talk with students, I do not ask them what they want to be when they grow up, I ask them what they want to do today to make a difference in this world. It is now time for me to pass the baton. We are so fortunate in the 9th District that there are dozens of talented leaders, advocates, and organizers who know our community and who are ready to lead the charge as we fight back against the extreme MAGA agenda and President Donald Trump’s shameful policies.
“To the people of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, thank you for allowing me to be your voice in Congress. I have tried to serve you each and every day with the integrity, decency, and fire you deserve. It truly is the honor of a lifetime!
“To my staff, past and present, I could not have done this without you. Thank you for your dedication, sacrifices, expertise, and smiles. Together, through all those late nights and early mornings, we were able to make a difference. The 9th District of Illinois and our nation are healthier, stronger, and more prosperous because of our hard work.
“And to my family, thank you for going on this wild journey with me. I am looking forward to spending more family time together as I enter this new chapter of life. I love you.
“While I will miss serving the people of the 9th District in an elected capacity, I am not going anywhere. For the remainder of my term, and beyond, I vow to continue taking every opportunity possible to fight for my community and my country. I will do everything in my power to secure equal rights for all, an economy that works for everyone, not just the rich, universal health care, reproductive rights, environmental protections and climate security, and so much more. We must all keep the faith, continue to resist, and make our voices heard, because when we fight, we win!”
* Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton…
I commend Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on her decades of service to Illinois families. She fought hard for us in Washington and championed a future that works better for all. I congratulate her on a well-earned retirement and I wish nothing but joy for her and Robert as they welcome this new chapter. Jan delivered real change for Illinois - it’s time for us to carry her legacy forward.
* Rep. Dan Didech…
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a trailblazer, a fierce advocate, and a beloved leader who worked tirelessly for her constituents. Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in public service, and I join so many others in expressing gratitude for her decades of principled leadership and progressive vision.
I will not be a candidate in the race to elect a new Member of Congress, but I am committed to helping ensure that the Ninth Congressional District is represented by someone who understands, values, and is responsive to the needs of our community.
Later this year, I will launch my re-election campaign to continue representing the 59th District in the Illinois House of Representatives. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am excited to continue providing our community with a strong, effective, and ethical voice in Springfield.
…Adding… Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss…
Jan Schakowsky is a trailblazer. In her record of fighting to expand health care access, protect Social Security, support workers, and advocate for women, she has left an indelible mark on our community, and, indeed, our whole country.
I am grateful for Jan’s friendship and mentorship, which have been a north star throughout my time in government.
Biss is considered a likely candidate.
…Adding… Sen. Laura Fine is also considered to be a likely candidate…
For more than two decades, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been one of the most fearless and effective progressive voices in Washington.
She has never backed down from a tough fight and is always on the frontlines for Illinois families, from championing consumer protections to advancing women’s rights to expanding access to affordable health care. Her leadership has helped shape a more just and equitable country, and her legacy will be felt for generations.
Jan is an inspiration to me and to so many across Illinois. We are fortunate to have her fighting for us now, especially as our fundamental rights are under attack. While her presence in Congress will be deeply missed, we know her work is far from over and we will carry her vision forward as we continue the fight for dignity, fairness, and opportunity for all.
…Adding… Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz also takes her name out of contention…
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary career defined by courage and an unwavering commitment to progressive change. Her leadership has shaped a stronger, fairer future for generations, and I am proud to celebrate her legacy and lifelong dedication to public service.
With her announcement, there is understandable excitement about the future of the 9th Congressional District. I want to be clear - my full attention remains on the work we are doing together in the 17th District, and on building upon the progress we’ve made in Illinois.
In the coming months, I look forward to launching my campaign for re-election to the Illinois House. I am honored to serve you and am eager to continue delivering strong, principled leadership for our community.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
…Adding… Chuy García…
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García issued the following statement in response to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s announcement that she will not seek re-election:
“Jan Schakowsky is a legend in Illinois politics and the progressive movement nationwide. She has devoted herself to standing up for women, workers, seniors, immigrants, and people pushed to the margins—always with clarity, conviction, heart, and strategic smarts. Her retirement is a big loss for Congress, but her impact will be felt for a long time.
I’ve known Jan for many years, long before we served together in Congress, we served in the Illinois General Assembly. She’s always had my back, and I’ve always looked up to her, not just for what she’s fought for, but for how she’s done it: with integrity, courage, and deep love for community. Jan and Bob are part of a long tradition of organizing in Chicago that shaped my political journey. Their commitment has moved the needle on many issues and lifted a generation of activists and leaders.
I’m proud to call Jan a friend and mentor, and I wish her and Bob all the best in this next chapter. If I know Jan, she’ll continue to lead by example.”
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker…
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a fearless trailblazer and a tireless fighter for Illinois. Because of Jan’s leadership in Washington, working families from Illinois have had one of the strongest, reliable voices fighting for them. Jan has championed historic legislation on health care, women’s rights, gun safety, and more to support working families. MK and I are deeply grateful for her decades of service, and we wish Jan and Bob a joyful and well-deserved retirement.
* Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez…
Few have fought harder, or more fearlessly, for Illinois families than Representative Jan Schakowsky. From expanding access to health care and championing consumer protections to standing up for seniors, workers, and women, Congresswoman Schakowsky has been a relentless advocate for justice and progress. Her leadership helped shape the Democratic Party of Illinois, and her legacy will continue to guide us. The Democratic Party of Illinois is focused on protecting the progress she helped build, and will organize, mobilize, and fight to keep her seat blue
…Adding… Rep. Hoan Huynh is also seen as a likely contender…
Today, we celebrate and honor Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky whose work has not only transformed communities across Illinois, but has also inspired generations to believe in the power of public service rooted in purpose and heart. Congresswoman Schakowsky’s extraordinary legacy of public service is defined by moral courage, principled leadership, and an unshakable commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity.
Throughout her remarkable career, Congresswoman Schakowsky has been a fierce advocate for working families, a champion for universal healthcare, a defender of rights for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, seniors, immigrants, and refugees, and an unwavering voice for those too often left out of the political conversation.
As a fellow child of immigrants, I carry Congresswoman Schakowsky’s example closely in my own journey-one that would not have been possible without the trails she blazed and the doors she opened. Her belief in people-powered politics has not only uplifted our communities, it has shaped the conscience of our state and our country.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 5, 25 @ 2:19 pm
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Jan had a respectable career. Good on her to retire, looks like she’s able to read the tea leaves on how the electorate feels about geriatrics in long-term power.
Comment by Old IL Dude Monday, May 5, 25 @ 2:25 pm
Bless every state and ambitious local elected official who makes it official as fast as Rep Didech did on whether they’re going to run for the seat or not.
Comment by ChicagoBars Monday, May 5, 25 @ 2:30 pm
I suspect than Daniel Biss will be the favorite when he enters.
This is also a blow to Kat. I think her chances were already slim to none but the only reason she had a shot was because Schakowsky is 80. Now her next opponent won’t have someone who has an age issue.
Comment by Cole Monday, May 5, 25 @ 2:31 pm
Through the years I worked with some of members of Congress representing Chicago area. Con. Schakowsky was the best. She is hardworking, intelligent and sincerely working at improving her district and the world.
Comment by City Guy Monday, May 5, 25 @ 2:35 pm
===only reason she had a shot was because Schakowsky is 80===
Jan was not gonna run again.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 5, 25 @ 2:37 pm
Surprised Biss hasn’t sent out his announcement yet.
Comment by Melido Perez Monday, May 5, 25 @ 2:37 pm
I am in Jan’s district and it has been clear for some time that she was not going to run again. I was pretty surprised at national press saying the blow in Kat “forced her out”.
Biss and Laura Fine have also been state legislators for my district. Biss was good as a State Senator but has been pretty awful as Evanston mayor. Absolutely no backbone or executive ability. Laura Fine is an excellent legislator and at this time would have my vote. Its a long way to election time however.
Comment by Banish Misfortune Monday, May 5, 25 @ 3:07 pm
=I suspect than Daniel Biss will be the favorite when he enters.=
I wonder if Biss will again use a Venn Diagram, trapezoid, or some other weird mathematical symbol as his campaign logo similar to what he had in 2018. And even then I didn’t even understand what that stood for.
Comment by Leatherneck Monday, May 5, 25 @ 3:07 pm
Nifty idea for a Laura Fine campaign slogan: “Laura is Fine for Nine.”
Comment by Leatherneck Monday, May 5, 25 @ 3:08 pm
Good to know that she is retiring. Too many Congress people stay way too long.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Monday, May 5, 25 @ 3:39 pm
Thank you Jan. A pro-choice leader for the ages.
Comment by Cosgrove Monday, May 5, 25 @ 3:58 pm
Jan is a titan and icon who will be missed. Looking forward to following a spirited primary campaign where the right candidate will prevail.
Comment by TKMH Monday, May 5, 25 @ 4:03 pm
Jan did a lot of good, but she burned a lot of bridges at the end too..
She overstayed.
Now let’s see who wins.
Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Monday, May 5, 25 @ 4:42 pm
This would be a good seat for Marie Newman to run in if she does not run for Senate.
Comment by Early voter Monday, May 5, 25 @ 8:04 pm