Illinois holds its primary elections on Tuesday, with the Democratic contests expected to be the main event given the state's strong Democratic leanings and President Donald Trump's unpopularity. The elections are shaping up as a referendum on the party's stance on Israel, as the war in Gaza continues to divide Democrats.
Recent polling by NBC News shows a dramatic shift in Democratic sentiment: only 13% of Democratic voters now view Israel positively, down from 34% in 2023, while 67% sympathize with Palestinians, compared to 18% in 2013. This rift has already influenced primaries elsewhere, such as New York City's mayoral race last year.
The most closely watched race is in Illinois' 9th congressional district, which includes large Jewish communities like Skokie. The seat is open after Representative Jan Schakowsky announced she would not seek re-election. The Democratic primary features Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who is Jewish and has criticised Israel, and Kat Abughazaleh, a former journalist of half-Palestinian descent who has taken a stronger stance against Israel. The Congressional Progressive Caucus and Senator Elizabeth Warren have endorsed Biss, while AIPAC-affiliated groups have spent millions to support state Senator Laura Fine and oppose Biss.
In the 8th district, the seat is open as Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi runs for Senate. The moderate former congresswoman Melissa Bean has received $3.9 million in support from Elect Chicago Women, while the left has coalesced behind Junaid Ahmed, endorsed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Warren, and Senator Bernie Sanders. The Chicago Progressive Partnership PAC has attacked Ahmed over his wealth, a tactic that backfired in a New Jersey primary.
These primaries highlight the ongoing struggle within the Democratic Party over its traditional support for Israel, with younger and more progressive voters pushing for a shift in policy. The results could signal the party's direction ahead of the 2026 midterms.
