What's happened
Daniel Biss, mayor of Evanston, won the Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th District, defeating candidates supported by AIPAC. Biss criticized AIPAC's influence and emphasized progressive values, with the race highlighting debates over U.S. support for Israel and party priorities. He will face Republican John Elleson in November.
What's behind the headline?
The Biss victory signals a shift within Democratic politics in Illinois, emphasizing progressive values over traditional pro-Israel lobbying influence. The race exposed the growing influence of anti-AIPAC sentiments among voters, especially in districts with large Jewish populations. Biss's criticism of AIPAC and Israel's policies in Gaza resonated with a segment of the electorate, challenging the longstanding bipartisan consensus on U.S. support for Israel. The extensive spending by pro-Israel groups, totaling over $20 million, underscores the high stakes and the increasing role of money in shaping primary outcomes. This contest foreshadows a broader debate within the Democratic Party about foreign policy and the influence of lobbying groups, likely to intensify in upcoming elections. Biss's stance on a two-state solution and opposition to unconditional aid will position him as a more progressive voice on Israel, potentially influencing future party platforms and policy debates.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel highlights Biss's criticism of AIPAC's spending and influence, framing his victory as a challenge to traditional pro-Israel lobbying. The New York Times emphasizes Biss's endorsements from prominent senators and his background as a Holocaust grandson, portraying him as a moderate yet progressive candidate. Politico discusses the broader implications of the race, noting the influence of AIPAC and the significance of Biss's win as a blow to the lobbying group's efforts. The articles collectively reveal a growing internal conflict within the Democratic Party over foreign policy priorities, with Biss's win signaling a potential shift towards more progressive stances on Israel and U.S. foreign aid.
How we got here
The race was triggered by the retirement of long-serving Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. The district is heavily Democratic, with a significant Jewish population and strong pro-Israel lobbying influence, notably from AIPAC. Biss, a Jewish progressive Zionist, positioned himself as critical of certain Israeli government policies, contrasting with more moderate candidates supported by AIPAC. The race saw extensive spending from pro-Israel groups, with AIPAC's involvement becoming a focal point of the campaign.
Go deeper
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Janice Danoff Schakowsky is the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 9th congressional district, serving since 1999. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Daniel Kálmán Biss is an American mathematician and politician serving as mayor of Evanston, Illinois. He is a former member of both the Illinois House of Representatives and Illinois Senate.
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Laura Fine is a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate for the 9th district.
Fine previously represented the 17th district of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019 and as Northfield Township Clerk.
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The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is a lobbying group that advocates pro-Israel policies to the Congress and Executive Branch of the United States. The current president of AIPAC is Betsy Berns Korn.