Longtime Dem Congresswoman Calls It Quits After 26 Years

Longtime Democratic Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement Monday after representing a Chicagoland House seat for over a quarter century.

Schakowsky, 80, said in a statement that she would not run for reelection in the 2026 midterm elections, and thanked her constituents for allowing her to be their “voice” in Congress. She added that she is “incredibly proud” of the things she has been able to accomplish during her time in Congress.

“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,” Schakowsky said. “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,” Schakowsky added. “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.”

If Schakowsky had decided to seek reelection, she would have faced a contested Democratic primary for one of the first times of her long tenure. Prominent left-wing social media influencer Kat Abughazaleh, 26, entered the race for the 9th district in March via a video in which she called on members of her party to “grow a fucking spine.”

Schakowsky responded to Abughazaleh’s announcement saying she is “glad to see new faces getting involved as we stand up against the Trump Administration.”