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.”
Abughazaleh, who was born two months after Schakowsky took office, has previously worked for left-wing media watchdog group Media Matters for America. During her young campaign, she has drawn comparisons to Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Schakowsky has represented Illinois’s 9th Congressional District since 1999, and previously served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1991 to 1998. During her time in Congress, Schakowsky prioritized health care and senior issues, according to her website.
“For my entire career, I have made it my mission to mentor and guide the next generation of leaders,” the congresswoman said. “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.”
The lawmaker’s retirement announcement comes just days after Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin announced on Wednesday that he would be retiring after serving 44 years in Congress. On April 28, Democratic Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, the ranking member of the powerful House Oversight Committee, announced that he would not seek reelection, citing health reasons.
Schakowsky thanked her staff for their support and “dedication” during her time in office, stating that her Congressional District and the nation “are healthier, stronger, and more prosperous because of our hard work.”
“While I will miss serving the people of the 9th District in an elected capacity, I am not going anywhere,” Schakowsky said. “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!”
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