Rep. Jan Schakowsky Announces Retirement After 26 Years In Congress

CHICAGO, IL — Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois announced her retirement Monday during her annual Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch, ending a 26-year congressional career defined by progressive advocacy and steadfast support for social and economic justice. At 80 years old, Schakowsky said she was stepping aside to make room for new voices while pledging to remain active in legislative efforts.

Schakowsky, who has represented Illinois’s 9th Congressional District since January 1999, issued a statement thanking her constituents for their long-standing support and partnership. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” she wrote. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve this community.”

A Progressive Fixture in the House

Born in Chicago on May 26, 1944, Schakowsky entered Congress after winning election in the 1998 midterm elections. She quickly established herself as a prominent progressive voice in the House, joining the Congressional Progressive Caucus and pushing for policies focused on health care, consumer protections and income equality.

Her district — covering Chicago’s North Side and parts of its northern suburbs — has consistently backed her by wide margins. Over 13 terms in office, Schakowsky has never secured less than 66% of the vote.

She serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and holds leadership roles in several progressive caucuses, including the Pro-Choice Caucus, the Medicare for All Caucus and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

A Record Rooted in Health Care and Equity

Schakowsky pointed to her work on the Affordable Care Act (colloquially known as Obamacare) as a major milestone in her career. A key drafter and advocate for the 2010 law, she advocated for its protections for people with pre-existing conditions and its expansion of coverage as core legislative achievements.

Throughout her tenure, she focused heavily on health care access, senior issues and mentoring new leaders. In recent years, she has pushed legislation aimed at strengthening Social Security, expanding law enforcement training on domestic violence and improving consumer transparency.

In April, she introduced Anna’s Law, a bill designed to boost emergency responder training in sexual assault and domestic violence cases. The legislation has support from several Illinois-based advocacy groups.

She also co-sponsored the Social Security Expansion Act with Democratic Sens. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.). The measure would increase annual benefits by $2,400 and close funding gaps by raising payroll taxes on incomes above $250,000.

Other recent bills include the SAFE Act, a bipartisan proposal with Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) to permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and the WaterISAC Cybersecurity Bill, developed with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), which seeks to protect water utilities from cyber threats.

Earlier this year, she also reintroduced the TICKET Act with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), targeting deceptive ticket pricing practices and advocating for clear, upfront cost disclosures.

A Changing Political Landscape

Schakowsky’s decision not to run again comes as the political terrain in her district and the broader Democratic Party continues to evolve. For the first time in her congressional career, she was set to face a contested Democratic primary.

Progressive activist Kat Abughazaleh, 26, entered the race in March. A former Media Matters staffer and self-described democratic socialist, Abughazaleh has drawn comparisons to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and built an online following. Her campaign emphasizes accessible constituent services, a humanitarian approach to foreign policy and stronger checks on U.S. involvement in global conflicts.

In her statement, Schakowsky welcomed the new generation of candidates, expressing confidence in their ability to carry the progressive torch. “There’s tremendous talent in this district,” she said, adding that she wants the next representative to be someone who will “keep fighting the extreme MAGA agenda.”

The 9th District race is likely to attract more contenders. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and State Senator Laura Fine are both expected to enter the primary. Biss, a former state legislator and gubernatorial candidate, has a strong base in the area. Fine, who succeeded him in the state Senate, is seen as another viable option.

Generational Shift in Illinois Politics

Schakowsky’s announcement follows that of fellow Illinois Democrat, Sen. Dick Durbin, who said earlier this year he would not seek reelection in 2026 after more than four decades in Washington. Their retirements mark a broader generational transition within the party, as a younger, more digitally savvy class of politicians moves to the forefront.

In her closing remarks, Schakowsky thanked her staff and supporters, crediting them for helping make the community “healthier and more prosperous.” While stepping away from elected office, she made clear her advocacy work would continue.

“I’m not done,” she said. “I’ll keep fighting for equal rights, for health care as a human right, and for a livable planet. When we fight, we win.”

What’s Next for the 9th District?

The open seat in this deep-blue district presents a rare opportunity for a competitive Democratic primary— something not seen during Schakowsky’s long tenure. Given the area’s strong progressive leanings and voting history, the Democratic nominee is widely expected to win the general election with ease.

With Abughazaleh already campaigning and other potential candidates weighing their options, the coming months could reshape the political identity of the district for decades to come. For now, Schakowsky’s retirement closes a chapter on one of the House’s most consistent progressive voices, while opening the door to a new era of representation.

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