Who Is Running in Illinois Congressional District 9th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Janice Schakowsky
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJanice Schakowsky advocates for an economy that benefits all citizens, not just the wealthy. Her voting record includes supporting an increase in the minimum wage and extending unemployment benefits. She also voted to restrict employer interference in union organizing and received a 100% rating from the AFL-CIO for her pro-union stance.
Immigration
HighJanice Schakowsky advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, balancing border security with a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals. She believes this enables immigrants to legally work, pay taxes, and earn American citizenship. Schakowsky cosponsored and voted for the American Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6, to protect Dreamers and other recipients. She also opposes discriminatory "stop and check" policies, citing concerns about racial profiling and equal protection under the law.
Healthcare
HighJanice Schakowsky voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) because it included provisions that restrict gender-affirming care for service members and their families. She stated that it is cruel to deny service members access to the healthcare they need. While acknowledging positive aspects like increased access to birth control and IVF for TRICARE members, she ultimately opposed the bill. Schakowsky also endorsed Juliana Stratton, highlighting Stratton's commitment to defending healthcare.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Janice Schakowsky |
|---|---|
| Economy | Janice Schakowsky advocates for an economy that benefits all citizens, not just the wealthy. Her voting record includes supporting an increase in the minimum wage and extending unemployment benefits. She also voted to restrict employer interference in union organizing and received a 100% rating from the AFL-CIO for her pro-union stance. High |
| Immigration | Janice Schakowsky advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, balancing border security with a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals. She believes this enables immigrants to legally work, pay taxes, and earn American citizenship. Schakowsky cosponsored and voted for the American Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6, to protect Dreamers and other recipients. She also opposes discriminatory "stop and check" policies, citing concerns about racial profiling and equal protection under the law. High |
| Healthcare | Janice Schakowsky voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) because it included provisions that restrict gender-affirming care for service members and their families. She stated that it is cruel to deny service members access to the healthcare they need. While acknowledging positive aspects like increased access to birth control and IVF for TRICARE members, she ultimately opposed the bill. Schakowsky also endorsed Juliana Stratton, highlighting Stratton's commitment to defending healthcare. High |
| Climate & Energy | Janice Schakowsky identifies climate change as a serious threat and supports legislation aimed at reducing global warming pollution. She seeks to create clean energy jobs, save consumers energy costs, and enhance energy independence. Schakowsky also led a resolution to protect children's fundamental rights to a safe, habitable environment and offered an amendment requiring Congress to accept scientific findings on man-made carbon pollution. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Janice Schakowsky supports reproductive rights. She voted against the FY26 NDAA because it banned gender-affirming care for service members and their families, which she stated would "trample all over their rights and access to healthcare." She also opposed an amendment aiming to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions, and has explicitly vowed to continue fighting for reproductive rights. She supports increased access to birth control and IVF for military members. High |
| Foreign Policy | Representative Schakowsky voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act due to concerns about excessive Pentagon spending and provisions she believes harm military readiness, such as those impacting gender-affirming care and diversity programs. She argues that the budget should prioritize social investments like healthcare and education. While opposing the overall bill, she supported provisions like a service member pay raise and the repeal of past Authorization for Use of Military Force acts. She has also expressed opposition to military action in Iran. High |
| Education | Janice Schakowsky has stated her support for investments in education. She emphasized this position when explaining her vote against the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA), arguing that funds should instead be directed towards areas like education, healthcare, housing, clean air and water, and public transit, which Americans deserve. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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