Saturday, October 11, 2025
2025 Illinois' 9th Congressional District Candidate Forum
On October 11th in Skokie, Illinois SACRED Acts and partners co-hosted a nonpartisan Congressional Candidate Forum for Illinois' 9th Congressional seat. Attended by over 120 voters and 10 candidates, the event was co-hosted with partners Muslim Civic Coalition–Activate, Glenbrook Muslim Civic Association, and Illinois Muslim Action Network (IMAN) at the Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore. The following candidates attended the event: Kat Abughazaleh, Bushra Amiwala, Phil Andrew, Daniel Biss, Justin Ford, Jill Manrique, Sam Polan, Nick Pyati, Howard Rosenblum, and Mike Simmons.
The forum provided voters a unique opportunity to meet IL-9 congressional candidates, hear their positions, and participate in the civic process leading up to the Illinois Primary Election on March 17, 2026. This race marks the first competitive election in nearly 30 years, following Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s decision to step down. With at least 20% of Illinois' congressional delegation expected to change in 2026, this forum aims to engage and energize one of the most diverse voter bases in the state, including a vibrant and diverse Asian American community.
View the recording of the full event here: