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February 21, 2026To: Interested PartiesFr: Impact ResearchRe: Biss Maintains Double Digit Lead in IL CD-09, Cementing His Role as the Progressive FrontrunnerRecent polling by Impact Research among likely Democratic primary voters in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District underscores Daniel Biss’s position as the leading progressive candidate. He remains the clear frontrunner in a crowded field, holding a durable double-digit lead and the strongest underlying fundamentals, with top marks in both name recognition and favorability. By contrast, Kat Abughazaleh’s rising name ID has not translated into meaningful gains, leaving her stalled and increasingly unpopular with this electorate.<ul><li>Despite months of positive paid communications, Kat Abughazaleh’s support is stagnant. Daniel Biss leads by 13 points a 31%, clearly separated from the rest of the field. The fundamental dynamics of the race are unchanged since November, with Biss maintaining a commanding position. The only notable shift in the race is Laura Fine’s 8-point gain, moving her from third into a tie for second with Kat, who remains essentially flat at 18% (up just 1 point from 17% in November).</li></ul><img src="https://run.imgix.net/7ab01eb3-e6a5-4cf2-8e47-cf9a8044fb63/846f3af3-c7f0-4658-80e5-be5e155a7a25/846f3af3-c7f0-4658-80e5-be5e155a7a25.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2164%2C626&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed"><ul><li>As Kat’s name ID rises, her standing among voters declines. Since our November poll, her recognition has grown from 59% to 68%, but almost all of that growth has come with increased negatives. Her favorable rating has slipped from 39% to 36%, while her unfavorable rating has climbed sharply from 19% to 31%, leaving her at net +5 overall - down dramatically from the +20 net in our last poll. Meanwhile, as Daniel Biss’s profile has grown he’s stayed overwhelmingly popular and continues to have the highest name ID and strongest net favorability margin in the field (59% favorable / 24% unfavorable).</li></ul>*The findings and recommendations in this memo are based on N=500 interviews of likely 2026 Democratic primary voters in IL CD-09, conducted via phone and text-to-web from February 5-10, 2026. The expected margin of sampling error is +/- 4.4% overall and is higher for subgroups.To download this memo, click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F33Ba_HJqSqaU4-iaZY9tRbkkxPot5BV/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

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<h2>Community Resources</h2>ICE activity in our communities is an emergency that demands action. Here are a number of things you can do right now to stay safe and help protect your neighbors.If you attend a protest or witness law enforcement activity, know your rights and have legal support ready. Save the number for First Defense Legal Aid — 1-800-LAW-REP4 (800-529-7374) — a 24/7, trauma-informed hotline connecting callers with civil rights attorneys, stationhouse defense, and community referrals in English and Spanish. <a href="https://nlgchicago.org/know-your-rights/">Learn more</a> or share their <a href="https://nlgchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/NLG-KYR-DNC.pdf">Know Your Rights guide</a> to keep yourself and your neighbors protected during demonstrations.

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And Daniel continues to stand up to Donald Trump on immigration, preserving access to abortion, expanding mental health services, and more.

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Updated: February 20, 2026OVERVIEW<a href="https://evanstonnow.com/aipac-donors-flood-fines-campaign/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Laura Fine’s campaign is bankrolled by Trump donors, MAGA Republican donors, and AIPAC</a>. That’s who she’ll be accountable to in Congress – not families in Illinois’s 9th District.SUMMARYYOUTUBE - Voters over 35 getting information on Youtube should see a mix of unskippable messages that say:&nbsp;Most importantly, voters across the district need to know that:&nbsp;<ul><li>Laura Fine <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h5bij1nb4ht8oii5b0ori/Laura-Fine-Trump.mp4?rlkey=s2bstqlvzhwyp45q1alfnakoa&amp;st=mvi2dee0&amp;dl=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">admits that she is being supported by Trump donors</a>. She has taken taken sixty thousand dollars from <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/f207d269901/2a3eee79-41ab-4da3-b15d-aad341caeb82.xlsx?rdr=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trump donors</a> and MAGA Republican donors. <a href="https://loyolaphoenix.com/2025/10/pro-israel-aipac-joins-congressional-race-in-illinois-ninth-district/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A MAGA-aligned group even sent a fundraising email saying, "we have a fighter of our own: Laura Fine," when raising her cash.</a></li></ul><ul><li>Laura Fine <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2u0p2z8yne4eebzyqewwf/Laura-Fine-AIPAC.mp4?rlkey=617aywgsms6kst4q6bcw8o9ax&amp;st=nnln8w1o&amp;dl=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">admits that she is being supported by AIPAC donors</a>. Her campaign is <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11RUBTne1YSEqo8AX4GMS8CgyjM9VOJsKEbM9yCq47WA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bankrolled by more than $1 million from AIPAC donors</a>, a pro-Netanyahu lobbying group that only endorses candidates <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=2895&amp;v=cYh4Xw_PRHg&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">who pledge to send unconditional military aid to Israel, no matter what Israel does</a>. She will side with AIPAC on policies that starve children and will fund their war in Gaza with billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars.</li></ul>If additional resources are available, other priorities with the above messages include broadcast TV, cable, and mail.A secondary priority, from partners already planning to run positive communications:YOUTUBE - Voters over 35 getting information on YouTube should see a mix of unskippable messages that say:<ul><li>Daniel Biss believes universal health care is a right, and that we need to stop Republicans' assault on our health care system. In the Illinois state legislature, he voted to guarantee Obamacare would stay in place in Illinois even if Trump repealed it, and in Congress, he’ll vote for Medicare for All. He’ll also fight to undo Republican cuts to Medicaid and to stop pharmaceutical companies from price-gouging on lifesaving medications.</li><li>Daniel Biss is going after ICE’s un-American raids. Biss ordered Evanston police not to cooperate with ICE, got rid of license plate readers when he found out ICE was using them, has held “Know Your Rights” events to help the community defend itself, and he even got tear-gassed protesting ICE raids. In Congress, he will ban Trump’s mass deportations, warrantless raids, and policies that rip families apart.</li></ul>In addition to the above, they should also know that Daniel Biss has earned the endorsements of Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Senator Tammy Duckworth.If additional resources are available, other priorities include broadcast TV and streaming/CTV.OTHER DETAILSAssets can be found <a href="http://dropbox.com/scl/fo/4qz6oj2a3jojgtgmjcj07/AF4JRWi8evOgeqk3EYjN1FQ?rlkey=0qja8vwy2e6wqllyl31mji68j&amp;st=2ah4g4wu&amp;dl=0" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">here</a>. Ads that the campaign is running can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@bissforcongress" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">here</a>. Research information on Laura Fine can be found <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/e9fq43i1dp6vdsytc5qmr/Laura-Fine-Information.pdf?rlkey=oesohgk627euospj66xzzz7i2&amp;st=5wh4nak6&amp;dl=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">here</a>.

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<h2>Social Media Content Producer and Digital Organizer</h2>Location: IL-9 District (Must reside in or near the district)Type: Full-time, In-person and On-the-GoReports to: Campaign Manager<h2>Overview</h2>Daniel Biss’s campaign for Congress in Illinois’s 9th District is seeking a creative, proactive, and strategically-minded Social Media Content Producer and Digital Organizer to shape the campaign’s digital voice, grow our online community, and lead our digital organizing program.This is a full-time, high-ownership role that blends content strategy, video production, real-time political storytelling, and digital organizing. You’ll be embedded with the candidate — traveling across the district to capture content in real time, producing rapid-turnaround assets, and maintaining an authentic and engaging presence across all social platforms. This role is ideal for a digital-first creative professional passionate about progressive politics, building people-powered campaigns, embedded storytelling, and reaching people where they are.<h2>Key Responsibilities</h2><h3>Content Strategy, Capture, and Production </h3><ul><li>Lead and execute a forward-looking content strategy that aligns with campaign goals — proactively plan narratives, identify opportunities to engage key audiences, and maintain a cohesive, compelling social media presence across platforms.</li><li>Travel within the district to staff the candidate and capture content at events, including speeches, behind-the-scenes, and candid or real-time content (photos, videos, audio, interviews, B-roll).</li><li>Turn campaign moments into high-quality shareable content optimized for social media. Script, shoot, and edit engaging multimedia content that advances the campaign’s messaging priorities, compels audiences to take action, and helps voters better connect with Daniel.</li><li>Use and stay current on content editing tools and best practices — including CapCut, Canva, emerging mobile apps, and platform-specific algorithm insights — to create high-impact visuals and videos that resonate across platforms.</li><li>Work with the broader team to amplify press, policy, field, and fundraising moments.</li></ul><h3>Social Media Management</h3><ul><li>Manage the daily operations across all campaign social media accounts, including project management, planning, calendaring, drafting and producing content, and publishing. </li><li>Own the content calendar across platforms: draft, manage approvals, schedule, and publish posts while ensuring consistency with the campaign’s voice and message.</li><li>Be the digital “eyes and ears” of the campaign: monitor trends, political discourse, and emerging formats to keep our content fresh and responsive.</li><li>Monitor performance analytics to optimize formats, timing, and message resonance. Report on analytics periodically to measure engagement, reach, and impact.</li><li>Engage with supporters online and curate community-generated content.</li></ul><h3>Digital Organizing</h3><ul><li>Organize and manage a team of volunteers to create and amplify content and narratives online, and to support the campaign’s broader objectives. </li><li>Identify and pitch local and alternative digital media like local newsletters, podcasts, or Youtube shows, to ensure the campaign reaches voters across as many mediums as possible. </li></ul><h2>Who You Are</h2><ul><li>Aligned with Daniel Biss’s progressive values and excited to elect a leader who will fight for working people.</li><li>Highly organized with the ability to seamlessly manage priorities within a fast-paced environment</li><li>A natural storyteller with a strong political instinct and editorial judgment.</li><li>Experience filming with a phone or DSLR, editing content quickly, and comment equipment used in video production (microphones, web cams, etc…) </li><li>Strong instincts for social media best practices, particularly on TikTok and Instagram Reels.</li><li>Able to thrive in fast-paced, real-time environments with rapid turnaround deadlines.</li><li>Adept at both high-level content strategy and hands-on execution.</li><li>Collaborative, flexible, and campaign-savvy — you’re equally comfortable behind a camera, behind the scenes, and in front of a content calendar.</li><li>Willing and eager to travel within the district regularly — including nights and weekends.</li></ul><h2>Preferred Qualifications</h2><ul><li>1–3 years of experience in content production, digital storytelling, or social media (campaign or issue advocacy experience a plus).</li><li>Comfort managing and growing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X, Bluesky, Facebook, Substack, and Threads.</li><li>Fluency in tools like Canva, CapCut, Descript, Adobe Premiere Rush/Pro, or other relevant software.</li><li>Knowledge of best practices around image/video rights, captioning, accessibility, algorithm best practices, and digital compliance.</li><li>A creative eye with a knack for creating compelling and unique content</li><li>An organizer’s instincts to meet people where they are and engage people in the campaign</li><li>Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to drive </li></ul><h2>Compensation &amp; Benefits</h2><ul><li>Salary range: $60,000–$70,000, depending on experience.</li><li>Health insurance available.</li><li>Reimbursement for travel within the district.</li><li>Opportunities for professional growth in a fast-moving, mission-driven team.</li></ul><h2>To Apply</h2>Applications must include your resume, portfolio or work samples, and a short note about why you're excited to join the team. Work samples should include at least 1-2 examples of social media videos you have personally edited or produced. Please email all three items to <a href="mailto:resumes@danielbiss.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">resumes@danielbiss.com</a>. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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Community leaders and elected officials are standing with Daniel Biss—because they know real leadership means fighting for all of us.

Backed by Trusted Leaders

IL - 09

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

Senator from Illinois

Senator Tammy Duckworth

senator from Massachusetts

Senator Elizabeth Warren

IL-04

Congressman Chuy García

IL - 06

Congressman Sean Casten

IL - 11

Congressman Bill Foster

Organization

Illinois AFL-CIO

organization

Sierra Club

LCV Action Fund

labor union

Illinois Federation of Teachers

NRDC Action Fund

chairman of congressional progressive caucus

Rep. Greg Casar

WA - 07

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal

MD- 08

Congressman Jamie Raskin

Labor union

SEIU State Council

Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC

Illinois Attorney General

Kwame Raoul

Labor Union

Chicago Federation of Labor

IBEW Local 134 Chicago

LiUNA Chicago Laborers District Council

Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council

UNITE HERE Local 1

IUOE Local 150

J Street

Citizen Action/Illinois

ONE People's Campaign

11th district

State Rep. Ann Williams

14th District

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy

18th district

Majority Leader Robyn Gabel

53rd District

State Rep. Nicolle Grasse

54th District

State Rep. Mary Beth Canty

59th district

State Rep. Daniel Didech

66th District

State Rep. Suzanne Ness

91st District

State Rep. Sharon Chung

7TH DISTRICT

Retired State Sen. Heather Steans

DEMOCRATIC STATE central committee

Committeeman Leo Smith

Former state representative

Julie Hamos

ORGANIZATION

3.14 Action

STATE SENATOR AND WHEELING TWP. COMMITTEEMAN

Mark Walker

40th Ward Chicago

Ald. Andre Vasquez

43rd Ward Chicago

Ald. Timmy Knudsen

47th Ward Chicago

Ald. Matt Martin

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation

Precious Brady-Davis

Former Chicago Alderman

Tom Tunney

Former Cook county Clerk

David Orr

Dick Simpson

Evanston City Council Member

Bobby Burns

Juan Geracaris

Krissie Harris

Shawn Iles

Jonathan Nieuwsma

Former Evanston City Council Member

Robin Rue Simmons

Eleanor Revelle

Jane Grover

Former Evanston Mayor

Jay Lytle

Liz Tisdahl

Evanston Township High School Board President

Pat Savage-Williams

Evanston Township High School Board Member

Patricia Maunsell

Oakton College Board Chair

Martha Burns

Oakton College Board Secretary

William Stafford

Oakton College Board Member

Wendy Yanow

Senior Pastor, Second Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors

Democratic Party of Evanston Board President

Kathy Hayes

Oak Park Village President

Vicki Scaman

VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE TRUSTEE

Ashur Shiba

niles township supervisor

Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti

niles township trustee

Don Gelfund

Niles Township Trustee

Peggy Tolleson

John Thill

village of skokie trustee

Kimani Levy

Marie Benyamin

niles township clerk

Mark Collins

47th Ward Democratic Organization

Progressive Change Campaign Committee

IAFF Local 742

Cook County Treasurer

Maria Pappas

Lake County Treasurer

Holly Kim

Iron Workers District Council of Chicago

Mayor of Moline

Sangeetha Rayapati

Local 881 UFCW

Former District 65 School Board Member

Eileen Budde

Former Evanston Township Assessor

Bonnie Wilson

Bricklayers &amp; Allied Craftworkers ADC 1

Northside Democracy for America

Progressive Turnout Project

Painters District Council 14

Abundant Housing Illinois

Lake county state's attorney

Eric Rinehart

lake county forest preserves president

Jessica Vealitzek

lake county democrats first vice chair

Nancy Shepherdson

Dem. party of illinois state central committeeman

Tom Maillard

Ela Township Democrats chair

CJ Schmidt

Ela Township Democrats committeeperson

Hilary Winiarz

Vernon Township Democrats committeeperson

Akrom Hossain

Vernon Township supervisor

Tim Kobler

Vernon Township clerk

Fabbi Vasquez

Vernon Township trustee, Vernon Township Dem chair

Sheila Sebor

Lake County Indians Association founder, president

Gowri Magati

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