U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) says at Ultimate Women’s Power lunch she will not run for reelection

CHICAGO (WLS) — Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced Monday she will not run for reelection in 2026.

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Schakowsky has spent 25 years in the House representing Chicago’s far North Side and the north and northwest suburbs.

On Monday, the 80-year-old Democrat hosted her 24th annual Ultimate Women’s Power lunch fundraiser.

Flanked by well-wishers and her staffers, Schakowsky announced her decision to leave Congress at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.

She said the decision not to run for a 15th term was easier than she thought.

“I knew I could decide either way, but I just made the decision that the time has come to let others take care of their place,” Schakowsky said.

There had been reports that she had been considering retirement.

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Schakowsky has held her seat in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District since 1998.

The Evanston resident has easily been reelected term after term. One of her opponents included JB Pritzker.

“She started out as a grassroots organizer, talking about dating products in the store so we knew that they were sick, and she has never lost that grassroots feeling. She keeps fighting for the consumers, for her constituents,” Jill Wine-Banks said.

In Congress, Schakowsky dedicates most of her efforts to issues related to health care and seniors.

Former Watergate prosecutor Wine-Banks is a constituent and close friend of Schakowsky’s. She says the congresswoman always understood her role that constituents come first.

“I’ve called as a constituent, and I not only got answered on the phone, I got my problem being taken care of,” Wine-Banks said.

In her 26 years in Congress, Schakowsky says she is most proud of her work in health care. She was instrumental in getting Obamacare passed. Schakowsky says she will continue to fight for progressive causes. She said she plans to spend her remaining year and half in Congress helping Democrats win the midterms and eventually beat President Donald Trump.

“I have worked with Republicans and Democrats throughout the time, never seen anything like this. So, we have to remember the values of the United States of America,” Schakowsky said.

While she has been a role model for younger women candidates, Schakowsky refused to mention any names of candidates to replace her. She said whoever runs, she will support them.

She released a statement Monday that said:

“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. 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. 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. I was able to pass consumer protection bills that have saved lives and protected Americans, especially our children, from dangerous products and improved auto safety. I worked hard to protect the well-being of seniors and their families, blocking Republican attempts to privatize Social Security and to improve Medicare and Medicaid by lowering prescription drug prices and expanding access to quality long-term care. I would not have been able to do any of this without the counsel of committed consumer advocates and the continued trust and support of our community.

“While these legislative wins are important, the most rewarding part of my job has always been engaging directly with constituents in the 9th District. Whether it be a school visit, attending a rally, touring a new small business, or speaking with fellow shoppers at my local Jewel, I have always prioritized and enjoyed meeting with constituents and providing constituent services. I am so proud that I have always had one of the best and most successful constituent service operations in the country. Whether solving problems with health insurers or Medicare, expediting a passport or immigration application, assisting small businesses, not-for-profits, and community colleges with funding requests, helping veterans get their benefits, cutting through red tape to solve Social Security and IRS problems, stopping deportations, and so much more, my team and I have worked diligently each day to advocate and deliver for our constituents.

“For my entire career, I have made it my mission to mentor and guide the next generation of leaders. In fact, when I talk with students, I do not ask them what they want to be when they grow up, I ask them what they want to do today to make a difference in this world. It is now time for me to pass the baton. 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.

“To the people of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, thank you for allowing me to be your voice in Congress. I have tried to serve you each and every day with the integrity, decency, and fire you deserve. It truly is the honor of a lifetime!

“To my staff, past and present, I could not have done this without you. Thank you for your dedication, sacrifices, expertise, and smiles. Together, through all those late nights and early mornings, we were able to make a difference. The 9th District of Illinois and our nation are healthier, stronger, and more prosperous because of our hard work.

“And to my family, thank you for going on this wild journey with me. I am looking forward to spending more family time together as I enter this new chapter of life. I love you.

“While I will miss serving the people of the 9th District in an elected capacity, I am not going anywhere. 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!”

Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement, “Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a fearless trailblazer and a tireless fighter for Illinois. Because of Jan’s leadership in Washington, working families from Illinois have had one of the strongest, reliable voices fighting for them. Jan has championed historic legislation on health care, women’s rights, gun safety, and more to support working families. MK and I are deeply grateful for her decades of service, and we wish Jan and Bob a joyful and well-deserved retirement.”

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said in a statement, “I commend Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on her decades of service to Illinois families. She fought hard for us in Washington and championed a future that works better for all. I congratulate her on a well-earned retirement and I wish nothing but joy for her and Robert as they welcome this new chapter. Jan delivered real change for Illinois – it’s time for us to carry her legacy forward.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement, “I want to thank U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky for her decades of dedicated service to the people of Illinois. Throughout her career, she was more than a voice for the progressive movement- she voted on what mattered and delivered real results to our city’s working people and families. I believe I speak on behalf of our nation when I express my gratitude for her fierce advocacy of women in Congress, fighting for their safety, security, and freedom. Our communities have been strengthened by her leadership, and the City wishes her all the best in this next chapter of her life.”

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly said in a statement, “For over 25 years, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a powerful advocate for her constituents and the people of Illinois. I’m incredibly grateful for her partnership in the Illinois Delegation and the Energy and Commerce Committee as we’ve fought together for access to high-quality healthcare. Congresswoman Schakowsky’s legacy, including her leadership in passing the Affordable Care Act, will continue to improve American lives. I wish her and her family all the best in a well-earned retirement.”

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said in a statement, “Throughout her career in public service, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a fearless champion for working families, women, and seniors, and a tireless advocate for justice. She has also been a dear friend and trusted colleague whose leadership will be deeply missed in Congress. Her legacy of principled service and progressive action has improved the lives of millions. I’m grateful to have worked alongside her, and I look forward to continuing that fight alongside her through the end of this term. I wish Jan and her family all the best in this next chapter.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley said in a statement in part, “It has been a privilege to serve in the House of Representatives alongside Congresswoman Schakowsky for sixteen years. She has always been a relentless champion for Chicagoland, and it has been deeply gratifying to partner with her to serve our city and state. I have been particularly grateful to work alongside her on the ALS Better Care Act, an issue that is close to my heart. When Congresswoman Schakowsky was first elected, all twenty of Illinois’ representatives in Congress were men. An indisputable part of her legacy is that the same is far from true today. She has been a tireless advocate for women’s rights, including helping increase the number of women in politics. On a personal level, I am honored to have earned her friendship. Her voice will be sorely missed in Congress.'”