Democratic Candidates Enjoy Drinks Ahead of Upcoming Primary

Democratic hopefuls Daniel Biss and Kat Abu-Ghazaleh were recently spotted enjoying each other’s company at a classic cocktail bar in Chicago, just weeks before their fierce House primary battle.

Biss, currently the mayor of Evanston, and Abu-Ghazaleh, a well-known left-leaning social media figure, are both vying for the 9th Congressional District in Illinois. The Democratic primary is set for March 17, aiming to fill the seat of retiring Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. They were seen together at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, a venue rich with history.

A photo captured them in a booth with what appeared to be glasses of alcohol on the table. Biss, who has a wife and two kids, sat next to Abu-Ghazaleh, who is over two decades younger than him.

A tweet highlighted their cozy gathering, featuring an observation about their dynamic: “I’ve never seen two opponents in a Congressional race look at each other the way Daniel looks at Kat,” teasing the unfolding campaign season.

Additional photos showcased Biss smiling and toasting towards Abu-Ghazaleh while the two sat uncomfortably close, almost sharing personal space.

When reporters sought insight, Biss’ campaign pointed to a Twitter post by Justin Kaufman, who moderated their recent debate. He noted that the candid moments were taken shortly after the debate concluded, labeling the atmosphere as “comfortable.” Kaufman playfully dismissed any suggestions of inappropriate behavior.

While neither Abu-Ghazaleh’s nor Fine’s camp provided comments, recent polls indicate a competitive Democratic field. Currently, Biss is leading with around 31% support, with Abu-Ghazaleh and another candidate closely trailing at around 18% each.

Interestingly, Abu-Ghazaleh had announced her candidacy just before Schakowsky revealed she wouldn’t run again, while Biss joined the race shortly after that decision.

The district has traditionally leaned Democratic, having only been held by a Republican once since 1949. Both candidates are campaigning on progressive platforms but have emphasized their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Abu-Ghazaleh recently garnered attention due to legal issues involving allegations of interfering with law enforcement at an ICE facility. Meanwhile, Biss has expressed his advocacy for immigrant rights in response to ICE operations within the city.

Before entering politics, Abu-Ghazaleh was known for her work in video production for left-centric media organizations. She faced scrutiny after she attributed a missed candidate forum to her narcolepsy, adding a human touch to her public persona.