Biss takes on ICE in new congressional campaign commercial

In Illinois’ most-crowded congressional race, Democrat Daniel Biss has become the latest candidate to bring his message to TV sets across the 9th District.

The 30-second spot, released Tuesday, is running on cable stations, streaming services and digital platforms. It also can be found on YouTube.

The ad, dubbed “Biss vs. ICE,” focuses on Biss’ active resistance to federal immigration enforcement efforts in Evanston, where he’s mayor, and across the Chicago area. It mixes news footage with video of Biss speaking directly to viewers.

Biss has participated in protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview and was teargassed by federal agents there. He also had a much-publicized, face-to-face confrontation last month with U.S. Border Patrol leader Gregory Bovino in Evanston.

“I took action, protected our community and proved we can fight back against ICE,” Biss says in the commercial. “And that’s how I’ll show up in Congress. With more than talk, with the courage to fight — and win.”

A Biss spokesperson declined to say how much the ad time is costing the campaign.

Biss is among 17 people running for the Democratic nomination in the 9th District. Others include former internet personality Kat Abughazaleh of Chicago; state Sens. Laura Fine of Glenview and Mike Simmons of Chicago; and state Rep. Hoan Huynh of Chicago.

Biss’ ad joins spots by Abughazaleh and Fine on Chicago-area TV.

Four Republicans also are running in the March 17 primary. Early voting starts Feb. 12.

Incumbent Democrat Jan Schakowsky isn’t seeking reelection to the post she’s held since 1999. She recently endorsed Biss as her successor.

In addition to the TV ad, the Biss campaign this week released a 15-second ad for digital services that touts Schakowsky’s endorsement and features the veteran congresswoman. It can be viewed on YouTube, too.

Biss and Abughazaleh have been the financial front-runners in the race, with each having raised more than $1 million in campaign contributions as of Sept. 30, the most recent available data shows. Fine was well off that mark with less than $661,000 raised at that point, documents show.

Reports covering congressional candidates’ fourth-quarter transactions are due Jan. 31.

The 9th District includes parts of Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.

Fine releases second ad

Not to be outdone, Fine this week released her second TV commercial of the campaign cycle.

Called “Biggest,” it touts her legislative battles against insurance companies, federal immigration agents and corporate polluters, as well as her support of gun control and abortion rights.

Fine has served in the state Senate since 2019, after time in the state House.

Fine was the first candidate in the 9th District race to buy ad time on broadcast channels. Abughazaleh released a spot on less-costly cable TV in December.

Fine’s commercials are part of a six-figure ad-time buy, a campaign spokesperson said. The airtime for Abughazaleh’s spot also was in the six-figure range, her campaign said.

• Political Roundabout is an occasional column on campaign, legislative and political news with a suburban focus.