Another 9th Congressional District candidate turns to TV

Another Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District seat has turned to television to promote his campaign.

The 30-second ad from Wilmette resident and former FBI agent Phil Andrew is called “Crisis-Tested.” Starting with video of Andrew speaking directly to viewers, it highlights his professional and personal leadership during emergencies as well as his activism against gun violence.

The former FBI counterterrorism expert and hostage negotiator was among the people shot by Laurie Dann in 1988; Dann’s North Shore crime spree included a deadly school shooting, poisonings at Northwestern University and a confrontation with police at the Andrew home that ended with Dann’s suicide.

The ad was scheduled to debut Tuesday on streaming and digital services, the campaign said. It also can be viewed on YouTube.

The commercial required a six-figure airtime purchase, a spokesperson said.

Sixteen candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination in the 9th District, which includes parts of Cook, Lake and McHenry counties. Four Republicans are running, too.

The incumbent, veteran Democratic U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston, isn’t seeking reelection.

Andrew, who unsuccessfully ran for the state House in 1994, is the fourth 9th District candidate to buy TV time. Kat Abughazaleh got on cable first in December, followed by Laura Fine on broadcast channels earlier this month and Daniel Biss on cable last week.

Andrew’s campaign had raised about $726,000 — including a $200,000 loan from the candidate — by the end of 2025’s third quarter, according to the most recently filed finance reports. Year-end reports from federal candidates are due Jan. 31 and will be viewable at fec.gov.

The primary election is March 17. Early voting starts Feb. 12.

McDonnell runs again

North Barrington Village President Eleanor Sweet McDonnell this week announced she’ll run for a seat on the Lake County Board as a write-in candidate.

McDonnell’s bid for the 17th District seat follows incumbent Michael Danforth’s withdrawal from the race last month. Danforth, of Fox River Grove, has endorsed Joe Salvi of Barrington.

McDonnell has served as village president since 2019. She ran for the county board in 2018, losing to Danforth in a three-way Republican primary.

The 17th District is in southwestern Lake County. Mary Mesa of Lake Barrington is the lone Democratic candidate.

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