Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), a Jewish member of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced on Monday that she will not seek re-election after serving for 25 years. Schakowsky, who represents Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, made the announcement with gratitude for her constituents. She stated that her decision marks the end of her long tenure in Congress, where she has been a prominent advocate for various causes, including those related to her Jewish identity and Democratic values.
Retirement Announcement and Legacy
Rep. Schakowsky, who has represented the 9th District of Illinois since 1999, shared her decision not to seek re-election at the end of her current term. In a heartfelt statement, Schakowsky expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve her district, which she called her lifelong home. She described her time in office as a “distinct honor and privilege.”
Schakowsky’s service was praised by the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA). The JDCA commended Schakowsky as an incredible representative and a strong advocate for Jewish and Democratic values. They stated that she would be dearly missed in the House of Representatives.
A Record of Controversy on Israel
Throughout her time in Congress, Schakowsky was known for her outspoken views on various political matters, including her stance on Israel. While she is Jewish, Schakowsky has often faced criticism from pro-Israel groups for her positions. Commentary magazine editor John Podhoretz described her as the Jewish Democrat in the House most unfriendly to Israel.
Schakowsky’s relationship with Israel has been controversial, particularly due to her support for Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.). Schakowsky called Omar a “proud friend” and opposed her removal from the House Foreign Affairs Committee following anti-Israel comments made by Omar. Schakowsky also skipped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress in July 2024.
Schakowsky’s stance on Israel was also apparent in her actions following the October 7, 2023, attack on Gaza. Less than a week after the attack, Schakowsky was one of 55 members of Congress who urged President Joe Biden to provide aid to Gazans. In February 2024, she was among 25 Democrats who expressed concern to Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the safety of civilians in Gaza, including journalists.
Criticism of U.S. Policies
Over the years, Schakowsky has consistently criticized U.S. policies related to Israel. A year ago, she voiced her disapproval of the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which she said “does absolutely nothing to counter antisemitism” and was merely a political move by Republicans. She argued that the Act was an attempt to create divisions between Jewish and Democratic communities.
Schakowsky also criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to deport an anti-Israel activist, describing it as a violation of both immigration law and the First Amendment. She believed that such actions would make Jewish communities less safe.
Advocacy for Palestinian Rights
Schakowsky has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, often drawing attention to the struggles of the Palestinian people. In 2023, she described herself as one of the “most outspoken voices for justice for the Palestinians.” Her stance on Palestinian issues and her criticism of Israel’s government led to tensions with some of her colleagues. However, she has remained steadfast in her position, advocating for what she believes to be a just cause.
Support for Jewish Communities
Despite her criticism of Israel, Schakowsky has also been a strong advocate for Jewish communities in the United States. In 2023, she called for an investigation into a shooting incident in Chicago, where a visibly Orthodox Jewish man was attacked while walking to synagogue. Schakowsky praised local police for their response to the incident and continued to push for better protection of Jewish communities across the country.
Retirement Amid Political Change
Schakowsky’s retirement comes just days after the announcement by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) that he will not seek re-election. Durbin, the longest-serving senator in Illinois history, has had a mixed voting record on Israel, similar to Schakowsky’s complex stance. With both Schakowsky and Durbin stepping down, Illinois politics may experience significant shifts in the coming years.
