Congressional Frontrunner Admits to ‘Ill-Advised’ Relationship with Former Student Hours Before Polls Open for Election Day

Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Illinois, has acknowledged an “ill-advised” romantic relationship dating back to 2004, just hours before voters head to the polls for the Democratic primary in Chicago’s 9th congressional district. This revelation comes at a critical time for Biss, who is currently a front-runner in the race.

The relationship in question was with Megan Wachspress, who was a 20-year-old student when Biss, then 26, was a mathematics instructor at the University of Chicago. Biss’s campaign confirmed the details shortly before polling began, responding to Wachspress’s recent disclosures about the nature of their relationship.

Through a Substack post and social media comments, Wachspress characterised the interaction as an “inappropriate romantic relationship” while suggesting that Biss had engaged in “grooming” behaviour. She expressed concern about the implications of Biss’s potential victory on future congressional staffers, pointing out that they might resemble her—young individuals drawn into an environment where their energy is directed towards maintaining an image of the elected official.

In an official statement, Biss’s campaign clarified that the two began dating only after Wachspress had completed the course. The campaign referred to the relationship as “ill-advised” and mentioned that it ended within a few weeks.

Wachspress further elaborated on her experiences with Biss, revealing that a few years ago they ended up on a Zoom call regarding her work on energy. She claimed that Biss later reached out via email, suggesting a desire to catch up. During their subsequent conversation, she indicated that Biss offered an ambiguous apology but quickly shifted the topic to more casual conversation.

Wachspress also shared that she had previously sent Biss an email linking to an essay about romantic relationships between professors and their students, but did not receive any response—a point of considerable disappointment for her.

While Biss has maintained a strong position in the upcoming primary, his campaign has not yet publicly addressed Wachspress’s statements or provided further clarification on the nature of their recent communications.

Biss has been a prominent figure in local politics, serving as Evanston’s mayor since 2021 and previously as a state legislator. His congressional campaign is marked by financial support from various political action committees, including those linked to pro-Israel advocacy groups, igniting discussions about the influence of such organisations on domestic elections.

Recent surveys posit Biss as the leading candidate among a crowded field, with 26-year-old Kat Abughazaleh—a first-time political candidate and notable Democratic influencer—as his closest competitor. Abughazaleh has garnered support from a range of progressive figures including several left-leaning Congresswomen and key former advisors to President Obama.

As candidates prepare to face voters, attention remains focused not only on Biss’s past but also on the shifting dynamics of the race. While he has received endorsements from influential figures such as Senator Elizabeth Warren, Abughazaleh’s campaign has yet to publicly comment on the allegations made by Wachspress.

As the electoral contest unfolds, both candidates will be keen to navigate the complexities of the primary while addressing the concerns raised by this recent revelation, which may influence voter sentiment in the tightly contested race. Voters in Illinois are set to play a significant role in determining the party’s nominee for the upcoming congressional election as polling day approaches.