Biss Announces Candidacy for 17th State Representative District of Illinois

August 27, 2009
Contact: Brendan O’Sullivan 773-218-4494
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EVANSTON—Daniel Biss on Thursday announced his candidacy for the 17th Legislative District of Illinois. Biss, a Democrat, ran a historic campaign for the seat in 2008 against entrenched six-term incumbent Elizabeth Coulson, a transformative candidacy that stunned insiders. Coulson has relinquished her seat to run for Congress.

“When I ran for State Representative in 2008, I based my campaign on a platform of political reform, support for our schools, and fiscal responsibility. These issues still call for creative solutions that will improve the lives of the citizens of Illinois,” Biss said.

Biss’s 2008 campaign attracted the attention and admiration of political observers from across the country. His campaign was particularly lauded for its grassroots outreach. Biss knocked on more than 20,000 doors throughout the district, engaged hundreds of new volunteers in the political process, and used innovative online and social media strategies.

“This campaign is an extension of my ongoing commitment to our community,” Biss said. “I fervently believe that our next State Representative must bring creative problem-solving skills to Springfield, skills which are backed up by a proven record of advocating for political reform.”

After Rod Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office, incoming Governor Pat Quinn asked Biss to serve as a policy advisor, focusing on transparency and ethical reform. Biss’s insights from inside state government have only intensified his desire to bring new leadership to Springfield to focus on these issues.

“That position has given me the opportunity to see from the inside the resistance to change that is inherent in our system—and in our legislature—and how big a difference a truly independent, reform-minded elected official can make,” Biss said.

Biss has been a teacher, university researcher, political organizer, and civically active community member. An experienced mathematician and teacher, he was until recently Assistant Professor of mathematics at The University of Chicago. He has also volunteered as a math teacher at the North Lawndale College Preparatory High School, a charter school on Chicago's west side aimed at readying at-risk youth for college. Daniel's commitment to excellence in education plays a defining role in his desire to make a difference for Illinois.

A seasoned grassroots organizer, Biss has coordinated political campaigns throughout the area. He was co-chair of the Illinois Committee of 100, head of the Illinois Kerry Travelers, and coordinated several state and local neighborhood campaigns. Through this work, Biss has helped thousands of dedicated Illinois citizens join the political process and act on their commitment to our democracy.

Biss is married to Karin Steinbrueck, a former Peace Corps volunteer who is currently working on her PhD in history at Northwestern University. Daniel and Karin live in Evanston with their one-year-old son Elliot. They are members of Temple Beth Israel in Skokie. Biss is President of the Democratic Party of Evanston and serves on the Boards of Directors of the Indo-American Democratic Organization and the Chicago branch of Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century. He has also served on the steering committee of Our Climate Matters (a global warming project sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wilmette), the Social Action Committee of Temple Beth Israel, and the Voice and Action Committee of the Young Professionals of Evanston.

Biss earned his doctorate from MIT and his undergraduate degree from Harvard University.

For more information about Daniel Biss or his campaign for State Representative, please visit DanielBiss.com.