RoundTable steps up with independent poll that shows Biss leads and significant undecided segment

Election season is upon us — which means polling season is upon us.

With data here, there and everywhere, conclusions can be difficult to draw, especially in a race with 15 candidates like the Congressional 9th District’s Democratic primary.

Seeing that most — if not all — of the race’s polling was connected to candidates, community newsroom Evanston RoundTable saw an opportunity to break through the noise and took it.

The nonprofit commissioned an independent poll in February, releasing an extensive report on its findings this week.

“With more than a dozen candidates and no independent data, voters were left relying on internal polls from the campaigns themselves,” said Tracy Quattrocki, the RoundTable’s executive editor. “We thought they deserved an independent picture, which is exactly the gap local journalism should fill.”

The poll, conducted Feb. 20-21 by Public Policy Polling, shows Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss (24%) holds a single-digit lead over newcomer and progressive journalist Kat Abughazaleh (17%) and State Sen. Laura Fine (16%). But a large segment of voters (22%) remain undecided, the poll shows.

The poll collected data from 501 district voters who are likely to vote in the Democratic primary. According to the RoundTable, participants were contacted via text-to-web messages and landline calls.

Following the three top candidates in the RoundTable poll are: Mike Simmons, a state senator (6%); Phil Andrew, a political newcomer and former FBI agent from Wilmette (5%); and Bushra Amiwala, a local School Board member in Skokie (4%). Six percent are voting for another candidate, the poll says.

Read the full report from the RoundTable by clicking below:

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.