Daniel Biss Biography
Daniel Biss is a prominent American mathematician and Democratic politician. He currently serves as Mayor of Evanston, Illinois and won the 2026 Democratic primary for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District. Born on August 27, 1977, in Akron, Ohio, Biss grew up in a family of musicians.
He earned a BA from Harvard University and a MA & Ph.D. in mathematics from MIT. Then, he taught at the University of Chicago before entering public life.
He was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2010. Afterwards, Biss served in the Illinois Senate from 2013 to 2019. He also ran for Governor of Illinois in 2018, but lost the Democratic nomination.
In 2021, Biss won the mayoral race in Evanston, where he championed progressive policies like reparations and ranked‑choice voting. Later, he announced a run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2025. Importantly, Biss won the 2026 Democratic primary in a competitive field of 15 candidates.
His campaign emphasized experience and progressive reform. Biss lives in Evanston with his wife Karin and their two children.
Daniel Biss Age
How old is Daniel Biss?
Daniel Biss was born on August 27, 1977, in Akron, Ohio, USA, making him 48 years old in 2026. He currently serves as Mayor of Evanston, Illinois and recently won the 2026 Democratic primary for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District. At 48, Biss combines decades of academic, legislative, and leadership experience, having previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate.
Daniel Biss Height
How tall is Daniel Biss?
Daniel Biss’s exact height is not publicly known, but he carries a confident and commanding presence. As Mayor of Evanston, Illinois, and a former state legislator, his influence comes from leadership, experience, and public service, not physical stature. His policies and achievements define his profile more than height.
Daniel Biss Wife | Spouse
Daniel Biss is married to Karin Steinbrueck, who supports his public service. Together they live in Evanston, Illinois. Karin is a former Peace Corps volunteer and teaches humanities and social science at a university. The couple share two children, and they raise their family in their community. Karin often attends events with Daniel, showing strong support for his leadership and political career. Their partnership extends beyond family life into shared values of education and civic engagement, strengthening Daniel’s public image and community impact. Their life together reflects commitment to both family and service.
Daniel Biss Children | Kids
Daniel Biss and his wife Karin have two children, showing strong family roots. Their kids, named Arya and Theodore, attend school and grow up in Evanston, Illinois. They often join their parents at community events, blending family life with civic engagement. Biss talks about his children with pride, emphasizing how parenting shapes his views on education and public service. His family life adds a relatable dimension to his profile as Mayor of Evanston and a political leader. Together, they balance work, community involvement, and raising two active young children.
Daniel Biss Education: Harvard & MIT Academic Journey
Daniel Biss earned his Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, graduating summa cum laude in mathematics. Then he pursued advanced study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he completed both his Master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics. After finishing his Ph.D., he joined the mathematics faculty at the University of Chicago as a professor. His strong academic foundation shaped both his analytical skills and leadership approach in public service. Biss applies his education to policy, civic leadership, and community problem‑solving as Mayor of Evanston, Illinois, and a congressional candidate.
Daniel Biss Parents: Musical Roots and Family Background
Daniel Biss grew up in a family of accomplished musicians, shaping his early life. His father, Paul Biss, is a respected violinist and teacher. His mother, Miriam Fried, is an internationally known violinist. They both performed and taught music professionally. Additionally, Daniel’s brother Jonathan Biss is a professional pianist. Their musical upbringing supported creativity and discipline, although Daniel chose mathematics and politics instead. These family influences helped form his values of learning, culture, and public contribution. His parents’ artistic legacy remains a defining part of his biography and background.
Daniel Biss Siblings
Daniel Biss has one well‑known sibling, his brother Jonathan Biss, a celebrated American pianist and teacher.
Jonathan’s music career highlights include world tours and leadership roles in classical festivals. Their shared upbringing in a family of professional musicians influenced both brothers’ paths, even though Daniel chose politics and mathematics. Together they represent a blend of artistic and academic achievement within the Biss family, enhancing public interest in their personal backgrounds.
Daniel Biss Religion
Daniel Biss identifies with the Jewish faith and heritage and embraces cultural identity. He grew up in a Jewish family of musicians, shaping his early worldview. Although he does not strictly follow many religious rituals, Biss still values his Jewish background and its moral teachings. He often speaks about ethics, community, and moral purpose in politics, drawing on his heritage for guidance. Additionally, he has discussed how his upbringing gave him a strong sense of identity without rigid observance. Overall, Judaism informs his values and civic engagement.
Daniel Biss Democratic Party Leadership
Daniel Biss is a member of the Democratic Party, shaping his political identity and policy goals. He built his career within the Democratic Party as a state representative and senator in Illinois before becoming Mayor of Evanston, Illinois. In 2026, he won the Democratic primary for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District, reinforcing his role in the party. Biss champions progressive Democratic policies, including social justice, campaign reform, and community engagement. His party affiliation helps define his legislative priorities and appeals to Democratic voters across his district, boosting his profile as a leading candidate.
Daniel Biss Election Win in Illinois 9th Congressional District
Daniel Biss won the 2026 Democratic primary in Illinois’s 9th Congressional District, defeating a field of 15 Democratic candidates. He captured roughly 29.5% of the vote, placing ahead of journalist Kat Abughazaleh and state senator Laura Fine. This victory came after long‑time incumbent Jan Schakowsky retired from the seat. Also, Biss leveraged his experience as Mayor of Evanston and former Illinois legislator in his campaign.
His win positions him as the likely Democratic nominee for the general election in this traditionally Democratic‑leaning district.
Daniel Biss and AIPAC: 2026 Illinois Primary Campaign Dynamics
Daniel Biss has been involved in debate over the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) during his Illinois 9th Congressional District campaign. In the 2026 Democratic primary, outside spending from AIPAC‑linked super PACs sparked controversy. Biss criticized opponents for being “bankrolled by AIPAC,” saying AIPAC’s pro‑Israel approach conflicted with his progressive values. Also, he emphasized that he would not accept AIPAC funding to avoid compromising his policy positions. Instead, Biss defined his stance on U.S.–Israel policy as nuanced, supporting a strong U.S.–Israel relationship but calling for different approaches to peace and diplomacy. Overall, AIPAC’s influence became a significant issue that shaped voter discussion and campaign strategy.
Daniel Biss Net Worth
Daniel Biss’s net worth is estimated to be modest, reflecting his career in academia and politics. His earnings come from teaching, serving as a state legislator, and his role as Mayor of Evanston, Illinois. Unlike some politicians, Biss focuses on public service over wealth accumulation.
