Former Evanston Democratic Mayor Steve Hagerty, who led through COVID-19, today announced his endorsement of Phil Andrew for Congress in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, citing Andrew’s courage, life experience, and proven ability to lead and protect others during moments of profound uncertainty.

Steve Kerr, nine-time NBA champion, Golden State Warriors head coach, and beloved member of the Chicago Bulls' three-peat championship team, has endorsed Phil Andrew for Congress in Illinois' 9th District. The endorsement is rooted in a profound connection: each has been directly impacted by gun violence and has dedicated themselves to preventing others from experiencing the same tragedy.

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (known as Anne), Board Chair of the Roosevelt Institute, granddaughter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt today announced her support of Democrat Phil Andrew in the crowded race for the (IL-9) Congressional District saying Andrew is the right leader for these times.

Addressing voters at the Democrats of Northfield Township’s candidate endorsement session on Sunday afternoon, Phil Andrew, candidate for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, said that just days earlier, he had been denied the opportunity to present his qualifications to the group and formally seek its endorsement.

Two weeks after halting his bid for U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s 9th Congressional District seat and a week after saying he would resume a campaign schedule, entrepreneur Bruce Leon has formally withdrawn and endorsed a rival candidate. Leon, a Democratic ward committeeperson in Chicago, is backing Phil Andrew, a Wilmette resident and former FBI agent.

After filing paperwork this morning to officially remove his name from the March 17 primary ballot as a candidate for the Illinois 9th Congressional District, Bruce Leon, 50th Ward Committeeman and entrepreneur, endorsed Phil Andrew, gun violence survivor and former FBI Hostage Negotiator.

Long-shot congressional candidate Bruce Leon, who has said the influential pro-Israel lobbying organization AIPAC pressured him into dropping out of the race for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, officially filed paperwork Tuesday to remove his name from the ballot and endorsed Phil Andrew, a former FBI agent.

Providence, RI: "This community and those that are affected have a long journey ahead of them in dealing with this trauma." Speaking as a former FBI agent and a survivor of gun violence, Phil commented on the possible indicators of personal crisis experienced by the shooter prior to their planned attack, as well as the long journey of recovery that lies ahead for the shooting's survivors and their loved ones.

As the holiday season approaches and the year winds down, Phil has accelerated his outreach efforts across the area. Over the past two weeks, Andrew has made a series of community-focused appearances aimed at listening, connecting, and elevating the priorities of the people he hopes to serve in Congress.

At the Chicago Jewish Alliance Candidate Forum, Phil Andrew stood out by sharing his story as a gun violence survivor, former FBI hostage negotiator, and longtime advocate for public safety. Phil emphasized his commitment to building trust, strengthening community resilience, and bringing pragmatic, values‑driven leadership to Congress on behalf of Illinois’ 9th District.

In an impressive display of momentum, Phil Andrew filed almost 4,000 petition signatures, as the next step to securing his place on the March 2026 Ballot and the opportunity to represent Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. 

Phil Andrew joined fellow candidates at the Citizen Action Illinois forum in Skokie to share his vision for public safety, healthcare, and peace-building.

Wilmette, IL: Last week, Phil Andrew, candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 9th district, proudly received an endorsement from Brady PAC, a renowned political organization dedicated to ending gun violence and an influential voice in the fight for gun safety.

Chicago, IL: Since announcing his bid for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District on July 8th, Phil Andrew has raised over $725,000. A Wilmette native, Phil has inspired hope and excitement from supporters across the state, with nearly 70% of his support coming from Illinoisans ready for change in Washington. 

"Violence has long-lasting traumatic effects. Returning hostages and their families are just beginning their journeys." Phil spoke to WGN as a former FBI hostage negotiator and conflict resolution expert on the emotional and physical impacts of trauma Israeli hostages are expected to face following their return to their families.