Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jan Schakowsky

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2025

How Jan Schakowsky built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jan Schakowsky is a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 9th district, serving since 1999. A Democrat, she previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1991 to 1998. As a politician, she focuses on policies related to consumer protection, healthcare, and social justice. She is known for her progressive stance and advocacy on various issues.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1976: Program Director of Illinois Public Action

In 1976, Schakowsky became the Program Director of Illinois Public Action, the state's largest public interest group.

1985: Executive Director of Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens

In 1985, Schakowsky became the executive director of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens.

1986: Ran for Cook County Board of Commissioners

In 1986, Schakowsky ran for the Cook County Board of Commissioners from suburban Cook County, winning the primary but losing in the general election.

1990: Executive Director of Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens Ended

In 1990, Schakowsky's service as executive director of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens came to an end.

1991: Elected to Illinois House of Representatives

In 1991, Jan Schakowsky was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the fourth district.

1992: Explored Runs in Illinois's 9th Congressional District

In 1992, Schakowsky explored a run in Illinois's 9th congressional district, anticipating Sidney R. Yates' retirement.

1994: Explored Runs in Illinois's 9th Congressional District

In 1994, Schakowsky explored a run in Illinois's 9th congressional district, anticipating Sidney R. Yates' retirement.

1996: Explored Runs in Illinois's 9th Congressional District

In 1996, Schakowsky explored a run in Illinois's 9th congressional district, anticipating Sidney R. Yates' retirement.

1998: End of Service in Illinois Legislature

In 1998, Jan Schakowsky's service in the Illinois legislature came to an end.

1998: Faced Carroll and Pritzker in the primary

In 1998, Schakowsky faced then-Illinois state senator Howard W. Carroll and future Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker in the primary.

1999: U.S. Representative from Illinois's 9th congressional district

In 1999, Jan Schakowsky began serving as the U.S. Representative from Illinois's 9th congressional district, a position she has held since.

July 2006: Expressed Concern About Global Warming Report

In July 2006, during House hearings, Schakowsky voiced concern that a National Academy of Sciences report showing discrepancies among scientists studying global warming might be used to discredit the need for action on global warming.

February 7, 2007: Introduced Iraq and Afghanistan Contractor Sunshine Act

On February 7, 2007, Schakowsky introduced the Iraq and Afghanistan Contractor Sunshine Act (H.R. 897) in the House of Representatives, seeking information on federal agency contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan; however, the bill was not enacted.

April 2009: Criticized Tax Day Tea Party Protests

In April 2009, Schakowsky criticized the tax day Tea Party protests, deeming them a "shameful political stunt" to cheapen American history.

April 2009: Supported Public Option in Health Insurance

In April 2009, Schakowsky expressed support for a public option in health insurance, stating it would lead to single-payer health care.

2009: Identified as Progressive Member of Congress

In 2009, Schakowsky was identified by GovTrack as among the most progressive members of the 111th United States Congress and was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

March 2015: Did Not Attend Netanyahu's Speech to Congress

In March 2015, Schakowsky did not attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress, expressing concern it could harm negotiations with Iran in an article written in the Huffington Post.

December 2016: Elected Congressional Progressive Caucus' Vice Chair

In December 2016, Schakowsky was elected the Congressional Progressive Caucus' vice chair and liaison to the Democratic Party Seniors taskforce.

2017: Criticized Rex Tillerson's Policies

During the 2017 confirmation hearings of Rex Tillerson, Schakowsky criticized his support of policies that she alleged were detrimental to the future of Assyrian existence in Iraq.

2018: Spoke at Democratic Candidates' Forum

In 2018, Schakowsky spoke at the Democratic Candidates' Forums organized by Vote Assyrian.

August 7, 2020: Released Statement on Simele Massacre Anniversary

On August 7, 2020, Schakowsky released a statement recognizing the anniversary of the 1933 Simele massacre.

October 1, 2020: Co-signed Letter on Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

On October 1, 2020, Schakowsky co-signed a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemning Azerbaijan’s offensive operations against Nagorno-Karabakh, denouncing Turkey’s role, and calling for a ceasefire.

December 2020: Named Executive Board Member of Congressional Progressive Caucus

In December 2020, Schakowsky was named as an executive board member at-large of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

2020: Spoke at Democratic Candidates' Forum

In 2020, Schakowsky spoke at the Democratic Candidates' Forums organized by Vote Assyrian, calling Assyrians "one of the fastest-growing communities in terms of political involvement".

January 2023: Cosponsored Amendment to Lower Voting Age

In January 2023, Schakowsky cosponsored an amendment to the Constitution of the United States extending the right to vote to citizens 16 years of age or older.

2023: Voted in Favor of H.Con.Res. 21

In 2023, Schakowsky was among 56 Democrats who voted in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.

2023: Voted Against Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

In 2023, Schakowsky was among the 46 Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.

April 2024: Urged Reconsideration of Arms Shipments to Israeli Military

Following drone strikes on aid workers in April 2024, Schakowsky and other members of Congress urged President Joe Biden to reconsider planned arms shipments to the Israeli military.