Laura Fine

Early life and education

Fine grew up in Glenview and graduated from Glenbrook South High School. She then graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in telecommunications in 1985. After graduation, she produced, wrote, reported and anchored news shows. Fine received a master's degree in political science from Northeastern Illinois University, where she later taught courses in American Government and the Constitution.

Political career

Fine previously represented the 17th district of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019 and as Northfield Township Clerk from 2009 to 2013.

On July 28, 2017, Fine announced her intention to run for the senate seat being vacated by Daniel Biss. After running unopposed in the primary, Fine won the 2018 general election. She took office on January 6, 2019, finishing out the remaining days of Biss' Senate term before starting her own on January 9.

As of May 2025, Senator Fine is a member of the following Illinois Senate committees:

• Behavioral and Mental Health- Chair
• Insurance- Vice Chair
• Environment and Conservation
• Health and Human Services
• Judiciary
• Public Health
• Worker's Compensation

2026 congressional campaign

Main article: 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Illinois#District 9

On May 6, 2025, Fine announced that she would run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois's 9th congressional district, seeking to succeed retiring incumbent Jan Schakowsky. The field also includes her State Senator predecessor, Daniel Biss, journalist and social media influencer Kat Abughazaleh, high school educator David Abrevaya, and former FBI agent Phil Andrew.

Fine said she wants to continue Schakowsky's "legacy... as a steadfast progressive representative" and to fight Donald Trump's economic policies. Jewish Insider described her political platform as being more strongly "pro-Israel" than those of several opponents, and also described her as taking a more rigidly "pro-Israel" position than Schakowsky had. The outlet also reported that she had taken large donations from AIPAC and backed continued military aid to Israel which has been opposed by some House Democrats, including Schakowsky. Fine publicly distanced herself from AIPAC and said she would not seek its endorsement. Regardless, AIPAC directed its regular donors to donate to Fine in an individual capacity, giving about half of her fundraising amount as of September 2025. In December 2025, AIPAC board president Michael Tuchin held a private fundraiser for Fine in Los Angeles.

Personal life

Fine and her husband, Michael, have two sons. Fine is Jewish.

References

References

1. (January 16, 2012). "About Laura".
2. Robb, Tom. (January 9, 2013). "Biss Fine Take Oath One Day Early".
3. Miller, Rich. (July 28, 2017). "Rep. Fine to run for Biss seat". [[Capitol Fax]].
4. (January 7, 2019). "Fine sworn in as State Senator". Illinois Senate Democrats.
5. "Senator Committees". Illinois General Assembly.
6. (May 6, 2025). "Glenview state Sen. Laura Fine joins race to replace US Rep. Jan Schakowsky". Chicago Tribune.
7. Harrison, Alex. (May 7, 2025). "Schakowsky's exit ignites race for 9th Congressional District".
8. Lacy, Akela. (2025-12-16). "AIPAC Head Hosts Fundraiser for House Candidate Who Swears AIPAC Isn't Backing Her".
9. "Representative Biography". Illinois General Assembly.
10. (May 6, 2025). "Schakowsky retirement sets up Illinois Democratic primary battle over Mideast policy". Jewish Insider.