Sam Polan

Sam Polan (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 9th Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Sam is a Wilmette native and Special Operations Veteran who deployed to the Middle East three times and rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. He served first with Army Air Defense, before passing one of the military’s most demanding selection processes to become an Airborne-qualified Special Operations Civil Affairs Officer. In Sam’s new role, he learned Arabic and completed multiple deployments with SEAL teams as part of a Joint Special Warfare task force.

“I’m running for Congress because I am deeply concerned about the direction this country is headed under the Trump Administration and the failures of our current national Democratic leadership,” said Polan. “More than deeply concerned… I’m angry. I learned early on you don’t leave problems for other people. I don’t know how to bury my head in the sand, or how to sit idly by when Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans threaten our very democracy and all the institutions we hold dear, that I was driven to defend in uniform.”

“We are at an inflection point where our Democratic leaders have also failed us… failed to stop the Trump attacks, failed to put up candidates with fresh ideas that excite voters, and failed to provide a clear vision. Democrats need to WIN again. We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We need a new generation of leadership that brings not only fresh ideas, but the life experience and ability to get things done.”

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Defend the Constitution and the rule of lawRestore and defend civil libertiesBuilding an equitable path to the American Dream

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Expanding healthcare access, protecting the rule of law, restoring civil liberties, codifying abortion and marriage equality rights in the constitution, rebuilding the Democratic party from the ground up, and stopping Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity and vision.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The most impactful historical event that I remember was September 11, 2001. The following day I committed to joining the military.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Working at the family business.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I consider the greatest honor to be the challenge coin bestowed upon me by my Soldiers in acknowledgment of my leadership.