(DCNF)—Democratic candidates Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh appeared to cozy up to each other and enjoy drinks at a historic Chicago cocktail bar, less than a month before they are set to face each other in a heated House primary.
Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Illinois, and Abughazaleh, a prominent left-wing social media influencer, are both running in Illinois’ 9th congressional district, which will hold its crowded Democratic primary on March 17 to replace retiring longtime Democratic Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky, 81. Both were spotted next to each other at Uptown Chicago’s Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, photos from multiple accounts posted to X on Thursday show.
The photos depict Biss, who is married with two children, seated closely next to Abughazaleh, more than 20 years his junior, in a booth at the century-old bar, with what appeared to be multiple alcoholic drinks on the table.
In one photo, Biss is seen smiling and holding up a glass in the direction of the Abughazaleh. Another shows the mayor tilting his head toward the influencer with just inches separating the two Democrats.
When asked for comment, Biss’ campaign referred the Daily Caller News Foundation to Axios reporter Justin Kaufmann’s X post.
“Ha! These photos were taken about 20 minutes after the 9th Congressional Democratic Primary debate ended (which I moderated),” Kaufmann wrote. “That’s me (the bald guy on the other side). Yes, it was cozy. Have you ever sat in a #GreenMill booth?”
Kaufmann ended the post by saying, “There is nothing inappropriate going on. Jeez.”
Abughazaleh’s campaign, Fine’s campaign and The Green Mill did not respond to the DCNF’s requests for comment.
Recent polling shows Biss in the lead with Abughazaleh in either second or third place amid a chaotic field of 15 Democratic candidates. A February Impact Research poll sponsored by Biss’ campaign showed the Evanston mayor leading with 31% of the vote and Abughazaleh and Democratic Illinois State Sen. Laura Fine tied with 18%. A January GBAO Strategies poll showed Biss and Fine tied with 21% and Abughazaleh with 14% of the vote.
Abughazaleh declared her House candidacy just over a month before Schakowsky announced she would not be seeking reelection. Biss entered the race after Schakowsky’s decision.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by 37 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election and it was last represented by a Republican in 1949.
Both Abughazaleh and Biss are running as “progressive” Democrats and have both made their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a centerpiece of their campaigns.
Abughazaleh made headlines after a grand jury indicted her and five others for allegedly blocking law enforcement vehicles outside an ICE facility in September 2025. The influencer also abruptly ended an interview with journalist Tara Palmeri in October after Palmeri played a video of the Gen Z candidate banging on a federal law enforcement vehicle during the incident.
Biss, meanwhile, told CNN in September 2025 that when ICE comes to his city, he gets “a text.”
“I’m able to go immediately to the location, share rights that individuals have with them, and inform them of their rights. Videotape, bear witness, hold ICE officials accountable,” the mayor told CNN’s Erin Burnett at the time.
Biss received the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC over Abughazaleh in November 2025.
Before running for office, Abughazaleh notably worked as a video content creator with left-wing media organization Media Matters for America. The 26-year-old House hopeful also came under scrutiny in January after she blamed her narcolepsy, a medical condition that causes “sleep attacks,” for failing to show up to a candidate forum hosted by a chapter of the leftist group Indivisible.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.