Illinois Politician Admits to Dating a Former Student

An Illinois mayor running for Congress is facing a fresh wave of controversy after a former student accused him of having an inappropriate relationship while he was teaching at the University of Chicago.

The allegation surfaced Monday, March 16 — just hours before the Democratic primary in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District.

Megan Wachspress, now a professor, posted on Bluesky claiming Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss had a romantic relationship with her when she was an undergraduate student in his class.

“If he’s going to get a national profile on the strength of a younger woman’s campaign, I’m going to come out and say it… Biss had an inappropriate romantic relationship with one of his undergraduate students. I was that student,” she wrote.

Wachspress later expanded on her account in a Substack post, describing what she says was a blurred line between professor and student. She claimed Biss fostered a close connection while she was enrolled, sending lengthy emails unrelated to coursework and spending extended time with her during office hours.

According to Wachspress, after the quarter ended, Biss emailed her to meet up “socially.” She said they went on a few dates before he ended things.

After the post went public, Biss’ campaign confirmed the two met in 2004 when he taught at the University of Chicago.

Biss was 26 at the time, and Wachspress was 20.

“After the course ended, Daniel and Dr. Wachspress went on a handful of dates over the course of a few weeks,” a campaign spokesperson said in a statement. “Daniel realized then, as he does now, that it was ill-advised, and he ended it.”

Wachspress also said Biss apologized to her years later — but she claims the situation left a lasting impact, including influencing her decision not to pursue a career in math.

“I was so, so ashamed,” she wrote, describing feeling desperate for credibility in a male-dominated academic environment while carrying the weight of what happened.

She added that the intensity of the IL-09 race — and the fact that she is now a professor herself — made staying silent feel impossible.

“To want someone who wants to learn from you is to want someone for their powerlessness,” Wachspress wrote. “Much later than I should, I realized this was my last chance, and I said something.”

Despite the resurfaced claims, Biss went on to win the Democratic primary in a crowded field of 15 candidates.

He is set to face Republican John Elleson in the general election on November 3.