Daniel Biss

Daniel Biss
Paul Goyette · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Daniel Biss
Birth date	1977-02-27
Birth place	Evanston, Illinois
Nationality	American
Alma mater	Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley
Occupation	Mathematician, Politician
Years active	2005–present
Spouse	Lauren Biss

Daniel Biss Daniel Biss is an American mathematician and politician who has served in the Illinois Senate and as Mayor of Evanston. He has been involved in state and local politics in Illinois, combining an academic background in topology with public service. Biss has run for statewide office and championed issues affecting Cook County and the Chicago metropolitan area.

Early life and education

Biss was born in Evanston, Illinois and attended local schools before matriculating at Harvard University, where he earned an undergraduate degree. He pursued graduate study at the University of California, Berkeley in mathematics, completing a doctorate under advisors in the field of algebraic topology. During his academic formation he interacted with scholars affiliated with institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Yale University, Stanford University, and international centers including University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and the École Normale Supérieure.

Academic and mathematical career

Biss worked as a professional mathematician with research concentrated in algebraic topology, contributing to topics relating to homotopy theory, category theory, and K-theory. He published papers and presented at conferences organized by the American Mathematical Society, Mathematical Association of America, and international bodies such as the International Congress of Mathematicians and the European Mathematical Society. His academic appointments included positions linked with departments at Northwestern University and collaborations with researchers from University of Chicago, Rutgers University, University of Michigan, Columbia University, and New York University. Biss's mathematical work connected to classical figures and results like Henri Poincaré, Emmy Noether, Henri Cartan, Jean-Pierre Serre, and modern developments influenced by Michael Atiyah and Graeme Segal.

Political career

Transitioning from academia, Biss entered electoral politics in Illinois. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives representing a district in Evanston and Skokie, winning elections against opponents associated with parties such as the Democratic Party and facing challengers who had ties to organizations like the Illinois Republican Party, Cook County Democratic Party, and advocacy groups including ACLU affiliates and labor unions like the AFL–CIO and SEIU. He later represented his constituency in the Illinois Senate, participating in legislative processes in the Illinois General Assembly, working alongside colleagues from districts including Chicago, Oak Park, Wilmette, and Glenview. Biss collaborated with state leaders such as Pat Quinn, J.B. Pritzker, Rahm Emanuel, Toni Preckwinkle, and municipal officials across Cook County and the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board covered his initiatives. As Mayor of Evanston he engaged with city councils, municipal departments, and regional partnerships like the Metropolitan Planning Council.

2018 Illinois gubernatorial campaign

Biss mounted a campaign for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Illinois in 2018, competing in a primary against candidates including J.B. Pritzker, Chris Kennedy, Daniel Hynes, and William J. Daley. The primary featured debates hosted by outlets such as WGN-TV, Chicago Sun-Times, and organizations like the League of Women Voters and State Farm Center forums. His platform addressed topics of statewide concern such as funding decisions impacted by the Illinois General Assembly, pension matters tied to the Illinois Pension System, and infrastructure projects like the O'Hare International Airport expansion and Illinois Department of Transportation investments. The campaign drew attention from media like The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Chicago Tribune, and engaged grassroots organizations including Indivisible, EMILY's List, and student groups at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Political positions and legislative record

In the Illinois Legislature, Biss sponsored and supported bills related to fiscal policy, social services, and municipal governance, often aligning with caucuses and coalitions connected to Progressive Caucus (Illinois General Assembly), labor groups like the Service Employees International Union, and reform advocates including Common Cause and Citizens United opponents. He advocated for measures addressing property tax concerns affecting Cook County homeowners, transparency reforms tied to procurement overseen by the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission, and policies affecting public education that intersected with districts like Evanston/Skokie School District 65 and the Chicago Public Schools system. Biss's legislative record includes votes and sponsorships on matters touching on public pensions, transportation funding for projects under the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra, and public health initiatives coordinated with entities such as the Illinois Department of Public Health and local hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Personal life and community involvement

Biss lives in Evanston, Illinois with his spouse and children and participates in local civic organizations, collaborating with neighborhood groups, faith-based institutions, and nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and local chapters of Rotary International. He has engaged with higher education communities at Northwestern University and pro bono advisory efforts involving municipal planning with entities like the Metra board and regional nonprofits including the Chicago Community Trust. Biss has appeared at cultural venues and events in the Chicago area such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and public forums at institutions like the Evanston Public Library.

Category:People from Evanston, Illinois Category:Illinois state senators Category:American mathematicians