Schakowsky kicks off potential House Dem retirement wave

• Schakowsky was one of eight House Democrats — most over 70 years old — facing a primary challenge from a younger insurgent.
• She is the first House member in either party to announce plans to retire who isn't running for higher office.

State of play: The 80-year-old progressive, who serves as House Democrats' chief deputy whip, has been facing a challenge from 26-year-old progressive Kat Abughazaleh.

• Schakowsky plans to make her announcement at a luncheon May 5, the House Democrats, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Axios.
• She said in a Wednesday afternoon post on X that she has "not made a decision about my plans for re-election — I will make that decision in the coming weeks and announce on May 5."
• Schakowsky and her office did not respond to requests for comment. Politico was first to report her plans to retire.

What to watch: While Abughazaleh is currently the only other candidate in the race, that could quickly change after Schakowsky formally announces her retirement.

• Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has been floated as a potential candidate for the seat, as has state Sen. Laura Fine.
• Bushra Amiwala, a 26-year-old local school board member, has also hinted at a possible bid for the seat.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.