Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old progressive influencer and former Media Matters staffer, has announced her candidacy for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, challenging long-serving Representative Jan Schakowsky. Known for her political commentary, Abughazaleh aims to introduce fresh energy into the Democratic Party and advocate for more assertive opposition to right-wing agendas.
Who is Kat Abughazaleh
Abughazaleh’s background is rooted in media analysis and political critique. At Media Matters for America, she scrutinized conservative media narratives, particularly those propagated by Fox News. Her TikTok account, boasting over 200,000 followers, features satirical videos that dissect political media content.
Raised by a Palestinian immigrant father and a seventh-generation Texan mother in Dallas, Texas, Abughazaleh experienced a political transformation during her high school years in Tucson, Arizona. Abughazaleh witnessed the challenges faced by low-income and undocumented students, and this shifted her views toward progressive ideals. Abughazaleh later attended George Washington University, earning a degree in international security and journalism in 2020.
Abughazaleh’s campaign
In a campaign announcement, Abughazaleh criticized the Democratic Party for its perceived lack of assertiveness against right-wing influences, stating that Democrats need to “grow a f*cking spine.” Abughazaleh emphasizes the need for leadership that understands the current economic and social realities, particularly those affecting younger generations who have struggled to build wealth comparable to previous ones.
Abughazaleh’s campaign focuses on grassroots engagement, rejecting corporate donations in favor of community-based support. Abughazaleh plans to host free public events and collaborate with local businesses and mutual aid groups to foster direct voter interaction.
Abughazaleh’s candidacy reflects a broader trend of progressive activists seeking to challenge established Democratic incumbents, driven by a desire for more robust opposition to conservative agendas. As the 2026 election approaches, Abughazaleh’s campaign will test the progressive policies within the district.