Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old social media influencer and liberal commentator, is challenging the U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 9th District. The challenge is a genuine one to long-time Democratic incumbent Jan Schakowsky, who has held the district since 1999. Abughazaleh’s candidacy is a response to her outrage with the Democratic Party’s reaction to the issues of the day, namely its perceived lack of energy when standing up to the likes of Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Abughazaleh, who has become famous for her blistering political tirades on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, has built a name for herself denouncing media bias and right-wing ideologies. Her campaign is unprecedented in its grassroots appeal, as she is refusing corporate contributions and is instead organizing around community participation. In a novel campaign strategy, her first rally encouraged participants to bring in donations of menstrual products for local mutual aid collectives rather than monetary donations.
Despite the fact that she does not live in the district and is new to politics, Abughazaleh is committed to making a difference. She demands that she has representatives who are fresh faces in economic hardship, such as outrageous prescription costs and increases in rent. Her policy issues are affordable housing, access to healthcare, and improved public transportation. Abughazaleh also supports more general social causes, including greater protection of LGBTQ+ citizens, the Green New Deal, raising the pay of public school teachers, and raising Social Security.
Abughazaleh’s political history is a mix of influences. Her Palestinian immigrant father and Republican grandmother, who was a high-ranking GOP operative, are both influential figures in her life. Her political leanings, however, shifted left during her college years. She was a video producer at Media Matters before she ran for office, where she gained notoriety for cracking the code of Fox News propaganda. She quit Media Matters after the company was involved in a lawsuit with Elon Musk and had layoffs.
Abughazaleh’s campaign kick-off was in the style of an outsider, penning in capital letters to express how upset she was with the Democratic Party leadership. She criticized Democrats for not standing up to Trump and Musk more forcefully and asserted that they must “grow a f**king spine.” This is a demonstration of her determination to upset the apple cart and attempt to obtain better, tougher leadership in the party.
Schakowsky, the incumbent, is a reliably progressive voter and a vocal anti-Iraq War voice and proponent of a public health plan. But Abughazaleh argues that despite Schakowsky’s progressive bona fides, she feels new leadership that is more attuned to the concerns of younger generations is what is necessary.
Abughazaleh’s campaign fits into a broader trend for progressives to reshape the Democratic Party from within. Her campaign highlights growing frustration among grassroots organizers who feel that elected Democrats are not standing up strongly enough against Trump and other conservative leaders. Despite the challenges ahead of her, including her lack of political experience and financial difficulties, Abughazaleh remains committed to her vision for a more equitable society where all people have the ability to afford such necessities as a home, health care, and sustenance.
