US EditionProgressive influencer launches bid to unseat House Democrat
- On Monday, March 24, 2025, Katherine "Kat" Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old former Media Matters journalist-turned-commentator known for her social media takedowns of the far right, announced her candidacy for the U.S. Congress representing Illinois' 9th district.
- Abughazaleh, who was recently laid off from Media Matters after Musk's lawsuit led to a dozen layoffs, is challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who has held the seat since 1999 and is currently 80 years old.
- Running on a platform focused on anti-authoritarianism, basic existence, and climate change, Abughazaleh hopes to bring newer, younger representation to Congress, aiming to be the second Palestinian American woman and youngest woman ever elected, as she believes voters need representatives who understand their economic struggles and are willing to fight for new solutions.
- Abughazaleh criticized the Democratic Party's lack of urgency in addressing authoritarianism and prioritizing big donors over constituents, stating, "We need a makeover, which means we need a vision that's bigger than what we've been told is possible" and "It's time to drop the excuses and grow a fucking spine."
- Abughazaleh's campaign, powered by grassroots supporters with an average contribution of $45, raised over $100,000 in its first seven hours, signaling immediate support for her unique platform, which includes promises to stop the authoritarian takeover of the United States and look out for the needs of everyday Americans.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Progressive influencer launches bid to unseat Illinois House Democrat
CHICAGO (The Hill) — Progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh announced on Monday that she’s launching a bid to unseat Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) in the northern Chicago suburbs. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are dismantling our country piece by piece, and so many Democrats seem content to just sit back and let ‘em,” Abughazaleh said in a video announcing her candidacy on X. “So I say it's time to drop the excuses and grow a f------ spine. I'm Kat…
“We Can’t Fall for This Stuff”: Why a MAGA-Media Antagonist Is Running for Congress
Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old progressive TikTok star, talks to VF about vying for an 80-year-old Democratic congresswoman’s seat, her experience debunking right-wing narratives, and why capitulating to Donald Trump won’t work.
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