Disclaimer: Social media posts referenced below include explicit language . Illinois' 9th Congressional District has been represented by the same congresswoman for more than 25 years, with
Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky currently serving her fourteenth term since being elected in 1998. Now,
Kat Abughazaleh , a 26-year-old progressive social media influencer, is entering the scene to try to change that. Here's what we know about the Gen Z congressional candidate making waves online.
Who is Kat Abughazaleh?
Abughazaleh is a Palestinian social media influencer based in Chicago with a background in
independent journalism and union representation, according to her website.
Her LinkedIn profile outlines experience with the progressive media watchdog
Media Matters for America and independent news outlet
The Recount . The bio on her
campaign website explains how, like many Americans, she has struggled with rent hikes, layoffs, cost of living spikes and out-of-pocket medical costs. She loves knitting, video games and her cat, Heater, according to the page. Abughazaleh announced her congressional run
on March 24 , explaining that the Democratic party needs "a makeover" and "to grow a f***ing spine." In the video, Abughazaleh criticizes the party's lackluster response to President Donald Trump's recent executive actions, saying the party is working from "an outdated playbook." Her website laments the country's "representation problem" and "out of touch" leaders, citing the wealth and age gaps between congressmen and their constituents. Abughazaleh argues that her experience reporting on the far-right has prepared her to deal with criticism from conservatives online and in real life, describing herself as "a fighter."
What is Abughazaleh's platform?
The Congressional candidate's website includes promises to "stop the authoritarian takeover of the United States" and look out for the needs of everyday Americans. She criticizes the actions of Trump and Tesla co-founder Elon Musk, as well as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and "Libs of TikTok" user Chaya Raichik. Abughazaleh
lists issues such as anti-authoritarianism, climate change, LGBTQ+ protections and "basic existence" on her campaign site.
Story continues after photo gallery .
Abughazaleh's unique platform attracts immediate support
The progressive influencer announced in a
March 24 press release that her campaign raised over $100,000 in its first seven hours "with an average contribution of just $45." Meanwhile, her campaign announcement video accumulated more than 40,000 likes in one day
on Bluesky and 50,000 likes
on TikTok . "This campaign is powered by grassroots supporters who understand the stakes of this historical moment," Abughazaleh said in the release. “I’m honored that so many people have faith in my campaign and know that their donation will be spent in the most effective way possible while also tangibly helping our 9th District community even before Election Day."
When is the next congressional election in Illinois?
The next House of Representatives elections will be held in Illinois on
Nov. 3, 2026 .
