Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old social media creator, is challenging a long-standing Democratic representative, Jan Schakowsky, in Illinois’s Ninth Congressional District, a place where Abughazaleh does not currently reside. She relocated to the Chicago area just under a year ago from her previous home. Unlike many political aspirants, Abughazaleh lacks a background in law, policymaking, or Washington DC politics. Instead, she has built a following on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Blue Sky by creating content that explains US politics and critiques right-wing media.
Her family background is diverse, with a Palestinian heritage on her father’s side and deep Texan roots from her mother’s side. Raised in a conservative environment, Abughazaleh’s views shifted after exposure to new experiences, such as witnessing poverty in Tucson during her late teens and later studying international security and journalism at George Washington University.
Abughazaleh’s decision to challenge Schakowsky, who has had a strong hold on the Ninth District since 1999, has stirred interest and skepticism in political and media circles. Her campaign emphasizes a desire for change rather than a condemnation of Schakowsky’s policies. Abughazaleh seeks to push Democratic leadership to more vocally defend progressive values, claiming a need for stronger resistance to the current political climate under Trump.
Despite her criticism of the party, Abughazaleh’s campaign is not solely focused on policy but rather on engaging with the community and fostering activism. She aims to build a campaign that serves as a community resource, evident in initiatives like period product donations and organizing public discussions on local issues.
Abughazaleh has raised $350,000 from a broad donor base, the majority outside of Chicago, and is focused on grassroots support rather than traditional political campaigns. Her approach is informed by her expertise in media research and criticism, particularly her insights into right-wing media tactics.
Central to her campaign focus is the issue of Palestine, alongside other progressive causes such as healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and education. Through her experience observing political dynamics at a granular level, Abughazaleh believes she brings a unique perspective to Congress, one that deeply understands and is willing to confront far-right narratives.
Abughazaleh invites dialogue with constituents and encourages others to run for office, even if it means challenging her. She represents a shift from the status quo, advocating for new strategies in addressing contemporary political challenges and calling for an accessible and responsive political process.
