Illinois progressive Congress member attracts Gen-Z challenger

CHICAGO —

A progressive social media influencer has thrown her hat into the Congressional ring, targeting the Chicago-area district currently represented by Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Citing dissatisfaction with the current leadership of the Democratic Party, she aims to shake things up.

“The Democratic Party isn’t doing enough right now. [Sen.] Chuck Schumer’s retreat on the funding bill was frankly appalling, and we can’t afford to continue down that path,” declared Kat Abughazaleh during her announcement on the Bluesky social network.

Schakowsky, a stalwart of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has been serving the area for decades. As the 80-year-old incumbent weighs her options for reelection, the district is at a crossroads with the potential for new representation.

Abughazaleh has made a name for herself as a social media influencer, notably covering the Democratic National Convention and previously working with the liberal watchdog group Media Matters For America. Her sharp political humor caught fire on TikTok, where her critiques of Fox News regarding then-Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid were featured in the liberal magazine Mother Jones.

This move comes amidst a tide of discontent among progressive Democrats who have been increasingly vocal about their frustrations. Recently, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has encouraged progressives to consider running as independents, distancing themselves from the Democratic label that many view as tarnished.

Although Abughazaleh relocated to the Chicago area in July, she cast her vote in the 2024 election from Washington, D.C., due to her lease not being up yet. She registered to vote in Illinois last month and plans to move into the district shortly. “The district is vibrant and truly deserves more representation options,” she told POLITICO. “Since 1998, there hasn’t been a competitive primary. I was born in 1999, and I believe a significant part of the issue we’re facing — the rise of fascism and ineffective Democrats — stems from not providing voters with enough choices. We need a diversity of perspectives to challenge the status quo.”

In her recent comments, Schakowsky acknowledged her age as a factor in her decision-making process but emphasized her readiness to continue fighting. “Let’s move beyond just the term ‘progressive’ and really discuss what we mean by it. We need to better articulate our goals for helping people,” she stated.

Having first won her seat in the 9th Congressional District in 1998, Schakowsky has a storied political history, including an initial primary victory over businessman JB Pritzker, who would later become Illinois’ governor in 2019.

If Schakowsky decides against seeking reelection, several prominent Illinois Democrats are likely to vie for her seat, including state Sen. Laura Fine and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, both of whom represent constituents in the district.