A social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers is setting her sights on unseating a veteran Democratic congresswoman in Illinois.
According to The Hill, Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old former Media Matters video producer, announced Monday her congressional bid to challenge Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois' 9th District.
The progressive TikTok personality, who has amassed over 217,000 followers, is positioning herself as a voice for younger generations against the 80-year-old incumbent who has served 14 terms in Congress. Abughazaleh's campaign emphasizes the need for representatives who understand the current challenges facing everyday Americans.
Abughazaleh's campaign directly addresses the generational gap between herself and Schakowsky, though she notably avoids mentioning the incumbent by name in her announcement video and campaign materials. Her website strategically highlights Schakowsky's lengthy tenure in Congress, implying the need for fresh perspectives.
The challenger frames her campaign around the disconnect between long-serving representatives and the daily struggles of constituents. She argues that current leadership is out of touch with issues like prescription drug costs and rising rent prices that affect younger voters.
Abughazaleh's announcement included strong criticism of both Donald Trump and Elon Musk, as she stated:
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. So I say it's time to drop the excuses and grow a f‑‑‑ing spine.
Schakowsky responded to the announcement by welcoming new voices in the democratic process while emphasizing her ongoing fight against the Trump administration. She highlighted her commitment to protecting healthcare access and opposing tax cuts for billionaires.
The incumbent congresswoman released a statement saying:
What makes our community, and our country, so great is that we welcome all voices and ideas. I have always encouraged more participation in the democratic process, and I'm glad to see new faces getting involved as we stand up against the Trump Administration.
The northern Chicago suburban district, which includes Evanston, Skokie, and Niles, has remained consistently Democratic, suggesting the primary winner will likely secure the seat in the general election.
If successful, Abughazaleh would make history as the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress, following the precedent set by Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida, who became the first Gen Z lawmaker in 2022.
The race highlights a growing trend of younger progressive candidates challenging established Democratic incumbents. These challenges often focus on generational differences in approaching current political issues. The contest will test whether voters in the reliably blue district prefer experienced leadership or desire new perspectives in Congress.
The matchup between Kat Abughazaleh and Rep. Jan Schakowsky represents a clash between new progressive energy and established Democratic leadership in Illinois' 9th Congressional District. The 26-year-old social media influencer's bid to unseat the 14-term incumbent highlights growing tensions within the Democratic Party over generational change and representation.
The primary battle will play out in Chicago's northern suburbs, where voters will choose between Schakowsky's experience and Abughazaleh's promise of a fresh perspective on issues affecting younger Americans. The outcome could potentially result in the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress, marking a significant shift in congressional representation.
