Progressive activist and former Media Matters journalist Kat Abughazaleh lost her bid for the Democratic nomination in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, falling short in a crowded primary field to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
Abughazaleh was one of 15 candidates competing for the seat after Schakowsky announced she would step down following nearly three decades in Congress. The district, which is heavily Democratic, made the primary the decisive contest.
Daniel Biss, who campaigned on a more traditional Democratic platform, won the nomination. Abughazaleh positioned her campaign as a challenge to the party’s establishment, emphasizing a younger, digital-focused approach.
Abughazaleh, 26, gained national attention in left-wing circles through her online presence and advocacy. She framed her campaign as an alternative to what she described as entrenched political structures, promoting it as “a new type of Democratic campaign.” She added: “If you’re a right-wing billionaire or a member of the Democratic consultant class, this campaign isn’t for you.”
The results suggest that voters in the district continued to favor a more conventional candidate with established political experience and local ties. During the campaign, Kat Abughazaleh also drew attention for distancing herself from party leadership. In a debate, she said she did not support Hakeem Jeffries continuing in his role, a position that resonated with some progressive activists but raised concerns among Democrats focused on party unity ahead of the midterm elections.
Her campaign also faced additional scrutiny following a federal indictment late last year related to an incident involving demonstrators and a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle outside a suburban Chicago facility. The case became a point of contention in an already competitive primary.In contrast, Biss largely avoided public intraparty disputes. He also received the endorsement of Schakowsky, which provided support among established Democratic voters in the district. With the primary concluded, Biss is considered the leading candidate heading into the general election in a district that has consistently elected Democrats.