Kat Abughazaleh: A New Generation Challenges Illinois’ Democratic Status Quo

On a brisk Saturday in Evanston, Illinois, a familiar campaign scene unfolded: volunteers gathering, fueled by coffee, ready to canvass. But this election cycle feels different. With 81-year-old Representative Jan Schakowsky retiring after 27 years, Illinois’ 9th congressional district – encompassing Evanston and parts of Chicago’s North Side – is poised for a generational shift. Among the 15 Democrats vying for the seat, two candidates stand out: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and 26-year-old Kat Abughazaleh.

The race isn’t just about policy; it’s about the future direction of the Democratic Party. Many within the Democratic base are calling for fresh leadership, and this primary will be a crucial test of whether that call will be answered.

Daniel Biss: Experience and Endorsements

Daniel Biss, 48, a Gen X candidate, currently leads in local polls and boasts the endorsement of Schakowsky herself, alongside prominent figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren. He positions himself as uniquely qualified to navigate the current political landscape, citing his experience both within government and as an activist. “There’s nobody else who’s done both things that I think we need right now,” Biss stated. “Fought and won inside of government, making real change, and fought and won out on the streets as an activist.”

Supporters like Seara Clayborn, a union member, appreciate Biss’s pragmatic approach. “I like his idea of progressive change in moderation,” she explained. “A lot of things that are currently in place, we have to go through the processes to get them dismantled, to reconstruct them.”

Kat Abughazaleh: Disrupting the Norms

However, Biss faces a formidable challenger in Kat Abughazaleh. Abughazaleh, a former journalist and content creator, is running to the left of Biss, advocating for a more radical shift in Democratic policy. Her campaign is characterized by a bold, unconventional approach, symbolized by t-shirts proclaiming, “What if we didn’t suck?”

“There is so much…across the country that we’re seeing from establishment candidates where they would make a fine congressman in 2014,” Abughazaleh asserts. “But it’s not 2014. It’s 2026, and I act like it.”

Despite being a first-time candidate and relatively new to Chicago (having moved in 2024), Abughazaleh has quickly gained traction. She’s built a large and active online presence, is polling second to Biss, and leads in fundraising. Her campaign isn’t confined to traditional outreach; it operates a mutual aid site offering coats, food, and toiletries to those in need, demonstrating a commitment to direct community support.

A Different Kind of Campaigning

Abughazaleh’s campaign also incorporates unique events, like weekly knitting circles, fostering a sense of community and open political discussion. “I think that the Democratic Party right now needs to stop trying to make everyone happy…they need to just own whatever it is they’re going to fight for,” said supporter Monica Morris. “The focus is on ‘people pleasing’ versus actually getting something done.”

Abughazaleh’s message resonates particularly with younger voters grappling with issues like student debt. “There are issues that are affecting millennials and Gen Z that did not affect boomers,” Morris added. “I have a horrendous amount of student debt and I’m not able to save for retirement.”

The Broader Context: AIPAC and the Future of the Democratic Party

The race has also become a focal point in a larger debate about the influence of special interest groups, particularly pro-Israel groups like AIPAC. Millions have been spent supporting state Senator Laura Fine, who is Jewish, while Abughazaleh, a Palestinian American, has rejected such funding. Biss has denounced AIPAC but faced criticism for not taking a firmer stance on U.S. aid to Israel.

Abughazaleh argues that the Democratic Party is “terrified” of progressive populist ideas. “It means risking power. It means not being able to have a stranglehold on donors and on re-elections.” She points to the success of Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York, as an example of a candidate who ran on a similar anti-establishment message.

Beyond Abughazaleh and Biss: Bushra Amiwala’s Local Focus

While Biss and Abughazaleh garner much of the attention, 28-year-old Bushra Amiwala offers a different approach. A local organizer with deep roots in the community, Amiwala seeks a middle ground between the establishment and progressive wings of the party. She emphasizes the importance of trust and grassroots engagement, highlighting her years of service on the local school board and her extensive outreach to community organizations.

Ultimately, the primary election in Illinois’ 9th congressional district will not only determine who succeeds Jan Schakowsky but also offer a glimpse into the evolving priorities and values of the Democratic Party. Will voters opt for experience and established connections, or will they embrace a new generation of leaders promising bold change?