As Democratic U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston decides whether to seek a 15th term in 2026, a political newcomer already is campaigning for her 9th District seat — and creating national buzz.
Fellow Democrat Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old internet personality and former journalist who’s lived in Illinois less than a year, received significantly more financial support in her campaign’s first week than Schakowsky did in the entire first quarter of 2025, federal records show. And while Schakowsky got a healthy boost from political action committees representing corporations, labor groups and other special interests, Abughazaleh’s support came entirely from individual donors across the country.
In the eight days that followed Abughazaleh’s kickoff, the Kat for Illinois committee received $378,596 in donations, records show. After $14,986 in expenses, Abughazaleh’s campaign ended March with $363,610 in the bank and no debts.
“The question is whether she can sustain and build on the buzz,” said Kent Redfield, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois Springfield. “A lot of the attraction of social media is the instant gratification. Fixing politics or fixing the Democratic Party is a long-term project.”
Abughazaleh, who specializes in political and media analysis, has built a substantial following on YouTube and social media platforms under the name Kat Abu. Abughazaleh also has worked for Mother Jones, Zeteo News and Media Matters for America, but now is a full-time candidate, campaign manager Sam Weinberg said.
Abughazaleh moved to Streeterville, which is in the 5th Congressional District, from New York in July. She plans to move into the adjacent 9th District by this summer, Weinberg said.
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