Far-left Kat Abughazaleh LOSES Illinois Dem House primary after arrest for anti-ICE violence

Abughazaleh, 26, was one of 15 Democrats running to replace longtime Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), who is retiring after nearly thirty years in office. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, a former state legislator backed by Schakowsky, emerged victorious in the crowded race in Illinois’ deep-blue 9th Congressional District.

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Abughazaleh’s campaign drew national attention after she was indicted last year on federal charges for an incident in which activists allegedly attacked an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle outside a detention facility in a Chicago suburb.

Abughazaleh, a Gen Z progressive activist, ran against the Democratic establishment and rejected the continued leadership of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). According to the Chicago Sun Times, she said during the campaign, “If you’re a right-wing billionaire or a member of the Democratic consultant class, this campaign isn’t for you.”

Her past ties to Media Matters have also drawn scrutiny amid broader federal investigations into the left-leaning media watchdog group. In May, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a civil investigative demand to Media Matters, requesting records related to its communications with other media watchdog organizations. The inquiry is focused on whether the group helped coordinate advertising boycotts targeting X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. The FTC was seeking details about Media Matters’ interactions with groups that monitor hate speech and misinformation, including the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), an initiative of the World Federation of Advertisers. Both GARM and Media Matters have faced legal action from X.

Last year, X filed suit in federal court in Texas, alleging that the World Federation of Advertisers and several major brands unlawfully coordinated to pull advertising dollars from the platform. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also launched investigations. The Missouri case was settled out of court, while a DC District Court upheld a preliminary injunction blocking Texas’ investigation.

Abughazaleh said in her concession speech, “We forced our opponents to the left and to be more aggressive against this administration. We did all of this together from the ground up with everything against us.”

“I’m sorry that this sucks,” she added through tears. “But f*ck Trump, f*ck ICE, free Palestine, I love you.”

The race also saw significant outside spending, particularly from groups linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which reportedly funneled millions into Illinois congressional contests this cycle.

Biss will face Republican pastor John Elleson in the general election, though the district, rated D+19, remains safely Democratic, indicating Biss' primary victory will lead to a seat in Congress.