Far-Left 'Squad' Member Loses Primary Race, Surprising Democrats

WASHINGTON, D.C. — 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, 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. Abughazaleh stands accused of repeatedly standing in front of federal vehicles and interfering with ICE agents during protests outside the agency’s Broadview, Ill., detention facility. She was one of six individuals charged in connection with the demonstrations, which had continued for several weeks.

The indictment, filed on October 23, alleges that Abughazaleh “physically hindered and impeded” an agent who was “forced to drive at an extremely slow speed to avoid injuring any of the conspirators.” Abughazaleh was charged along with five other individuals involved in the riots, including two other political candidates. In a video posted on X on September 26, Abughazaleh spoke about how she and other protesters obstructed a moving ICE vehicle, preventing it from advancing. “Up, up with liberation,” the group chanted as she stood at the front.

The Broadview ICE facility has been the site of repeated demonstrations and clashes involving far-left activists. Several Democratic candidates for the open House seat in Chicago — including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and Abughazaleh — have recorded themselves participating in protests that involved blocking ICE vehicles. Other demonstrators engaged in more aggressive actions, including throwing rocks at federal vehicles, slashing tires, and confronting agents during near-daily disturbances outside the facility. Federal officers responded with crowd-control measures such as pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets, though they were initially outnumbered until additional federal personnel and National Guard reinforcements were deployed.

With the primary concluded, Biss is considered the leading candidate heading into the general election in a district that has consistently elected Democrats. The outcome highlights the challenges faced by progressive challengers seeking to displace more established figures within the Democratic Party in safe blue districts. Analysts note that the results may reflect voter preferences for candidates with broader appeal and less emphasis on intraparty conflict ahead of the midterms. The indictment added a layer of controversy to Abughazaleh’s campaign, with critics questioning the suitability of a candidate facing federal charges while seeking federal office.

The race drew national attention as a test of progressive strength in a district long represented by Schakowsky, a longtime progressive voice in Congress. Abughazaleh’s campaign emphasized issues such as economic justice, regulation of big tech, and immigration reform, while distancing from party leadership. Biss, by contrast, focused on traditional Democratic priorities and received the endorsement of Schakowsky, which provided support among established voters. The primary’s crowded field underscored the competitive nature of Democratic nominations in heavily blue areas, where the general election is often seen as a formality.

As the general election approaches, Biss is expected to face minimal opposition in the heavily Democratic district. The outcome may influence future progressive strategies in similar races, particularly regarding candidate selection, campaign messaging, and the role of legal controversies in voter decision-making. The developments also reflect broader national conversations about party unity, candidate qualifications, and the balance between progressive activism and institutional experience within the Democratic Party.