Establishment Democrats Secure Victory Over Progressive Challenger in Schakowsky Succession Primary

Former Media Matters journalist Kat Abughazaleh has lost her bid to replace retiring Representative Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. Abughazaleh, who had positioned herself as part of a progressive wave of young Democratic candidates, was defeated by Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston and former state lawmaker, in Tuesday’s primary election.

The race attracted significant attention as 15 candidates competed for the nomination in the heavily Democratic district that encompasses parts of Chicago and its northern suburbs. The district, rated D+19 by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, is considered a safe Democratic seat, making the primary winner the overwhelming favorite to win November’s general election.

At 26, Abughazaleh represented a growing cohort of politically active Gen Z progressives who have been critical of establishment Democrats. Her campaign explicitly targeted what she called “the Democratic consultant class” and right-wing billionaires, presenting herself as a fresh alternative to conventional Democratic politics.

During a primary debate, Abughazaleh notably declined to support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a position that highlighted her willingness to challenge party leadership. This stance contrasted with more moderate candidates in the race, including finalist Kevin Fine, who expressed support for Jeffries. Fine had backing from groups linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

Abughazaleh’s campaign faced significant challenges beyond policy positions. In late 2025, she was indicted on federal charges related to an incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility near Chicago, where protestors allegedly attacked an ICE vehicle. This legal trouble came as she was building momentum as a social media influencer and progressive voice.

The victor, Daniel Biss, entered the race with substantial political experience and the crucial endorsement of the retiring Congresswoman Schakowsky, who has represented the district for nearly three decades. Before becoming Evanston’s mayor, Biss had previously run for governor, though he lost the primary to current Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Biss positioned himself as a progressive who could work within the party structure, taking a more measured approach than Abughazaleh on questions about Democratic leadership. His victory suggests that while progressive candidates continue to gain traction in Democratic primaries, voters in this district ultimately preferred a candidate with established political credentials and the backing of their longtime representative.

The primary results come amid ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party between its progressive and moderate wings. In recent years, younger left-wing candidates have successfully unseated established Democrats in some districts, particularly in urban areas. However, Abughazaleh’s defeat indicates that this trend is not universal, especially in districts where retiring representatives actively endorse their successors.

For Abughazaleh, the loss marks a setback in what had been a rapid political rise from media figure to congressional candidate. Her campaign highlighted issues including economic inequality, healthcare access, and immigration reform that resonate with younger progressive voters, but failed to build a broad enough coalition to secure victory in the crowded field.

Biss will now move forward to the general election in November, where he will face Republican opposition in a district that has consistently elected Democrats by substantial margins for decades. Political analysts expect him to easily win the seat and join the Democratic caucus in the House of Representatives following the 2026 election.