As a journalist, Kat Abughazaleh “covered dangerous far-right narratives and misinformation,” she says. “Now, as the people I used to report on run our government, I’m running for Congress to put up actual resistance against authoritarianism and shamelessly advocate for a better life for the 99 percent.”
Abughazaleh, a bisexual Palestinian American, is one of several Democrats running in Illinois’ Ninth Congressional District to succeed Jan Schakowsky, who is retiring. The campaign has drawn thousands of volunteers, held events ranging “from a punk concert to food drives,” and taken no money from billionaires or corporate PACs, she says. Through open conversation about being treated for narcolepsy, she hopes to normalize the condition.
For now, Abughazaleh plans to campaign “nearly 24/7” ahead of the March 17 primary. “I will be stressing the urgency of electing people who have the expertise and determination necessary to take on Trump and improve [the] quality of life for working Americans,” she says.
“We the people are stronger, braver, and more resilient than any fascist in power — that’s why we’ll win,” she adds. @kabughazaleh
