Kat Abu-Ghazaleh Oversleeps During Virtual Forum

WASHINGTON — She’s having a tough time staying awake.

Kat Abu-Ghazaleh, a left-handed candidate for parliament, dozed off during a virtual forum organized by the Indivisible Project, which receives funding from George Soros. This occurred despite alarms ringing and her campaign manager urgently knocking at her door.

The 26-year-old influencer attributed her sudden sleepiness to a “sleep attack” related to her narcolepsy, but assured that this would not happen again and promised to reschedule her participation.

“I ended up falling asleep while alarms were blaring and my campaign manager kept banging on my door,” Abu-Ghazaleh acknowledged in a statement. “This isn’t an excuse, but we wanted to be open about it.”

“Once again, I am truly sorry and to be honest, I feel really embarrassed,” she added.

Abu-Ghazaleh, who is associated with Media Matters, a liberal organization that critiques conservative media, is in a competitive Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).

She highlighted the activism of Indivisible members in Edgewater, Illinois, commending their efforts in opposing the Trump administration.

The aspiring lawmaker opened up about her narcolepsy, a condition that results in unpredictable episodes of extreme sleepiness. “I have a chronic condition called narcolepsy, which makes me very fatigued and leads to occasional ‘sleep attacks’ where I simply can’t keep my eyes open,” she explained.

“Usually, my condition is well managed, but like any medical issue, it can flare up, and today was one of those days.”

She also expressed disappointment for not notifying the organizers about her situation, mentioning: “I cannot emphasize enough how let down I am by this entire surprise.”

Abu-Ghazaleh previously revealed her narcolepsy diagnosis on social media back in 2024.

She gained recognition through her bold activist tactics that propelled her into progressive fame.

Last year, she faced charges for allegedly obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles during protests in Broadview, Illinois, in September 2025.

If found guilty, she could face a six-year sentence for conspiracy and up to eight years for assaulting an ICE officer.

Abu-Ghazaleh is accused of writing “PIG” on an ICE officer’s vehicle.

She has pleaded not guilty, claiming the charges are an effort by the Trump administration to criminalize dissent and punish those who voice their concerns.

Footage from last year’s protests also captured her being forcefully taken down to the ground near an ICE facility.

Her primary election is set for March 17th. Illinois’ 9th Congressional District is generally considered a safe Democratic seat.