Progressive Influencer’s Congressional Bid Ends as Mayoral Rival Wins

In a significant turn of events, Kat Abu-Ghazaleh’s attempt to secure a Congressional seat came to an end on Tuesday when Democratic primary voters opted for Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss.

Biss’s win arrived shortly after his campaign admitted to a past affair with a former student during his tenure as a professor at the University of Chicago back in 2004.

Abu-Ghazaleh, who has a background in research against conservative media for the left-leaning group Media Matters, was among fifteen candidates competing to fill the vacancy of retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) in the 9th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Chicago and its northwestern suburbs.

This 26-year-old, also referred to as Cat Abu, garnered some attention online due to a series of provocative stunts, notably an incident in September 2025 where she was arrested and indicted for allegedly trying to obstruct an ICE vehicle during a protest in Broadview, Illinois.

When the Associated Press reported the election results around 10:35 p.m. ET, Abu-Ghazaleh had approximately 26% of the vote, trailing Biss, who received 30%.

Federal officials accused Abu-Ghazaleh of vandalizing an ICE agent’s car—a confrontation captured on video, which shows her being forcibly taken down by the agent.

She has consistently asserted her innocence, labeling the charges as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to criminalize dissent and silence activists.

Both candidates shared progressive views, advocating for the abolishment of ICE and the establishment of a single-payer healthcare system. Abu-Ghazaleh, who identifies as Palestinian American, criticized her opponents for insufficiently addressing the Israel issue, even pointing out Biss’s past connections with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee earlier in the campaign.

Biss aimed to set himself apart by emphasizing his political background, which includes eight years in the Illinois General Assembly and an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2018.

The race has created a rift within the Democratic party nationally, with Biss receiving backing from notable figures such as Schakowsky, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairman Greg Casar (D-Texas), former chair of the Chinese Communist Party Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

Meanwhile, Abu-Ghazaleh found support from progressive Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-Mich.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), as well as Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).

A recent controversy erupted for Abu-Ghazaleh when it was revealed that she grew up in a lavish $3.3 million mansion in Dallas, despite frequently painting her background as one of hardship.

“Am I poor? Right now,” she claimed, adding that she had depleted her savings and had been financially independent since turning 21.

Earlier this year, she sparked discussion after dozing off during an online forum, explaining it was due to a “sleep attack” linked to narcolepsy.

In an unrelated development, a recent post from Biss faced accusations from Megan Waxpress, who alleged he had an inappropriate relationship with her while he was a student at the University of Chicago.

A representative for Biss stated that he was 26 years old and Waxpress was 20 during the relationship, emphasizing Biss was unmarried at that time.

Looking ahead, Biss is expected to maintain his position as a Democrat in the November elections, as the 9th District has not seen a Republican elected since 1946.