Khanna Endorses Gen Z Candidate Abughazaleh in Illinois Congressional Race
A pivotal endorsement in the race to replace retiring Representative Jan Schakowsky came Monday, as Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California threw his support behind progressive candidate Kat Abughazaleh, hailing the 26-year-old as “the absolute best that the Democratic party has to offer.” The move signals a potential generational shift within the party as it prepares for the March 2026 primary.
A Rising Star Backed by the Progressive Wing
Khanna expressed his enthusiasm for Abughazaleh’s candidacy, stating, “I’m thrilled to endorse Kat Abughazaleh. I look forward to working with Kat when she’s elected, so that together we can defeat Donald Trump’s inhumane agenda and focus on the most pressing issues facing working people.” Abughazaleh, a newcomer to the political scene, is competing for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, which encompasses Chicago’s northwest suburbs and the city of Evanston. She responded to the endorsement with gratitude, saying, “I’m incredibly grateful to Congressman Khanna for his support, and I look forward to serving with him in Congress to deliver results for working people.”
Rejecting Corporate Influence
A key tenet of Abughazaleh’s campaign, and a point of alignment with Khanna, is a commitment to rejecting corporate political action committee (PAC) money. “Like Ro, I do not accept any corporate PAC money. I’m fighting for the working class, and that means not being controlled by any special interests,” she affirmed. This stance underscores a broader trend within the Democratic party to prioritize grassroots funding and diminish the influence of large corporations in political campaigns.
Generational Shift and the Future of the Democratic Party
The endorsement follows a joint appearance by Khanna and Abughazaleh at the Voters of Tomorrow Summit in Washington, alongside prominent Democratic figures including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. At the summit, Khanna addressed the need for a new direction within the party, arguing that the “old guard” must make way for fresh leadership. “I’m here to say that a new Democratic Party, a reborn Democratic Party, a populist Democratic Party, a multiracial Democratic Party, a Democratic Party that centers the working and middle class, a Democratic Party that looks like the future, is a Democratic Party that can lead us back to victory and lead us to a better America,” Khanna declared.
Fundraising and Competition in the 9th District
Abughazaleh has demonstrated early fundraising success, announcing she has raised over $1 million through grassroots donations since launching her campaign in March. This financial backing positions her as a strong contender in a field of at least half a dozen Democratic candidates vying for the seat. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has also garnered significant support, raising more than $700,000 and securing the endorsement of Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
Abughazaleh is aiming to distinguish herself with a platform focused on lowering the costs of housing and healthcare, and championing the Green New Deal. Reflecting on her family’s history in the region, she stated, “My grandfather immigrated to the Chicago area in 1957, and my parents got engaged right here in 1987. Three generations later, I’m here, and I am committed to fighting to preserve the values that brought my grandfather here in the first place.” The March 2026 primary will ultimately determine who will succeed Representative Schakowsky and represent Illinois’ 9th Congressional District.
