Kat Abughazaleh, an enthusiastic 26-year-old, is on a mission to bring a fresh perspective to Congress by running for the Illinois 9th congressional district. With a clear vision for change, she passionately states, “We have a representation problem.” Her website highlights a crucial issue: the stark reality that a significant portion of Congress consists of millionaires and individuals from a different era, which contributes to a disconnect between leaders and the community.

With her bright smile and distinctive style, Kat Abughazaleh embodies positivity and determination. She is not just a political commentator and social media influencer—she is a catalyst for transformation within the Democratic party. Since launching her campaign in March 2025, she has skillfully utilized her platform to uplift her community even before the election day arrives.

In a recent TikTok video, she shared her inspiring approach: “My congressional campaign is feeding people right now.” Motivated by the potential for change, she challenges the traditional politics that often waste resources, asking, “What if we spent it differently?” Her campaign is rooted in “direct action and mutual aid,” blending her aspirations for office with meaningful contributions to her community.

Kat’s strategy marks a delightful departure from conventional campaigning, which often leans on extravagant fundraising and negative campaigning. Instead, she has received support from a diverse group of individuals, with an average campaign donation of just $31, and an impressive 1,000 volunteers signed up within a week of her announcement. These dedicated individuals are not just helping with marketing; they are actively engaged in community support efforts.

In one of her standout initiatives, Kat organized a kickoff event that encouraged attendees to bring essential hygiene products for those in need. The outcome was remarkable—over 5,600 period products were collected and donated to a local collective, demonstrating that her campaign is not just about politics but about making a real difference.

Most recently, her team hosted a food drive to support a local community fridge program. Residents were invited to donate food in exchange for campaign signs, resulting in a fully stocked pantry and fridge filled with nutritious meals. This initiative exemplifies her commitment to serving the community directly.

To further empower the youth, Kat’s campaign has launched a High School Public Serve Grant program, inviting local students to propose creative ideas for community improvement. Her campaign pledges to provide the necessary resources to bring these ideas to life.

Kat emphasizes the importance of spending campaign funds wisely, stating, “Every single year, political campaigns spend billions on American elections, and only one candidate wins each race. So where does that money go?” She critiques the norm of costly consultants and redundant ads, advocating for a shift in focus towards tangible community assistance.

Her vision extends beyond her own campaign; she hopes to inspire others to adopt this community-driven model. “If every campaign adopted this model, then we wouldn’t be wasting money every single cycle,” she shares. By engaging more people in the electoral process, she believes that communities across America could flourish.

Kat is thrilled to see individuals who have never participated in elections becoming involved through her volunteer efforts. “We have local folks who have never voted in an election, but they joined our volunteer Discord server because they want to help, they feel like they have something to vote for,” she notes.

For those considering a run for office, Kat’s message is clear: “Full steam ahead.” She encourages aspiring candidates to collaborate with community organizations, engage with local experts, and implement initiatives that reflect their values. “It’s really that easy,” she concludes.

With her heart in the right place and a vision for positive change, Kat Abughazaleh is not just running for office—she is leading a movement that prioritizes community engagement and genuine service.