Jim (@grafikfeats.bsky.social)

How is ‪Kat Abughazaleh‬ polling? Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old progressive journalist and former Media Matters researcher, is running in the Democratic primary for Illinois's 9th Congressional District (IL-09) to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky. The primary is scheduled for March 17, 2026. As a newcomer, she's gained traction with her anti-Trump, pro-worker messaging and endorsements from figures like Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), but faces a crowded field including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and state Sen. Laura Fine. Recent polls show her as a strong contender, though a significant portion of voters remain undecided. Recent Polling Overview The most recent public poll, released November 21, 2025, by Data for Progress (conducted October 29–November 3 among likely Democratic primary voters), shows Abughazaleh tied for the lead: | Candidate | Support | Undecided | |--------------------|---------|-----------| | Daniel Biss | 18% | 31% | | Kat Abughazaleh | 18% | | | Laura Fine | 10% | | | Mike Simmons | 6% | | | Bushra Amiwala | 6% | | | Hoan Huynh | 5% | | | Other | 6% | | This marks an improvement for Abughazaleh from earlier surveys. In an October 22, 2025, poll commissioned by her campaign (MDW Communications), Biss led with 18% while Abughazaleh had 15% (with ~46% name recognition, up from 36% in June). A June 2025 poll had Biss at 17% and Abughazaleh at 10%. Her rising numbers align with increased visibility from events like No Kings rallies and progressive grassroots support, though her October 23 indictment on protest-related charges at an ICE facility has polarized opinions—boosting her among liberals but drawing criticism from moderates and Republicans. No newer polls have surfaced as of December 3, 2025, but the race remains fluid with 31% undecided in the latest survey. The district is heavily Democratic, so the primary winner is the heavy favorite in the general election. Abughazaleh's campaign emphasizes fighting "far-right" influences and has collected over 5,000 petition signatures to secure ballot access, despite a recent objection challenge. https://x.com/i/grok/share/VIXz0lMRUGF8bSqAkApl5a2XT