Progressive activist and former Media Matters journalist Kat Abughazaleh lost her bid for the Democratic nomination in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, falling short in a crowded primary field to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky.

Abughazaleh was one of 15 candidates competing for the seat after Schakowsky announced she would step down following nearly three decades in Congress. The district, which is heavily Democratic, made the primary the decisive contest.

Daniel Biss, who campaigned on a more traditional Democratic platform, won the nomination. Abughazaleh positioned her campaign as a challenge to the party’s establishment, emphasizing a younger, digital-focused approach.

Abughazaleh, 26, gained national attention in left-wing circles through her online presence and advocacy. She framed her campaign as an alternative to what she described as entrenched political structures, promoting it as “a new type of Democratic campaign.” She added: “If you’re a right-wing billionaire or a member of the Democratic consultant class, this campaign isn’t for you.”

The results suggest that voters in the district continued to favor a more conventional candidate with established political experience and local ties. During the campaign, Kat Abughazaleh also drew attention for distancing herself from party leadership. In a debate, she said she did not support Hakeem Jeffries continuing in his role, a position that resonated with some progressive activists but raised concerns among Democrats focused on party unity ahead of the midterm elections.

In contrast, Biss largely avoided public intraparty disputes. He also received the endorsement of Schakowsky, which provided support among established Democratic voters in the district. With the primary concluded, Biss is considered the leading candidate heading into the general election in a district that has consistently elected Democrats.

Abughazaleh stands accused of repeatedly standing in front of federal vehicles and interfering with ICE agents during protests outside the agency’s Broadview, Ill., detention facility. She was one of six individuals charged in connection with the demonstrations, which had continued for several weeks.

The indictment, which was filed on October 23, alleges that Abughazaleh “physically hindered and impeded” an agent who was “forced to drive at an extremely slow speed to avoid injuring any of the conspirators.” Abughazaleh was charged along with five other individuals involved in the riots, including two other political candidates.

The Broadview ICE facility has been the site of repeated demonstrations and clashes involving far-left activists. Several Democratic candidates for the open House seat in Chicago — including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and Abughazaleh — have recorded themselves participating in protests that involved blocking ICE vehicles.

Other demonstrators have engaged in more aggressive actions, including throwing rocks at federal vehicles, slashing tires, and confronting agents during near-daily disturbances outside the facility.