Illinois Democrat Being Challenged by Influencer for Congressional Seat Decides Against Seeking Reelection

A longtime Democratic Congresswoman representing Illinois' 9th Congressional District revealed that she will not be running for reelection just months after a TikTok influencer announced her bid for the congressional seat.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky shared the shocking news at the 24th annual Ultimate Women's Power Lunch fundraiser at the Sheraton Grand Chicago on Monday, declaring that her 14th term as an Illinois representative would be her last in Congress.

However, 80-year-old Schakowsky made it clear that she intended to completely step away from politics.

"I plan to be active in politics, in policy, in fighting for people," Schakowsky said, addressing the crowd. "...I have every intention of being fully engaged."

"I'm gonna keep fighting for a year and a half and beyond," she told reporters as she teared up.

Her announcement comes on the heels of TikTok influencer Kat Abughazaleh declaring her run for the congressional seat. The 26-year-old Abughazaleh made a name for herself on social media through engaging political commentary and her reporting on right-wing media.

"And while current Democratic leadership might be fine cowering to Trump, I'm not. I've spent my entire career reporting on the far-right, and being attacked by them as a result. In fact, just a few months ago, Elon Musk's lawyers deposed me here in Chicago to ask about my Mean Tweets," Abughazaleh said.

"This is all to say, I'm not scared of standing up to these people. I know how they think and I know how to beat them," she continued.

There are various other potential contenders for Schakowsky's seat, including state Sen. Laura Fine, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and state Rep. Hoan Huynh.

"I'm gonna give it a swing for a year and a half, and I'm sure there's going to be wonderful people who decide to run, and I'll be there to support them," Schakowsky said.