Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has officially endorsed progressive candidate Kat Abughazaleh in the race for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, adding national momentum to the young candidate’s campaign ahead of the Democratic primary.

Tlaib joins Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) in backing Abughazaleh, signaling growing support from prominent progressive voices in Congress.

Abughazaleh, 26, is a Palestinian American and former journalist for Media Matters who has positioned herself as a progressive candidate focused on media accountability, economic fairness, and generational change in politics.

The seat is being vacated by longtime Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who announced her retirement after decades representing the district.

With Schakowsky stepping aside, the race for the heavily Democratic district has drawn significant attention, particularly among progressive groups looking to shape the next generation of leadership in Congress.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, and will likely determine who ultimately wins the seat in the solidly Democratic district.

Abughazaleh’s endorsements from Tlaib and Khanna could provide a boost as the campaign enters its final stretch before voters head to the polls.