The climate activist group Sunrise Movement is endorsing Kat Abughazaleh to represent a Chicago-area district in the U.S. House, the group announced Monday.
Sunrise’s backing of Abughazaleh — who’s running to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th District — is the latest in a series of endorsements from the climate group. Sunrise recently announced plans to launch one of “the most ambitious primary programs in its history” heading into the 2026 midterm elections as the organization criticized Democratic leadership in Congress.
Abughazaleh was indicted last month along with a group of other protesters after attending a protest at a Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center outside Chicago, POLITICO reported. She was charged with conspiracy to prevent a law enforcement officer from engaging in official duties. Abughazaleh called the charges “political prosecution” and a “gross attempt to silence dissent.”
In its endorsement, Sunrise said Abughazaleh “has demonstrated what it is like to challenge entrenched power and stand unapologetically with communities under attack.” The group lauded her “leadership standing in solidarity with community members targeted by ICE and growing authoritarian forces embodies the urgent and courageous approach Illinois and leaders nationwide need to meet the moment.”
