From TikTok to Congress: Gen Z’s Leap Into Politics (ENG)

TikTok commentator Kat Abughazaleh, 26, is transitioning from digital activism to electoral politics with her announcement to run for Congress in Illinois. Known for critiquing right-wing media, particularly Fox News, Abughazaleh will challenge Democratic incumbent Jan Schakowsky, who has represented the district since 1999.

"I've spent the last few years analyzing the far-right media machine. Now I want to take that knowledge and fight back in Congress," Abughazaleh explained in an interview with Rolling Stone.

Her candidacy represents a significant generational shift. While many social media influencers have used their platforms for political commentary, few have made the leap to seeking elected office. Abughazaleh is pioneering a new path: converting digital influence into institutional power.

This development signals an evolution in how political careers are built and who can access positions of influence. Her campaign demonstrates that political power no longer requires traditional gatekeepers. The emergence of political voices on TikTok has already transformed how younger voters engage with politics—Abughazaleh is now taking this momentum from online spaces to the halls of Congress.

However, this transition raises important questions. Critics, including those at the Financial Times, caution that platforms like TikTok may prioritize emotional impact over substantive policy discussion, potentially reducing complex issues to viral clips. As more digital-native candidates enter politics, they'll need to balance their reach with substantive policy positions.

Ultimately, Abughazaleh's campaign represents Gen Z's proactive approach to political participation—they're not waiting for permission to enter the system but are instead reshaping it on their own terms, starting with social media but aiming for legislative impact.