Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old Democratic congressional candidate, found herself in an awkward spot after missing a key virtual forum.
Kat Abughazaleh, running in a competitive Democratic primary for Illinois’ 9th congressional district to succeed retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky, failed to attend a virtual event hosted by the George Soros-funded Indivisible Project.
She attributed the absence to a health condition, narcolepsy, which she said caused her to sleep through multiple alarms and attempts by her campaign manager to wake her. Abughazaleh issued a public apology, pledged to reschedule her appearance, and expressed regret for not communicating with organizers.
The issue has sparked debate over accountability and the challenges of managing personal health in the high-stakes world of political campaigns. While some sympathize with her condition, others question whether such incidents reflect on a candidate’s readiness for office. Let’s unpack this with a clear-eyed view of both the facts and the broader implications.
Abughazaleh’s explanation centers on her diagnosis of narcolepsy, a condition she’s been open about since revealing it on social media in 2024. She described how it leads to sudden, uncontrollable sleep episodes, which she calls “sleep attacks," the New York Post reported.
“I have a chronic illness called narcolepsy. It makes me extremely tired and occasionally causes ‘sleep attacks’, times when my brain literally cannot stay awake,” she explained. Well, that’s a tough break, but running for Congress isn’t a casual gig—voters expect reliability, health challenges or not.
Her apology carried a tone of genuine remorse, and she promised not to let it happen again. But in a crowded primary where sparse polling already shows her as a strong contender, even small missteps can shift momentum. Missing a forum tied to progressive activists, especially in Illinois’ Edgewater Community, isn’t a trivial oversight.
“Once again, I am so sorry and — to be honest — very embarrassed,” Abughazaleh stated. Fair enough, embarrassment is human, but when you’re asking for the public’s trust, every missed opportunity to connect raises red flags about preparedness.
She’s built a reputation for bold activism, often praised by progressives for her fiery tactics and criticism of the Trump administration. Her praise for Indivisible activists fighting what she calls a “regime” shows her alignment with the far-left base. Yet, that same base might wonder if she can keep up with the demands of leadership when a nap derails her schedule.
Narcolepsy is no small hurdle, and she’s noted that while it’s usually managed, flare-ups happen. Sympathy is warranted—nobody chooses a chronic condition. Still, the public sphere doesn’t pause for personal struggles, and opponents in a tight race won’t hesitate to highlight this as a liability.
Beyond the forum fiasco, Abughazaleh’s past actions paint a more complex picture of her candidacy. Last year, she was indicted for allegedly interfering with ICE vehicle movements during a protest in September 2025 near a facility in Broadview, Illinois. Charges include conspiracy and assault on an officer, carrying potential sentences of six and eight years, respectively, if convicted.
She’s pleaded not guilty, but the allegations are serious—reportedly scrawling “PIG” on an ICE vehicle and blocking a driveway, leading to an officer throwing her to the ground. This incident underscores her confrontational style, which has won her progressive stardom but also legal headaches. It’s a stark contrast to the softer image of a candidate apologizing for oversleeping.
Critics might argue these activist antics show a disregard for law enforcement and order, especially in heated debates over immigration policy. While her supporters see it as standing up to perceived injustice, the optics of clashing with federal officers aren’t universally inspiring. It’s a gamble in a district where voters may prioritize pragmatism over protest.
Abughazaleh’s time at Media Matters, a group known for targeting conservative media, further cements her as a darling of the progressive agenda. That history, paired with her current legal entanglements, makes her a polarizing figure even within her own party. Missing a forum might seem minor, but it adds to a narrative of unpredictability.
Health challenges deserve understanding, especially when disclosed transparently as Abughazaleh has done. Yet, the rigors of public office don’t bend for personal circumstances, and voters in Illinois’ 9th district will weigh whether her passion and policies outweigh these lapses. It’s a tightrope walk between empathy and expectation.
