26-year-old influencer launches House Dem primary challenge

• House Democrats were rocked by a series of raucous town halls last week. Some lawmakers believe they are facing a similar dynamic to the one that fueled the rise of the Tea Party in 2010.

Driving the news: Kat Abughazaleh, a former staffer for progressive watchdog group Media Matters, launched her campaign with a video arguing that Democrats need to "grow a f*cking spine."

• "Unfortunately, this party has become one where you have to look to the exceptions for real leadership and the majority work from an outdated playbook," she said.
• Abughazaleh framed her challenge as being more about a clash of energy than ideas. Schakowsky, who was first elected in 1999, is among the most progressive members of Congress.

The other side: "I have always encouraged more participation in the democratic process, and I'm glad to see new faces getting involved as we stand up against the Trump Administration," Schakowsky said in a statement.

• Right now, that's what I'm focused on: fighting back against this extreme MAGA regime ... I will never stop fighting against these shameful policies and will continue working to make life better for every single American."
• The 80-year-old has not said whether she plans to run for reelection to her Chicago-based district next year.

Editor's note: This story has been updated.