There were equally impressive young progressives, like Mike Simmons and Bushra Amiwala who had no media attention and were true underdogs. Kat's underdog status came not because of AIPAC, but because she couldn't overcome the impression that she chose this district to start her political career.

March 18, 2026 - 03:21 UTC

2
0
59
That impression was accurate! I also don't think it is bad: she saw an opportunity and took it. But it was also the reality of her campaign. This district wasn't in her roots; it was landing spot for her ambition. And rightly or wrongly that rubbed a lot of potential supporters the wrong way.
1
2
54
I think she ran a great campaign and did interesting things to be part of the district. But ultimately the campaign was also very online, and that doesn't always translate to votes.

Still, she brought a lot of excitement, and I hope she sticks around.
0
0
47
If I don't ever have to hear carpetbagging as a pejorative for opportunistic district selection again, it'll still be too soon.
2
0
3
As I said, though probably could have been more clear, I don't mind "carpetbagging." But it was the central obstacle of her campaign.
1
0
1
a lot of people forgot (or never learned) that the original carpetbaggers were the *good guys*
0
0
4