Progressive Influencers, Candidates to Gather in Chicago for New-Style Political Organizing Event (Chicago, IL) – More than two dozen progressive political influencers, candidates and community organizers will converge in Chicago next month for what organizers describe as a new model of grassroots political organizing aimed at reshaping Democratic strategy ahead of the 2026 elections.
The event, titled “The Real Fighters of American Politics,” is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, at The Riv in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Organizers say the gathering will bring together more than 25 digital content creators with a combined social media following exceeding 10 million, alongside local and national progressive candidates and advocacy leaders.
The event is being organized by Demi Palecek, a Democratic candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 13th District, who said the goal is to bridge the gap between online political engagement and on-the-ground organizing.
“We’re not just asking what kind of politics we want — we’re building it,” Palecek said in a statement. “This event is about highlighting people who will fight for healthcare, housing affordability, reproductive freedom, immigrant and refugee rights, supporting seniors and veterans, feeding kids, and keeping schools open.”
Organizers say the gathering is designed as an alternative to traditional political fundraisers, which they argue often fail to engage working-class communities most affected by public policy. Instead, the Chicago event will focus on direct dialogue, coalition-building and small-donor fundraising.
The evening will feature a panel discussion on organizing strategies and the future of progressive movements, followed by audience questions and networking opportunities. All proceeds from ticket sales will go toward candidates running campaigns funded entirely by small donors and rejecting corporate political action committee contributions.
Panelists include Palecek; political commentator and producer known as Small Plates; Dylan Blaha, a candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 13th District; Kat Abughazaleh, a political journalist and congressional candidate in Illinois’ 9th District; Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Equality Illinois; and Stephanie Skora, co-author of the “Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide.”
The confirmed participant list also includes prominent progressive voices and organizers such as Quasim Rashid, Dear_White_Staffers, Cliff Cash, Rachel Cohen and USMCAngryVeteran, among others.
According to organizers, the event reflects a broader shift within progressive politics that prioritizes cultural relevance, accessibility and community-based engagement over traditional donor-driven campaigns.
“The future of progressive politics isn’t found in back rooms or corporate fundraisers,” Palecek said. “It’s being built by working-class candidates, digital organizers and community activists working together.”
“The Real Fighters of American Politics” runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 17 at The Riv, 4746 N. Racine Ave. Tickets are available online, with proceeds benefiting grassroots campaigns.
Progressive Influencers, Candidates to Gather in Chicago for New-Style Political Organizing Event
