Ilhan Omar secures primary win over Don Samuels, poised for return to Congress

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Wednesday August 14, 2024

United States Representative Ilhan Omar decisively won Tuesday's Democratic primary [File: Getty Images]

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (HOL) — US Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has decisively secured her place on the November ballot by defeating former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels in Tuesday's Democratic primary for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. Her victory, marked by a 14-point margin, is a significant win for the progressive movement, even as other "Squad" members face electoral challenges.

Omar's success in this primary is underpinned by a strong financial advantage, with her campaign outspending Samuels by over $5 million. Her campaign's $6.1 million expenditure dwarfed Samuels' $1.2 million, enabling her to dominate the media landscape with positive messaging and targeted outreach. This financial dominance allowed Omar to communicate her legislative achievements effectively, emphasizing her commitment to abortion rights, affordable housing, and healthcare—issues that resonate deeply with her constituents. "Minnesota might be cold, but those who call this place home are warm and caring, hardworking, resilient, and proud," Omar stated in one of her campaign ads. "You welcomed me as a refugee. You taught me the power of organizing and democracy. You are who I fight for every day."

The Somali-American trailblazer's financial advantage was crucial in maintaining her lead in a race that many anticipated would be closer, given her narrow victory over Samuels in 2022.

Unlike previous elections where outside groups, particularly the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), played a significant role, this year's race saw minimal involvement from such entities. AIPAC, which had heavily funded challenges against other progressive lawmakers like Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.) largely stayed out of Omar's race. This absence allowed Omar to focus her campaign on core issues without the distraction of well-funded attacks from external sources.

However, The Intercept revealed this week that in AIPAC’s absence, a Samuels campaign staffer and pro-Israel super PAC donors strategized to oust the Squad member.

Despite his efforts, Samuels struggled to gain traction against Omar's well-oiled campaign machine. His platform, which centred on criticizing Omar's positions on public safety and infrastructure, failed to resonate with enough voters to close the gap. Voters in the 5th District, many of whom share Omar's immigrant background, continued to support her vision for the future.

Omar has proudly represented the Somali diaspora in Congress since 2019. Her victory reaffirms her role as a symbol of representation for the Somali-American community and other immigrant groups in Minneapolis. "She's one of us," said Abdi Nur, a local business owner who voted for Omar. She understands our struggles and fights for our voices to be heard."

Omar's victory is particularly significant given the recent defeats of her fellow "Squad" members. As the progressive movement faces increasing pressure from more moderate Democrats and outside groups, her win serves as a reminder that progressive ideals still hold strong in districts like Minnesota's 5th.

Looking ahead, Omar is expected to win re-election in November with relative ease. Her continued presence in Congress will likely influence the direction of the progressive movement within the Democratic Party, particularly on issues such as healthcare reform, immigration policy, and U.S. foreign relations.

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