Wednesday November 6, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (HOL) — Somali-American Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has won her fourth term in Minnesota’s 5th District, comfortably defeating Republican Dalia Al-Aqidi in a race that drew national attention for its sharp ideological divides. With 89% of precincts reporting, Omar captured 76.4% of the vote in the deeply blue district that includes Minneapolis, a city central to recent national debates on racial justice and police reform.
Omar, a Somali refugee and one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, continues to be a symbol of progressive values and a focal point of controversy in Washington. Her position on foreign policy, particularly her outspoken criticism of U.S. military aid to Israel and support for Palestinian rights, has sparked both backlash and support. The campaign saw renewed pressure from pro-Israel groups, notably the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which aimed to unseat her during her primary race. Despite the challenge, Omar prevailed decisively in August, bolstered by a substantial fundraising advantage.
Al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-born former journalist and secular Muslim, presented herself as a counterpoint to Omar’s progressive agenda, especially on Middle East policy. Al-Aqidi’s campaign highlighted Omar’s vocal support for Palestinian rights as divisive, alleging it marginalized Jewish constituents in the district. Omar, however, defended her stance as a commitment to international justice and human rights, a message that resonated with the progressive majority in her district.
In addition to foreign policy, police reform was a central theme of the race. Following the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Omar has been an advocate for police reforms, supporting efforts to shift resources from policing to community-based initiatives. Al-Aqidi seized on this position, accusing Omar of hypocrisy for supporting “defund the police” policies while using campaign funds for her personal security. Omar countered that her approach was rooted in creating a broader vision for community safety and reducing police violence.
Financially, Omar’s campaign had a clear advantage, raising $7.9 million compared to Al-Aqidi’s $1.9 million, according to OpenSecrets. This substantial fundraising allowed Omar to maintain a visible presence in her district and counter opposition narratives effectively.
As a deputy chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Omar continues to be a vocal advocate for a range of progressive causes, from climate action to affordable healthcare. She has also expressed a desire to return to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, with a particular interest in chairing the Africa Subcommittee if Democrats regain control of the House. Omar’s connection to African issues remains a central focus of her legislative ambitions, reflecting her journey from Somalia to the United States.
In her post-election statement, Omar described her re-election as a “victory for all who believe in a just and equitable future,” spotlighting the solidarity within her district for her progressive stance. Her continued presence in Congress cements her role as a prominent voice for her constituents and the broader progressive movement, navigating the complex intersections of identity, policy, and advocacy on a national stage.