Rep. Ilhan Omar Secures Primary Victory Despite Challenges Facing Progressive Allies
Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, a prominent critic of Israeli policies and a leading figure of the progressive “squad,” has emerged victorious in her primary race, according to The Associated Press. Omar’s success comes during a turbulent period for the ultraliberal faction within the Democratic Party.
This summer has been challenging for the squad, as two other members—Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York and Representative Cori Bush of Missouri—suffered defeats in their primary contests. Their losses followed a significant financial push from pro-Israel groups aimed at swaying these races.
Omar, 41, who is vying for a fourth term in Congress, notably outspent her challengers, including Don Samuels, a former Minneapolis City Council member who narrowly missed unseating her in the 2022 primary. Unlike other recent primary contests, Omar’s race saw minimal external campaign spending.
Elected to the House in 2018 alongside other prominent figures such as Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley, Omar was part of a wave of progressive women of color reshaping the Democratic landscape. Former President Donald Trump had infamously told Omar and her colleagues to “go back” to their countries, despite Omar being the only one not born in the U.S.
Omar, born in Somalia and one of two Muslim women in the House, has faced significant controversy over her outspoken views on Israel and her pro-Palestinian stance. In 2023, the House Republicans removed her from the Foreign Affairs Committee following criticism of her comments about Israel, which many condemned as antisemitic.
Her support for pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University earlier this year ignited further controversy when she accused some Jewish students of being “pro-genocide,” a statement linked to her daughter’s suspension from the protest. Despite these controversies, Omar’s primary win underscores her continued influence and strong support base within her district.