On Tuesday, Rep. Ilhan Omar successfully defended her seat in the Minneapolis-based 5th District, overcoming her primary challengers in the latest election cycle. Omar’s primary opponents included Don Samuels, a former Minneapolis City Council member who nearly defeated her in the midterms, as well as two lesser-known candidates.
Omar’s victory came shortly after fellow Squad member, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri, lost her primary in an election marked by spending from pro-Israel groups. Unlike Bush’s race, Omar’s primary did not see such financial influence, and she encountered less resistance compared to previous elections.
Ilhan Omar’s victory highlights her growing support in the 5th District and the progressive movement
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) chose not to involve itself in Omar’s race this time, despite its history of opposing candidates perceived as insufficiently pro-Israel.
Previously, AIPAC’s super PAC, the United Democracy Project, invested heavily against Omar in 2022. Omar, a Somali civil war refugee and one of the first Muslim women in Congress, has been vocal in her criticism of Israel. Although AIPAC stayed out of her race, Omar still cautioned against its potential impact.
Financially, Omar outpaced her opponents, amassing more campaign funds than Samuels. Although Samuels received a fundraising boost following Bush’s defeat by AIPAC-backed Wesley Bell, he criticized the lack of external support for his campaign.
Despite AIPAC’s previous investments in similar races, it opted not to target Omar this time, possibly due to her growing support within the district and the broader Democratic establishment. With most Squad members facing minimal or no primary challenges, Omar’s win highlights the evolving dynamics within the progressive movement.
