Ilhan Omar Wins Congressional Primary In Minnesota
After winning her primary, Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has informally secured a hold on Minnesota's Democratic-run 5th district. Following her high profile first term in Congress, Omar, a freshman representative had to combat multiple primary challengers such as first-time political candidate Antone Melton-Meaux, who runs a mediation company.
The campaign run by Melton-Meaux focused on the fifth. He told Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik that Omar was out of touch with the district. He accused her of being focused on her own personal pursuits and celebrity damaging the work that needs to be done.
Melton-Meaux and Omar were nearly tied in fundraising totals, according to OpenSecrets data. They both managed to raise more than $4 million with Omar having a slight edge. Out of state donors also supported the candidates, making up to just over 90 percent of Omar's funds and 85 percent of Melton-Meaux's funds.
Omar's win two years ago marked numerous first for the US Congress. Aside from being the first Somali-American to be elected, she was the first of two Muslim women to be elected to Congress in 2018. After taking office, Omar faced strong criticism on tweeting anti-Semitic remarks and had to apologize.
Her tweets received a backlash from both Republicans and Democrats leaders who demanded her to issue a statement. Omar is a member of the squad, which alludes to a group of four progressive freshman congresswomen of color including Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Donald Trump has openly expressed his displeasure to the squad. He has specifically targetted Omar, describing her as "an America-hating socialist" during a 2019 rally in Minneapolis in fall. Omar was endorsed by progressive allies such as Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
While there have policy disagreements within the party, Omar has received the support of top establishment Democratic leaders including Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Omar's blatant embrace of left-wing politics has helped her garner loyal followers in Minnesota and across the country.
On the downside, she has been plagued with controversies and continues to receive criticism from Democrats, especially after numerous incidents last year in which she was called out for making anti-Semitic comments.
Her primary success earlier this week in the deep-blue district guarantees she will serve another term in Congress. "In Minnesota," she tweeted, "organized people always beat organized money." She went on to suggest that they didn't just win, but have earned a mandate for change.