Rep. Ilhan Omar secures victory in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District primary, defeating Don Samuels.
Rep. Ilhan Omar has successfully defended her seat in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, emerging victorious in the Democratic primary against former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels and two other challengers. Omar’s win is a significant achievement for progressives, especially after two of her fellow “Squad” members, Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, faced defeats in their recent primaries.
Omar’s primary victory came against the backdrop of a fiercely contested race. Samuels, who had lost to Omar by just 2 percentage points in the 2022 primary, sought to unseat her by questioning her connection to the district and her stance on key issues. Despite his efforts, Omar’s well-funded campaign and strong support within the district helped her maintain her seat.
Reflecting on her win, Omar said, “Minnesota might be cold, but those who call this place home, you are warm and caring, hardworking, resilient, and proud. You welcomed me as a refugee. You taught me the power of organizing and democracy. You are who I fight for every day to deliver food security, affordable housing, and health care.”
Unlike Bowman and Bush, who faced heavy criticism and attack ads related to their positions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Omar did not encounter the same level of opposition from outside groups. Notably, the United Democracy Project, a super PAC linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), chose not to engage in Omar’s race, focusing their resources elsewhere.
Omar’s campaign strategy this time around was notably different from her previous races. After a close call in 2022, she significantly ramped up her campaign efforts, spending over $6.1 million by late July 2024, compared to just $71,000 at the same point in the 2022 primary. This financial advantage allowed her to dominate the airwaves with positive messaging that highlighted her achievements, including praise from President Joe Biden and her advocacy for abortion rights, food security, affordable housing, and healthcare.
In contrast, Samuels attempted to portray Omar as disconnected from the needs of the district, criticizing her stance on issues such as police reform and infrastructure. One of his ads accused Omar of advocating for the abolition of the police while gun violence was surging and of voting against President Biden’s infrastructure plan. However, these attacks failed to gain traction, largely due to Omar’s overwhelming financial edge and her ability to maintain a positive narrative.
The 5th Congressional District, which encompasses Minneapolis and surrounding areas, remains a Democratic stronghold. With Omar’s primary win, she is expected to retain her seat in the November general election. The district has consistently supported Democratic candidates, with President Biden winning it by 63 points in the 2020 election.
As Omar moves forward to the general election, her victory in the primary serves as a testament to her strong support within the district and her continued relevance in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. With her win, Omar remains a key figure in the ongoing political discourse, representing both the progressive movement and the diverse communities of Minnesota’s 5th District.
