"Squad" Rep. IIhan Omar wins primary against repeat challenger
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U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) defeated repeat challenger Don Samuels in Tuesday's Democratic Primary, the AP reports.
Why it matters: Omar's victory in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District is a win for the progressive "Squad," which lost two other members in primaries this year following heavy spending by groups affiliated with the pro-Israel AIPAC.
Catch up fast: Samuels, a former Minneapolis City Council member, came within 2 percentage points of defeating Omar in 2022 after a late infusion of cash to boost his bid.
Yes, but: Omar significantly outraised her opponent this time, and the rematch failed to attract the same levels of outside spending that it did in 2022.
Zoom in: Samuels sought to paint Omar as "divisive" and too focused on foreign policy, pledging to work with a broader coalition of Democrats and Republicans on bread-and-butter issues.
- He criticized Omar over statements related to the war in Gaza and for voting against the bipartisan infrastructure package and other bills that got support from a majority of Democrats.
The other side: Omar, first elected in 2018, countered that she's delivered wins for the district, citing tens of millions of dollars in federal spending for local projects and work on student loan debt.
- In addition to more than $2.7 million in ad spending, her campaign recruited hundreds of volunteers to knock doors and call or text voters.
Between the lines: Minneapolis was the epicenter of Minnesota's "uncommitted" movement to protest the war via the Democratic presidential primary.
- Roughly 30% voters in the 5th Congressional District cast an "uncommitted" ballot at the time.
- While Omar says she did not vote in the presidential primary, she's a vocal critic of the war and of Israel's policies.
What's next: Omar will face Republican Dalia al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-born immigrant who has worked as a journalist and an activist, on the November ballot.
- As a Democrat, she is heavily favored to win the deep blue district.