Breaking with the recent trend of “Squad” members facing primary losses, Rep. Ilhan Omar triumphed over challenger, former Minneapolis City Council Don Samuels, for the second time.
“I am honored that my community voted to ‘send me back to Congress.'” Rep. Omar posted on X on election night. “Tonight’s victory shows that the Fifth District believes in the collective values we are fighting for in Washington.”
Samuels also released a statement that read in part: “Despite our best efforts—and the efforts of thousands of volunteers, donors, and our dedicated staff—we unfortunately did not prevail tonight. Taking on an incumbent, let alone a party-endorsed incumbent, with a national fundraising base is a Herculean task.”
In contrast to their previous matchup two years ago, where Omar narrowly won by just two percentage points, Tuesday’s primary saw her securing a decisive victory by over 13 percentage points, according to unofficial results.
This significant margin underscores her broader support within Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, where she’s served since 2018 as the first Somali American in Congress and the first woman to serve the district.
As part of “The Squad”—a group of progressive congress members—political pundits closely watched Omar’s race against Samuels as she has been outspoken against Israel’s war in Gaza. Pro-Israel activists have successfully helped to oust two other “Squad” members in earlier primaries, Cori Bush in Missouri and Jamaal Bowman in New York.
With her win, Omar will face off against the Republican opponent Dalia Al-Aqidi in November. Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District is an overwhelmingly Democratic district.
Other primary highlights include Democratic incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar overwhelmingly defeating challengers Steve Carlson, Ahmad Hassan, George Kalberer, and Ole Savior to seek a fourth term in November. She will face off against ex-NBA player Republican Royce White.
The General Election is on November 5. For voting information, visit www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.