Ilhan Omar, Progressive US Representative from Minnesota, Faces Strong Primary Challenger
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar faces a prominent Democrat primary challenger with the announcement of former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels’s bid to unseat her.
Omar, a member of “the Squad” of progressive House Democrats, has faced criticism for her comments and views on issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the “defund the police” movement.
Samuels, who narrowly lost in the 2022 primary, believes Omar is beatable and hopes to capitalize on safety and policing issues in the upcoming election.
The war in the Middle East and Omar’s stance on Israel have further divided Democrats and could influence the outcome of the primary in the predominantly Democratic district.
Omar’s critics, including Samuels, have cited her positions on issues such as sanctions against Russia and Israel, as well as her absence at Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s speech to Congress, as reasons for their opposition to her candidacy.
The upcoming primary also includes other candidates, but Samuels’s bid is expected to be the most significant challenge to Omar’s reelection.
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