Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Primary Is Latest Test for Squad Members Today

Rep. Ilhan Omar, a prominent member of the “Squad,” is once again facing a competitive primary challenge, reminiscent of the recent high-profile losses experienced by fellow representatives Jamaal Bowman in New York and Cori Bush in Missouri.

This primary marks the second consecutive electoral contest between Omar and former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels. Their first matchup in 2022 was a narrow victory for Omar, who won by just approximately 2,500 votes.

“I’m feeling very, very excited,” Samuels shared with CBS News. “In the last election, people were asking, ‘Why are you doing this? You can’t win.’ That led to a less enthusiastic effort. Now, there’s a recognition that if more had invested in my campaign, we could have triumphed.”

Determined not to risk a repeat of her previous campaign, Omar has actively engaged with her constituents throughout the 5th Congressional District by knocking on doors and making phone calls. To bolster her efforts, she has also enlisted support from notable progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who rallied alongside her at a recent event in Minneapolis.

“We are feeling optimistic about our chances to win on Tuesday,” Omar stated to CBS News. “Here in Minnesota, we strongly believe in the power of grassroots organizing for our progressive values. I’m dedicated to fighting for the priorities of the 5th District, including protecting reproductive rights, advocating for Medicare for All, promoting a fair foreign policy, addressing the climate crisis, and ending childhood hunger. I look forward to continuing to advocate for our district’s progressive agenda.”

The recent races of Bowman and Bush were among the most costly House primaries in 2024, with Bowman’s contest breaking records as the most expensive in history. In comparison, Omar’s race has not attracted nearly as much financial backing, although she has significantly outpaced Samuels in fundraising. According to preliminary campaign filings, Omar has raised over $6.4 million and has around $1.8 million in cash on hand, while Samuels has secured just over $1.2 million.

In the weeks leading up to the primary, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliate, the United Democracy Front, invested heavily in the efforts to unseat Bowman and Bush, contributing over $30 million in House primaries. However, this money has not been as prevalent in Omar’s race.

“It’s a little bit of a mystery, and I could speculate,” Samuels remarked. “My opponent has one of the highest profiles among the Squad members. She’s perceived as unbeatable, a notion that has taken root within the funding community and national circles. But the voters in this district know who I am.”

Like Bowman and Bush, Omar has been vocal in her criticism of Israel, advocating for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Samuels has labeled her as “divisive,” referring to her previous comments and her stance on the war in Gaza.

“I think we should condemn when atrocities happen,” Omar told CBS Minnesota in June. “It’s crucial that every community here in the United States feels safe to express their views regarding the situation in Gaza.”

Some Republicans are also participating in the Democratic primary speculation, encouraging voters in the district to support Samuels as a means to unseat Omar. Royce White, a GOP Senate candidate aiming to challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, expressed his willingness to sacrifice votes in the primary for the goal of electing Samuels.

Samuels, a 75-year-old Jamaican immigrant who ventured into politics later in life, champions his record of community involvement. His background as a former school board and city council member, particularly on issues relating to gun violence and public safety, is a core part of his campaign.

“My strategy revolves around being visible, accessible, and accountable,” Samuels emphasized.