Representative Ilhan Omar is facing a potentially competitive primary challenge from former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels, marking the second time they have gone head-to-head in two years. In the previous election, Omar defeated Samuels by a narrow margin of approximately 2,500 votes.
Samuels expressed optimism about his chances this time around, noting that initial skepticism about his campaign has diminished. “Last time it was difficult. People were asking, ‘Why are you doing this? You can’t win.’ This time people are understanding that if they had invested we could have won,” he told CBS News.
Omar is actively campaigning, traveling throughout the 5th Congressional District, engaging with voters door-to-door, and utilizing endorsements from prominent figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who joined her at a rally in Minneapolis recently.
“We are feeling excited about our chances to win on Tuesday,” Omar stated. She emphasized her commitment to progressive values, including reproductive rights, Medicare for All, a just foreign policy, climate change action, and addressing childhood hunger.
While the primaries for Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush were among the costliest in 2024, Omar’s race has not garnered similar financial support. However, Omar has significantly out-fundraised Samuels, bringing in over $6.4 million compared to his $1.2 million.
Organizations affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and other pro-Israel groups have invested heavily in other primary races but have not significantly allocated funds to Omar’s campaign. Samuels pointed out that despite Omar’s national profile, local voters are aware of who he is and his contributions to the community.
Omar has previously criticized Israel and called for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, while Samuels has branded her as “divisive” due to her past statements regarding the conflict. In June, she emphasized the importance of condemning violence and ensuring that communities in the U.S. feel safe expressing their views.
Some Republicans have also entered the fray, urging their supporters to back Samuels in a bid to unseat Omar. GOP Senate candidate Royce White stated he was willing to lose votes in his own primary to help achieve this goal.
Samuels, a 75-year-old immigrant from Jamaica, noted that his experience as a school board member and city councilor on issues like gun violence and public safety would resonate with voters. “That’s my approach, being visible, being accessible, being accountable,” he said.