U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar secured a significant victory in the Democratic primary for her district on Tuesday, achieving a 13-point lead over her challenger Don Samuels in a rematch from two years ago, when she won by a narrow margin.
The Associated Press declared Omar the winner, noting she garnered 56.2% of the vote in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, compared to Samuels’ 42.9%, based on unofficial results from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.
Expressing her gratitude to supporters at a Minneapolis restaurant, Omar said, “I am incredibly honored by this victory tonight,” highlighting her appreciation for the community that welcomed her family as refugees.
Representing one of the most reliably Democratic districts in the nation, Omar is expected to maintain her position against her Republican opponent in the upcoming general election. The Cook Political Report indicates that the district is classified as “solid Democratic,” estimating a possible victory margin of 30 points.
Omar previously faced Samuels in the 2022 primary, where she won by approximately 2,500 votes, or two percentage points. This time, she intensified her campaign efforts, increasing voter outreach and utilizing television advertisements to mobilize her base effectively.
Samuels, a former member of the Minneapolis City Council, remarked on his improved campaign strategy, which included expanding his volunteer base from about 100 to over 1,300. Additionally, he announced his candidacy earlier than in the previous election to enhance his campaign’s groundwork.
Despite his efforts, Samuels ultimately conceded to Omar and acknowledged the challenges of competing against a well-established incumbent. He stated, “Still, we believe the results show that people are hungry for a different approach to leadership.”
DFL Party Chair Ken Martin, present at Omar’s celebration, anticipated the outcome, attributing the increased margin to her more vigorous campaign efforts compared to the previous election.
The primary was noted as a significant indicator for progressive members of Congress, particularly amid various primary contests across the nation. Omar made history in 2019 as the first Somali-American elected to Congress and is one of the two Muslim women serving in the legislature.