Ilhan Omar Vs. Don Samuels Election Results: MN Democratic Primary

MINNEAPOLIS — In 2022, Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar narrowly defeated her Democratic primary challenger, winning by less than 2,500 votes.

As the polls close Tuesday night, Don Samuels — a community leader and former Minneapolis City Council member — is hoping the second time is the charm. He is once again challenging Omar for her seat.

Omar represents Minneapolis and some of its suburbs in the Fifth Congressional District.

Omar is the third member of the progressive “Squad” in the U.S. House — an influential group of progressive, anti-establishment representatives — to face a significant primary challenge this year.

Both Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri and Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York City suffered surprising defeats by candidates who appeared more moderate and pro-Israel in their campaigns.

Bush and Bowman’s opponents received significant financial backing from AIPAC, a major pro-Israel lobbying organization in the U.S.

Like Bush and Bowman, Omar is highly critical of Israel and the nation’s war in Gaza. However, AIPAC has not bankrolled Samuels’ campaign against Omar this year. Omar has out-fundraised and out-polled Samuels throughout the campaign.