Saturday August 10, 2024
Omar’s progressive fight tested as Samuels challenges her grip on Minnesota
Rep. Ilhan Omar (left) and challenger Don Samuels (right) face off in a closely-watched rematch for the 5th Congressional District, as both candidates make their final push ahead of the upcoming primary election.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (HOL) — US Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is set for a tense rematch with Democratic challenger Don Samuels as Minnesota's 5th District primary approaches, a contest that could serve as a bellwether for the progressive movement within the Democratic Party.
Omar, a Somali-born prominent figure in the progressive "Squad," narrowly defeated Samuels in 2022, but the dynamics have shifted this year. Notably, major pro-Israel political action committees (PACs) that heavily funded efforts to unseat her fellow Squad members—Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush—have opted to stay out of the race. The decision comes as Omar maintains a significant lead in polling and has fortified her campaign with over $6.6 million in fundraising, doubling her 2022 efforts. Her substantial lead was likely a factor that has deterred these PACs from investing heavily in Samuels' campaign.
In Tuesday’s primary election, voters in Minnesota can choose between a Democratic or Republican ballot.
Samuels, a former Minneapolis City Council member, has worked to harness voter dissatisfaction with Omar's tenure, though polling data suggests he faces a steep uphill battle. His 2022 campaign, which once focused on tying Omar to the "defund the police" movement, has pivoted to critique her stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, Samuels' own views on the matter have evolved to align more closely with Omar's as the conflict has intensified.
The absence of support from pro-Israel PACs marks a stark contrast to their previous involvement in similar races. "This isn't a race where our involvement would make a difference," said an unnamed strategist linked to the United Democracy Project, a PAC associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
In a surprising development, former NBA player and Republican Senate candidate Royce White called on Republicans in Minnesota's 5th District to support Samuels in the Democratic primary, a move Samuels quickly distanced himself from. "We don't have anything to do with that, and we don't want anything to do with that," he emphasized.
As the primary day nears, both candidates are intensifying their efforts. Using her financial advantage, Omar has blanketed local media with ads and rallied support from high-profile progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders. Samuels, meanwhile, has relied on a vigorous door-knocking campaign, reportedly supported by an army of 1,200 volunteers.
The outcome of Tuesday's primary will not only determine the Democratic nominee for Minnesota's 5th District but will also provide insight into the influence of progressive politics and the role of national PACs in local elections. Polls close at 9 p.m. ET, with results expected shortly thereafter.