Ilhan Omar Secures a Major Win for the Progressive ‘Squad’ by Winning a Closely Watched Primary

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has declared victory in the much awaited primary, defeating a moderate opponent in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District named Don Samuels. Vocal member of the progressive “Squad,” Omar is anticipated to win re-election in the resoundingly blue district, representing a major victory for the Democratic Party’s left wing.

This triumph follows two high-profile defeats for the progressive “Squad,” as recent primaries saw the demise of Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.). Pro-Israel organizations heavily funded both of them from outside sources, with the United Democracy Project—a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)—donating millions of dollars.

Nonetheless, Omar’s race saw a marked decrease in outside funding during this year’s primary. With $350,000 in backing from AIPAC, Samuels fell to Omar by a mere 2,400 votes in 2022. However, the PAC mostly avoided the 2024 contest, which let Omar hold onto her lead. Her campaign raised $2.6 million, surpassing the meager $32,000 raised by Samuels.

Despite receiving backlash for her vocal condemnation of Israel’s activities in Gaza, Omar’s victory cemented her position as a pivotal player in the progressive movement. Following the losses of Bowman and Bush, Omar’s win is significant for the direction of the progressive agenda in Congress.