Rep. Ilhan Omar has secured her spot on the November ballot, defeating challenger Don Samuels in a decisive victory, CBS News reports.
The win comes as a relief for the “Squad” member, following recent high-profile primary losses for Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush.
Omar, who narrowly beat Samuels in 2022, cruised to victory this time, leading by a significant margin of 56% to 42% with nearly all precincts reporting. She campaigned aggressively, holding rallies, knocking on doors, and receiving endorsements from progressive stalwarts like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Samuels, a former Minneapolis City Council member, acknowledged the uphill battle he faced, citing Omar’s strong name recognition and the support she garnered from national progressive groups. Despite his efforts, he was unable to attract the same level of funding as Omar, who raised over $6.4 million.
The race saw minimal involvement from outside groups, particularly pro-Israel organizations, who had poured millions into other contests to unseat progressive lawmakers. Some observers believe this lack of investment reflected a perception that Omar was largely unbeatable in her district.
Omar’s win comes despite criticism from both Republicans and some within her own party, who have labeled her “divisive” due to her stance on Israel. However, she remains a popular figure among her constituents, particularly those who support her progressive stances on issues like healthcare, climate change, and foreign policy.
With the primary behind her, Omar now sets her sights on the general election, where she will likely face a Republican challenger.
