Ilhan Omar wins historic win in Minnesota’s Democratic Primary
Somali American politician Ilhan Omar gained national attention in 2016 when she became the first Somali American elected to Minnesota’s state legislature. In November, Omar may mark another historic win by becoming the first Somali American and one of the first Muslim women to be elected into U.S. Congress.
Ilhan Omar won the Democratic primary in the Minnesota Congressional race this week and she is projected to win the Congressional seat in a majority liberal district.
In a statement, Omar shares, “Tonight, we are celebrating because we engaged and empowered our community and we won. Our campaign staff, our volunteers, and the people of the Fifth Congressional District are the inspiration we need to get up every day and fight for a democracy that guarantees a more just and equitable society.”
The congressional seat was occupied by state representative Keith Ellison, who left to run for state Attorney general.
Omar was congratulated by many online. Rashida Tlaib, the Palestinian American Muslim woman who recently won Michigan’s Democratic primary in the congressional race, congratulated Omar’s historic win and stated on Twitter, “I can’t wait to walk onto the floor of United States Congress hand in hand with you. So incredibly proud of you.”
Both are poised to become the first Muslim women elected into Congress.