In a notable development, former Minneapolis city council member Don Samuels has officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic primary, posing a significant challenge to Representative Ilhan Omar. Samuels, narrowly defeated in the 2022 elections, believes that Omar’s penchant for divisiveness and conflict makes her vulnerable in the upcoming race.
Samuels contends that his close primary loss in 2022 demonstrated Omar’s beatability, emphasizing that a delayed competition in the general election could have yielded a different outcome. The political landscape in 2022 was shaped by discussions around the future of policing, particularly relevant in the city where George Floyd’s tragic murder fueled global protests and local unrest.
While Omar criticized the “defund the police” movement, Samuels, a centrist figure, played a prominent role in opposing a 2021 city ballot proposal linked to the movement. He anticipates that public safety will remain a pivotal issue, citing the continued impact of George Floyd and COVID-related challenges.
Omar, a member of the progressive “squad,” defended her congressional record, highlighting efforts related to climate crisis, abortion rights, and initiatives for veterans and victims of gun violence. In response to Samuels’ challenge, she accused him of accepting contributions from far-right donors and political action committees.
The ongoing Middle East conflict has added a layer of complexity to the race, with Omar criticized for her stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. Samuels condemned her votes against sanctions on Russia and her boycott of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s congressional speech. The race is expected to navigate through various issues in an overwhelmingly Democratic district that encompasses Minneapolis, suburbs, and a significant Somali Muslim population.
