MN-05: Omar rallies to fight back against primary challenge

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and a network of liberal groups are rallying to beat back a Democratic primary challenge from Antone Melton-Meaux, whose blockbuster second quarter fundraising numbers have Minnesota Democrats wondering if a major upset is possible.

Omar is viewed as the heavy favorite to win reelection in Minnesota’s 5th District, which encompasses most of Minneapolis and has been at the heart of protests and demands for police reform since George Floyd was killed by police there in late May.

In Omar’s short time in Congress, the first-term lawmaker has risen to national stardom as part of the influential group of progressive women of color known as “the squad.” She has the backing of top national and local liberal activist groups, as well as endorsements from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D). Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed her reelection campaign on Thursday night.

But Omar’s propensity for controversy has also made her a target, which has in part fueled donations to Melton-Meaux, a lawyer and mediator who has emerged as her top challenger in the primary.




https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/507664-omar-rallies-to-fight-back-against-primary-challenge