CAIR Action Celebrates Congresswoman Omar’s Decisive Primary Victory in Minnesota

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN – August 13, 2024) – CAIR Action, one of the nation’s leading Muslim 501(c)4 political organizations, celebrated endorsed candidate Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s decisive primary election victory in Minnesota’s 5th congressional district. AIPAC and MAGA Republican donors’ attempts to flood the race with hundreds of thousands of dollars to unseat the three-term congresswoman were unsuccessful.

Ilhan Omar secured 56.2% of the vote, outpacing her two-time opponent Don Samuels’ 42.9%; Abena McKenzie and Nate Schluter received the remaining 0.9%. Omar garnered significant grassroots support from a diverse coalition dedicated to social justice, equity, and human rights, which was able to successfully fight the onslaught of dark money attempting to buy the election.

Omar has represented the district since 2019, and is recognized, locally and nationally, for bravely and publicly advocating for her constituents and securing vital resources for the district. She is one of the few members of Congress who has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, and has been a consistent outspoken advocate for domestic policies that improve the standard of living for her constituents as well as foreign policies that prioritize human rights around the world.

In a statement, CAIR Action Executive Director Basim Elkarra said:

“We are excited that Congresswoman Ilhan Omar won her primary in a resounding victory. Despite their best efforts, AIPAC, MAGA Republican donors, and hawkish foreign policy interest groups were not able to buy this primary election in Minnesota. The voters of the 5th district showed up today, and the message they sent is clear: Americans want a better future, for themselves and for their communities, and they support bold candidates who support a ceasefire in Gaza. The constant Islamophobic attacks on Congresswoman Omar didn’t work because her community knows she is a true champion for them.”

Elkarra added, “Congresswoman Omar’s win is a setback to the forces that aim to divide our communities through lies and fear. This election is a reminder that when we stay organized and united, we can win. We look forward to Congresswoman Omar’s general election victory, and to her continuing to represent her constituents and millions of like-minded Americans for years to come.”

Omar will go on to face Dalia al-Aqidi in the general election.

CAIR Action is a 501(c)4 organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.

END

CONTACT: 
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action, belkarra@cairaction.org
CAIR Action Communications, media@cairaction.org 

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