Ilhan Omar Projected To Defeat Don Samuels By Narrow Margin

MINNEAPOLIS — Rep. Ilhan Omar is projected to defeat her primary challenger, Don Samuels, by a slim margin. With over 97 percent of precincts reporting, Samuels trails Omar by less than 3,000 votes.

Tuesday's result means that Omar will likely cruise to a third-term victory in the general election come November.

In the 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis and its inner suburbs, the winner of the Democratic primary is highly likely to win the general election.

Unofficial live vote totals:

Don Samuels
53,329
48.02%

Albert Ross
459
0.41%

AJ Kern
506
0.46%

Nate Schluter
649
0.58%

Ilhan Omar
56,114
50.53%

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The race between Omar and Samuels was close in part due to the amount of support that Samuels has received from established elected officials in the district. Samuels was also endorsed by the Star Tribune editorial board.

Last week, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and four other local mayors decided to endorse Samuels over Omar ahead of Tuesday's primary.

In the 2020 election, Omar worked to keep Frey from a second term. The effort ultimately failed as Frey overcame challenges from progressives Kate Knuth and Sheila Nezhad, women who were both backed by Omar.

Omar also backed the ballot measure to dismantle and replace the Minneapolis Police Department in the 2021 election, which failed. Frey and Samuels both opposed the measure, while Knuth and Nezhand supported it.

"As our city and nation navigate great challenges, we need partners across levels of government who prioritize teamwork, collaboration, and a seriousness of approach to match the seriousness of the issues we face. This is an endorsement for someone who's shown an ability to do just that," Frey said.

"As the Chair of the Public Safety committee on the city council, Don Samuels fought tirelessly against the violence in neighborhoods across Minneapolis, helping to lower crime by double digits," Frey continued. "Don has been an advocate for his community on the Northside for decades, and someone who has worked with city leaders to bring investment to underserved communities. Whether it's the 5th ward or the 5th district, Don Samuels puts his constituents first. I think he will be an excellent representative."

Meanwhile, Omar received endorsements from top Democrats including Sen. Bernie Sanders, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

"I'm proud to endorse my good friend, Ilhan Omar, for reelection to the United States Congress once again," Sanders said in his endorsement. "Ilhan is one of the small number of elected officials who truly understands the purpose of public service. Since being elected she has been a voice for the voiceless - a fierce advocate for working families and the millions of Americans who can't afford to pay for lobbyists."

Omar also received the backing of Minneapolis City Council members Jeremiah Ellison, Andrea Jenkins, Aisha Chughtai, and Andrew Johnson.