Minneapolis Activist Who Lived in Refugee Camp Likely to Be First Somali-American Legislator in U.S.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A Twin Cities political activist is likely to become the first Somali-American lawmaker in the nation after defeating one of the Minnesota State Legislature’s longest-serving members in Tuesday's primary.

Ilhan Omar, 33, defeated 22-term Rep. Phyllis Kahn, 79, in Tuesday’s DFL nominating contest. Kahn has been in the legislature for 44 years.

After winning Tuesday's primary, Omar is now the DFL nominee in heavily Democratic House of Representatives District 60B. The district includes the University of Minnesota and a large immigrant population hailing from East African countries.

Omar spoke about her upbringing at a campaign kickoff event last year:

Omar and her supporters campaigned on the need to elect someone with new ideas and a fresh face that better represents the community.

After defeating Kahn last night, Omar told supporters that "Tonight we made history."

"Tonight marks the beginning of the future of our district, a new era of representation. Tonight is about the power of you."

Former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak remarked on Omar's win, saying "This is a wonderful story to tell as Americans, and a great source of pride for the state of Minnesota’s open arms."

Omar is heavily favored to win in the general election against Republican candidate Abdimalik Askar. Askar ran unsuccessfully for the 60B seat in 2014.

Photo of Rep. Phyllis Kahn via Minnesota House of Representatives