By Richard Cowan
Firebrand Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar is facing a tough challenge from within her own party, as two members of the liberal group "The Squad" lost their party primaries earlier this year.
Omar, a progressive lawmaker from Minnesota, is up against former Minneapolis city councilor Don Samuels in a primary rematch. The winner in this heavily Democratic district is expected to secure victory in the upcoming election, which will determine control of Congress as Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump vie for the presidency.
Recent defeats of Squad members Representatives Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri highlight a shift within the party away from its most left-leaning positions. The losses also signal a decline in the Squad's influence, as the group's ranks dwindle from its peak of nine members.
Despite their opposition to President Joe Biden's stance on Israel, Omar and her Squad colleagues have largely aligned with fellow Democrats on legislative matters. However, they have faced criticism for their socialist-leaning policies, such as advocating for government-funded healthcare and police defunding.
While Omar has been successful in securing federal funds for community development in her district, she has also come under fire for past antisemitic remarks. The congresswoman has apologized for a controversial social media post from 2019 that implied Israel's supporters were motivated by money.
In the upcoming primary, Omar is heavily favored, as she has significantly out-fundraised her opponent. With $6.8 million raised this cycle compared to Samuels' $1.4 million, Omar's campaign has a substantial financial advantage.
Overall, the primary race between Ilhan Omar and Don Samuels underscores the ongoing struggle within the Democratic Party between progressive and moderate factions. The outcome of this election could have far-reaching implications for the party's future direction and policy priorities.
Analysis: The primary challenge faced by Ilhan Omar from within her own party reflects a broader shift within the Democratic Party away from its most leftist positions. While Omar and her Squad colleagues have championed progressive causes, their recent defeats suggest a waning influence within the party. The outcome of this primary race could impact the party's direction and policy agenda moving forward, potentially shaping the future of American politics.