Don Samuels, Omar's top challenger, claims a fundraising surge following Cori Bush's primary defeat and criticizes Omar's divisive approach.
As the "Squad" of progressive Democrats faces its final intraparty challenge, Minnesota's Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar stands as the frontrunner in her primary race, despite a surge in fundraising by her chief challenger, Don Samuels.
Squad's Omar Faces Primary Challenge Despite Fundraising Surge
Samuels, who unsuccessfully challenged Omar in 2020, has reportedly seen an influx of contributions and volunteers in the aftermath of Rep. Cori Bush's primary defeat in Missouri. Bush, a fellow Squad member, lost her re-nomination bid amidst significant outside spending by United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with AIPAC.
However, Omar remains the favorite in the race. She has not been targeted by any ads from United Democracy Project, and her political position is considered stronger than it was two years ago when she narrowly defeated Samuels.
Squad's Omar Faces Primary Challenge Despite Fundraising Surge
Samuels has criticized Omar's "divisive and combative" approach, accusing her of ignoring the concerns of her constituents who disagree with her. The primary comes as Vice President Kamala Harris has named Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on the Democratic 2024 ticket.
In contrast to Omar, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, the most high-profile member of the Squad, easily defeated her primary challenger in June. Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, the only other Squad member yet to face a primary this cycle, is unopposed in her September contest.
Squad's Omar Faces Primary Challenge Despite Fundraising Surge
In neighboring Wisconsin, Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin is also unopposed in her primary. Republican businessman Eric Hovde, backed by former President Trump, is the frontrunner in the GOP Senate primary.
In the state's 3rd Congressional District, two Democrats are vying for the chance to challenge Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden in the general election. Northeast Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District features a competitive GOP primary to fill the seat of former Rep. Mike Gallagher.
Squad's Omar Faces Primary Challenge Despite Fundraising Surge
In Connecticut, Republican primaries will determine challengers to Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy and Rep. Jim Himes. In Vermont, two Democrats are competing for the gubernatorial nomination to challenge Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who remains popular despite the state's Democratic leanings.
