Ilhan Omar Breaks Losing Streak for House Progressives, AIPAC Notable Absent
After a string of setbacks for House progressives, Ilhan Omar has emerged victorious in her primary race, marking a reversal of fortune for the group of lawmakers known as the Squad.
Omar, a three-term Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota, defeated challenger Don Samuels by a comfortable margin, securing her likely reelection in November. Samuels had attempted to paint Omar as politically divisive and out of touch with her constituents, but his efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.
AIPAC’s Influence
The absence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) from Omar’s race was notable, given the group’s significant involvement in previous primary races, with candidates supported by AIPAC expending substantial amounts on advertising to unseat incumbents.
In June, AIPAC’s super-PAC, United Democracy Project, spent $14.5 million in an attempt to unseat Jamaal Bowman of New York, while in Missouri, the PAC contributed nearly $9 million to Cori Bush’s opponent, Wesley Bell. Both Bowman and Bush were ultimately defeated in their respective races.
The impact of AIPAC’s involvement is debatable, as Bowman and Bush faced unique vulnerabilities compared to other Squad members. Bowman had been censured by the House for pulling a fire alarm during crucial negotiations, while Bush is currently being investigated by the Justice Department over her campaign’s spending.
Omar’s Resilience
Despite Omar’s strong opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza, AIPAC chose not to intervene in her race. This decision suggests that the group may be recalibrating its strategy after facing criticism for meddling in Democratic primaries.
Omar’s primary victory is a testament to her strong grassroots support and her ability to connect with voters. She significantly outraised Samuels, with $6.2 million compared to his $1.4 million.
Other Squad Members
While some Squad members faced challenges in the primary cycle, others sailed through without significant opposition. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York received more than 80 percent of the vote in her primary, while Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts are running unopposed in their districts.
This mixed bag of results highlights the diversity within the Squad and the varying challenges they face in their respective districts.
Conclusion
Ilhan Omar’s primary victory marks a significant moment for House progressives, providing a much-needed boost to the group after a series of setbacks. The absence of AIPAC from her race suggests that the group may be adjusting its tactics, while Omar’s success demonstrates the power of grassroots organizing.
The primary cycle has also highlighted the diversity of challenges faced by Squad members, with some facing significant opposition while others enjoy strong support.
