Rep Ilhan Omar wins re-election in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District

Democrat Ilhan Omar cruised to victory on Tuesday in Fifth Congressional District, defeating Republican Lacy Johnson in the Minneapolis area district. The heavily liberal district was focused by both parties. 

Taking the good news to social media Omar wrote, “We are building a movement that sees my struggle as inherently tied to your struggle, and sees a world where all workers can be uplifted. Together. Today’s vote – the results of this election – are not the end. This is just the beginning.”

Omar, who made history along with Democratic Rep Rashida Tlaib of Michigan as the first Muslim women to serve in Congress, has become a high-profile lawmaker during her first term.

Johnson, who was a well-funded challenger, is a Black businessman from north Minneapolis and raised $9 million for his campaign. 

Also read: ‘Vote him out!’: Nerves and cheer among Biden supporters at White House

Omar is the first Somali American, the first naturalized citizen of African descent, and the first woman of colour to represent Minnesota in the United States Congress.