A Democratic challenger to far-left Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has just picked up a huge endorsement as he attempts to unseat her during a primary later this summer.
Don Samuels, 75, former Minneapolis councilman, has won the backing of the United Steelworkers Union as he attempts to position himself as a more centrist choice in the race, the Washington Examiner reported. He has also won the backing of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Samuels narrowly lost the 2022 primary to Omar, but his chances this time around are improving with the increased support from the unions and others.
“Our campaign is not just about winning an election. It’s about making a real difference in the
lives of working families,” Samuels said in a statement to the outlet. “I’m deeply honored to have the support of these unions and their members as we gather momentum for the Aug. 13 primary.”
He went on to point out that Omar was increasingly breaking from Biden and other Democrats on key issues.
“Unlike my opponent, who was one of only six Democrats to oppose Joe Biden’s historic infrastructure bill, I’m committed to going to Washington to collaborate with the president and my colleagues in Congress. Together, we can pass legislation that creates jobs and opportunities, not just make a point,” Samuels added.
The United Steelworkers (USW) represents 1.2 million workers and retirees throughout the country, while the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) represents over 400,000 workers in the United States and Canada. Union members who supported Samuels characterized Omar as too divisive.
“We support Don because our members deserve and expect representation focused on improving the lives of working people instead of political grandstanding and division,” said business manager Jason George, a member of the IUOE’s Local 49, which is in Omar’s district. “When Rep. Omar voted against President Biden’s historic infrastructure package, it sent a clear message to our members that it was time for new leadership in the Fifth District.”
Omar is one of the few members of the progressive House “Squad” who must compete in a difficult primary. This is due in part to the fundraising efforts of outside organizations who support the members’ steadfast progressive views, particularly those regarding the Gaza War.
Despite Samuels being a vocal critic of Israel, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee has largely refrained from supporting him, causing significant frustration on his part, the Examiner noted.
Also, Omar has a clear fundraising advantage over Samuels, having raised nearly $5 million compared to Samuels’s $775,000 as of mid-April, according to the MinnPost.
After trailing Omar by just 2.1 percent in the 2022 primary, Samuels’ polling appears much tighter this time around. His campaign released a Victoria Research poll in February that found 519 Democratic voters in Minnesota’s 5th congressional district to be 41 percent in favor of Omar and Samuels. The remaining 18% are either not sure yet or intend to vote in the primary over the summer for a candidate other than Omar or Samuels.
“This poll supports what we already know: We can beat Rep. Ilhan Omar. We talk to exhausted voters around the district every day on the campaign trail, and we hear over and over again how sick and tired they are of the division and dysfunction that define Washington today,” Samuels said in a statement regarding the results.
“Sadly, many feel that the congresswoman is contributing to this dysfunction and are ready for new leadership focused on building common ground to deliver results for families and working people in the Fifth Congressional District and around the country,” Samuels added.
Omar “encouraged an uncommitted vote in Minnesota’s presidential primary and did not even bother to vote” on Super Tuesday last month, according to Samuels’ campaign.
