Omar faces 'Squad' challenger

Representative Ilhan Omar is facing a significant primary challenge from former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels, two years after narrowly defeating him. The race is particularly notable as Omar, a member of the progressive 'Squad', has been a vocal critic of Israel, especially in the context of the recent Gaza conflict, and has called for a ceasefire. Despite her high-profile stance, she has not attracted the same level of opposition funding from pro-Israel groups that targeted her colleagues, Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, who were recently defeated. Samuels has accused Omar of being divisive and has attempted to leverage her pro-Palestinian stance against her, while Omar argues that Samuels is adopting her policies. The outcome of this primary is critical, as winning it is seen as essential for retaining her seat in a district that has not elected a Republican since the 1960s. As both candidates trade accusations, the dynamics of the race reflect the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel and progressive politics.