Monday April 14, 2025
FILE - Ilhan Omar. CREDIT Tony Webster
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (HOL) — Rep. Ilhan Omar announced Thursday she will seek reelection to her U.S. House seat in 2026, opting not to run for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by fellow Democrat Tina Smith.
Omar’s decision ends speculation that she might pursue the high-profile Senate race and keeps her in contention for a fifth term representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all of Minneapolis and parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties.
“At a time when our rights are under attack, it is more important than ever to fight back against the chaos, corruption, and callousness of the Trump Administration,” Omar said in a statement. “I am excited to announce I am running for reelection for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District to keep standing up for our rights in the face of authoritarianism.”
The 42-year-old Democrat, who made history in 2018 as the first Somali American elected to Congress, has become one of the most prominent progressives in the House and a leading member of the so-called “Squad.” She won reelection in 2024 with 75.3% of the vote and overcame a well-funded Democratic primary challenge from former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels.
Omar added that her campaign would build on its “successful grassroots organizing efforts” to drive record turnout and help Democrats “win back the majority.”
Her decision leaves the race for Smith’s Senate seat wide open. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and former Senate Minority Leader Melisa López Franzen have declared their candidacies, while Rep. Angie Craig and Secretary of State Steve Simon are said to be weighing bids.
On the Republican side, former Senate candidate Royce White, retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, and restaurant executive Mike Ruoho have already announced campaigns.
The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as “Lean Democrat.”
Omar has not said whether she will endorse a candidate in the crowded Democratic primary for Smith’s Senate seat.