By Naomi Lim
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/naomi-lim
Rep. Ilhan Omar won her contentious Minnesota Democratic primary, in which her challenger pegged her as an incumbent who prioritized national attention and Twitter spats over her constituents.
Omar, 37, one of four ultra-liberal Democratic women first elected to the House in 2018 known as the "Squad," defeated lawyer and mediator Antone Melton-Meaux. The rivals were two of four candidates vying for the right to contest Minnesota's Minneapolis-anchored 5th Congressional District in the fall.
Melton-Meaux, boosted by pro-Israel donors, was a well-funded opponent thanks to a last-quarter cash surge. He had brought in $4.1 million to Omar's $4.2 million as of mid-July. The pair had roughly the same amount of money in the bank as of last month's reporting deadlines.
Melton-Meaux used his deep pockets to spend twice as much as Omar on TV ads in the closing weeks of their bids. He booked $2.1 million worth of time to her $875,000. Omar invested $400,000 online, but outside groups doled out $1.5 million for Melton-Meaux on the same platforms. A Republican-aligned super PAC, Americans for Tomorrow’s Future, even splashed out on TV spots and mail fliers elevating Melton-Meaux.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/omar-wins-minnesota-democratic-primary-fight-for-squad-reunion