Discussing her political prospects, a prominent member of the far-left “Squad” group announced her final decision regarding a potential Senate campaign.
Specifically, liberal Rep. Ilhan Omar revealed she is dodging a high-stakes Senate battle, choosing instead to stay in her safe liberal House seat.
The radical left-wing congresswoman announced she will seek a fifth term representing Minneapolis rather than risk losing an open Senate seat to a Republican challenger.
The decision reveals her unwillingness to face a statewide electorate outside her progressive stronghold.
Omar, the first Somali American elected to Congress, announced her intention to run for reelection to Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District rather than pursue the Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Tina Smith.
Her decision comes after winning reelection in 2024 with 75.3% of the vote in her heavily Democrat district, which includes Minneapolis and parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties.
Instead of reaching for higher office, Omar will continue pushing her radical agenda from the safety of her House seat.
In her announcement, she could not resist attacking the Trump administration.
“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.
“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,” she added.
Omar’s decision not to pursue the Senate seat opens the field for other Democrats, including Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and former State Senate Minority Leader Melisa López Franzen, who have already declared their candidacies.
Other potential Democratic candidates include Rep. Angie Craig, who is “giving serious consideration to the open Senate seat,” and Secretary of State Steve Simon.
Meanwhile, Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison have declined to enter the race.
Several Republican challengers have also entered the race, including Royce White, Adam Schwarze, and Mike Ruoho, presenting a serious challenge to Democrats’ hold on the seat.
While the Cook Political Report currently rates the Minnesota Senate race as “Lean Democrat,” Republicans see a real opportunity to flip the seat in 2026.
With President Donald Trump’s strong leadership and a growing conservative movement across the country, Minnesota could be part of a red wave during the midterm elections.
Omar claims her campaign will focus on efforts to increase voter turnout and help Democrats regain the House majority.
“In Minnesota, we know that organized people will always beat organized money. Our campaign is ready to build on our successful grassroots organizing efforts to have a record turnout for the midterms and help win back the majority,” Omar stated.
However, her decision to avoid a statewide race suggests she knows her extreme positions on immigration, crime, and foreign policy would not play well outside of her progressive urban district.
The upcoming Senate race will be Minnesota’s first open Senate contest since 2006.
It will create a rare opportunity for Republicans to gain ground in a state that has been trending more competitive in recent years.
GOP candidates are focusing on issues that resonate with everyday Americans—border security, inflation, crime, and economic opportunity—in contrast to the radical agenda pushed by Omar and her fellow “Squad” members.
