Knowing full well that her extreme agenda faces insurmountable challenges outside her typical base, far-left Squad member Ilhan Omar said no to climbing the career ladder.
Specifically, the controversial representative announced she will not pursue Minnesota’s open Senate seat.
Instead, the liberal has chosen to seek a fifth term in her deep-blue Minneapolis district, where she faces little electoral risk.
The Somalia-born progressive, who has become infamous for her anti-American and anti-Israel rhetoric, apparently prefers the safety of her heavily Democratic district rather than facing a competitive statewide race.
Omar made her intentions clear with aggressive anti-Trump language.
“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,” she 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,” Omar added.
The decision leaves the Senate race open after Senator Tina Smith announced that she would not seek reelection.
Smith framed her departure in equally dramatic terms: “This decision is not political, it is entirely personal, but it’s not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever.”
Omar’s reluctance to pursue higher office may reflect political reality rather than principle.
While she dominates her Minneapolis district—winning 75.3% of the vote in 2024—her radical positions and controversial statements would face far greater scrutiny in a statewide election where rural and suburban voters have a stronger voice.
Several Democrats have already entered the Senate race, including Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who would become only the fifth U.S. senator of Native American heritage if elected.
Former State Senate Minority Leader Melisa López Franzen has also declared her candidacy, while other potential candidates include Rep. Angie Craig and Secretary of State Steve Simon.
On the Republican side, promising candidates who have announced their campaigns include Royce White, Adam Schwarze, Raymond Peterson, and Mike Ruoho.
Though the Cook Political Report currently rates the race as “Lean Democrat,” Republicans see a prime opportunity to flip the seat in what will be Minnesota’s first open Senate race since 2006.
Omar will likely have little trouble securing another term in her district, which includes Minneapolis and parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties. She easily defeated her most recent primary challenger, Don Samuels.
Ultimately, the Squad member announced she would focus on helping her party try to retake the House in 2026.
“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 concluded.
