Ilhan Omar

 Ilhan Abdullahi Omar (born October 2, 1982) is a Somali-born American politician serving as the U.s. representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district since 2019. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Before her election to Congress, Omar served in the Minnesota house of Representatives from 2017 to 2019, representing part of Minneapolis. Her congressional district includes all of Minneapolis and some of its first-ring suburbs. 

Ilhan Omar serves as deputy chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has advocated for a $15 minimum wage, universal healthcare, student loan debt forgiveness, the protection of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and abolishing U.s. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A frequent critic of Israel, Ilhan Omar supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and has denounced Israel's settlement policies and military campaigns in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as what she describes as the influence of pro-Israel lobbies in American politics.  In February 2023, the Republican-controlled house voted to remove Ilhan Omar from her seat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, citing past comments she had made about Israel and concerns over her objectivity. 

Ilhan Omar is the first Somali American in the United States Congress and the first woman of Color to represent Minnesota. She is also one of the first two Muslim women ( along with Rashida Tlaib) to serve in Congress.  She has been the target of derogatory comments by political opponents, including Donald Trump, as a result of the of her background. She has also been the target of several death threats. 

Early life and Education 

Ilhan Omar was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and was the youngest of seven siblings. Her family fled Somalia during the civil war and spent four years in a refugee camp in Kenya before immigrating to the United States in 1995.  The family eventually settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Ilhan Omar would later begin her political career.  She attended Edison High School in Minneapolis and went on to earn a bachelor of Arts in Political Science  and International studies from North Dekoto state University in 2011.

Early Career and Activism 

Before entering politics, Ilhan Omar worked as a community nutrition educator at the University of Minnesota and as a policy fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She also served as the Campaign Manager for Kari Dziedzic's re-election campaign for Minnesota State Senate. Ilhan Omar early career was marked by her activism and advocacy for immigrant and refugee communities, particularly within the Somali-American community in Minneapolis. 

Minnesota House of Representatives 

In 2016, Ilhan Omar was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, making her the first Somali-American legislator in the United States. She represented District 60B, which includes parts of Minneapolis. During her time in the state legislature, Ilhan Omar focused on issues such as environmental justice, affordable housing, and criminal justice reform. She served in the Minnesota House from January 3, 2017, until January 3, 2019.

U.S. House of Representatives 

In 2018, Ilhan Omar was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Minnesota's 5th congressional district which includes the city of Minneapolis and some of its suburbs. Her election marked a significant milestone as she became one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. Ilhan Omar was re-elected in 2020 and continues to serve in this capacity. 

As a member of Congress, Ilhan Omar is part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is known for her advocacy on issues such as universal healthcare (Medicare for all), the Green New Deal, immigration reform, and social justice. She has served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. 

Advocacy and Controversies 

Throughout her political career, Ilhan Omar has been a strong advocate for progressive policies and has worked to represent marginalised communities, including immigrants, refugees, and people of Color. However, she has also been a controversial figure, particularly due to her statements on U.S. foreign policy and Israel, which have sparked accusations of antisemitism. Ilhan Omar has addressed these controversies by clarifying her positions and apologizing for any perceived offenses, while also defending her rights critique government policies. 

Personal life 

Ilhan Omar is a practicing Muslim and has been open about the role of her faith in her and work. She has been married and divorced multiple times and has three children. Ilhan Omar's personal life, including her marriages, has sometimes been the subject of public scrutiny. 

Legacy 

Ilhan Omar's election to Congress is seen as a historic achievement, representing the growing diversity and inclusion within American politics. She continues to be a significant voice for progressive change remains one of the most prominent Muslim politicians in the United States.