‘Squad’ Member Ilhan Omar Reveals Reelection Plans
With an open Senate seat emerging in Minnesota, many political analysts speculated that Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar would make a move for higher office. However, the progressive lawmaker surprised many when she declared her intention to seek reelection to her current House seat rather than launching a Senate campaign.
Choosing the House path presents a more straightforward challenge for Omar, as her district — anchored by a strong Somali-American community — provides a solid base for retaining her seat, unlike a statewide Senate race, which would demand broader appeal.
“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 stated when announcing her decision, according to MPR News.
She added, “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.”
Continuing, Omar emphasized her campaign’s grassroots energy: “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.”
The Senate seat in question became available following Democratic Sen. Tina Smith’s announcement of her retirement. In a February post on X, Smith said, “I’ve decided not to run for re-election to the Senate in 2026. This job has been the honor of a lifetime. For the rest of my term, I’ll work as hard as I can for Minnesotans and our country.”
Smith reiterated in a video message that, “This decision is not political, it is entirely personal,” citing a desire to dedicate more time to her family after “20 years of hard and rewarding work in the public sector.”
Omar’s announcement comes amid growing speculation that fellow “Squad” member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York may eye a Senate run herself—specifically, a potential challenge to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer.
Recent data from a survey conducted by Data for Progress found Ocasio-Cortez leading Schumer by 19 points in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary matchup. Among likely Democratic primary voters in New York surveyed between March 26 and March 31, 55% indicated support for Ocasio-Cortez, compared to 36% for Schumer.
The poll also revealed troubling signs for Schumer. Not only did he receive the highest disapproval rating among the Democratic figures tested, but Ocasio-Cortez ranked among the most popular—trailing only Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
Schumer’s declining approval arrives at a sensitive political moment. His decision to back a bipartisan spending deal with President Trump has drawn fierce backlash from progressives, who argue that Democratic leadership should take a stronger stance against Trump’s growing influence.
Alarmingly for establishment Democrats, 84% of respondents believe Washington Democrats aren’t doing enough to push back against Trump and the MAGA movement.
Ocasio-Cortez’s support cuts across nearly every demographic line. She holds a commanding 50-point lead among voters under 45 and maintains an 8-point edge among those over 45. She outpaces Schumer among white, Black, and Latino voters, and performs better across gender and education levels. Schumer’s sole advantage remains among self-identified moderates.
After voters were presented with biographical information on both candidates, Ocasio-Cortez’s favorability rose from +59 to +69, while Schumer’s favorability grew from +26 to +47. Despite Schumer’s gains, they weren’t enough to shift the overall matchup in his favor.