Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has successfully navigated a primary election challenge in Minnesota, securing her position as the party’s nominee for the November election in the state’s strongly Democratic 5th District. This victory comes as a notable exception among her fellow members of the progressive “Squad,” who have faced setbacks in recent primaries.

Omar, who faced three competitors in the primary, achieved a decisive win with over 67,000 votes, translating to approximately 56% of the total vote count. This result, based on tallies from US media sources reporting that 99% of votes have been counted, ensures her continued presence in Congress.

The primary was closely scrutinized due to recent high-profile defeats of other “Squad” members. Notably, Cori Bush of Missouri lost her primary earlier this month, and Jamaal Bowman of New York was defeated in June, with both races significantly influenced by pro-Israel groups’ substantial financial contributions. These groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), had invested heavily against Bush and Bowman, impacting the outcomes.

In contrast, Omar’s race did not attract the same level of intervention from these pro-Israel super-PACs. A report from The Intercept indicated that while wealthy pro-Israel donors did attempt a last-minute push for Omar’s opponent, Don Samuels, the effort did not alter the expected outcome. Internal polling had suggested Omar was well-positioned, showing a 30-point lead over Samuels prior to the election.

Omar’s victory is underscored by her continued advocacy for progressive causes, including healthcare, housing, and global equity. Reflecting on her campaign, Omar emphasized the broader implications of her work. “We run the politics of joy,” she told supporters, underscoring her commitment to a “peaceful and equitable world.”

Support for Omar’s campaign came from notable figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also a presidential candidate. Her endorsement by these prominent figures further solidified her position within the party.

Omar, who was born in Somalia and is one of the first Muslim women elected to the US Congress, has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies, particularly in relation to the Gaza conflict. Her outspoken views led to her removal from the House Foreign Affairs Committee by the Republican-controlled House in February 2023, a move she and other Democrats viewed as retaliatory. This followed a period of intense scrutiny over her comments about Israel, including suggestions that American lawmakers were pressured into supporting the Israeli government, which she later apologized for.

In addition to the primary races in Minnesota, elections were also held on Tuesday in Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Vermont. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar also secured her primary victory in Minnesota. Omar’s successful bid ensures her continued role in shaping legislative priorities and advancing her progressive agenda.