Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) is facing a tough road to reelection, as fresh polling data suggests her grip on Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District may be slipping. Former state lawmaker Ryan Winkler is emerging as a serious primary challenger, despite his silence on Omar’s history of controversial statements regarding Israel—remarks that have drawn sharp criticism and accusations of antisemitism.
Omar has previously sparked backlash for comments seen as inflammatory, including a tweet suggesting support for Israel was “all about the Benjamins,” a reference many interpreted as invoking antisemitic tropes. Now, political forces that once helped remove fellow progressive Jamaal Bowman appear to be focusing their attention on her. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which reportedly funded the recent poll, has a track record of targeting left-wing Democrats critical of Israel.
According to the poll results, Omar’s favorability has taken a hit, especially among likely primary voters. One excerpt notes that despite being called out by Democratic leaders—including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi—for antisemitic rhetoric, Omar has continued to take positions that some perceive as extreme, particularly when it comes to legislation aimed at combating antisemitism in the U.S.
In response, Justice Democrats spokesperson Usamah Andrabi pointed the finger directly at AIPAC, accusing the group of meddling in local races to sway outcomes in their favor. “This is their playbook,” Andrabi said. “They get involved early, poll candidates they’ve already vetted—like Ryan Winkler—and then use the results to convince donors to pour millions into defeating progressives.”
Omar, known for her outspoken stance against corporate influence in politics, pushed back forcefully. “My district isn’t for sale,” she said. “Special interest groups, especially AIPAC, have spent millions trying to unseat me. If their policies were truly popular, they wouldn’t need to bankroll smear campaigns against voices they disagree with.”
She went on to reaffirm her commitment to reducing the influence of money in politics: “My constituents want leaders who prioritize people over profit—not elections that feel like auctions. I’ve won by standing up for the people I represent, not for billionaire-backed interests.”
Andrabi echoed those sentiments, pointing to broader frustrations with Congress. “Too many lawmakers serve billionaires and corporate PACs instead of the people. Voters are tired of it.”
He also emphasized a growing disconnect between Democratic leadership and the base. “Right now, congressional Democrats are polling at historic lows. And it’s not a mystery why—there’s a widespread sense they’re more loyal to wealthy donors than everyday Americans.”
He concluded by framing the issue as part of a much larger battle over political influence. “This isn’t just about Israel or Palestine—it’s about the power to pressure elected officials into serving agendas that don’t reflect the will of the people. That kind of lobbying has no place in a healthy democracy.”
