Ilhan Omar became the first Somali-American woman elected to Congress Tuesday night, prevailing in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District over Republican Jennifer Zielinski. Omar and Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib are also the first Muslim women elected to Congress.
Democrats are celebrating Omar's win and the diversity in their party, but they may regret their choice after scrolling back through her Twitter timeline. Here's what she had to say about Israel in 2012.
Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel. #Gaza #Palestine #Israel
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 16, 2012
Democrats are expected to take some heat for this win. In recent months some liberal leaders have also been criticized for their ties to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who just last month suggested Jews were "termites." Newly elected Minnesota Attorney General and former DNC Deputy Chair Keith Ellison has for years been connected to Farrakhan, but many would agree he has failed to properly distance himself from him.
Some analysts who have closely followed Washington politics say Tuesday night's election outcomes are unsurprising.
Yes. This is concerning, but it is not unexpected. The Dems have moved from entertaining anti-Semitism and anti-Israel voices, to fully embracing them as the party's future. Let us not forget how the 2012/16 Party leaders booed Israel and God. https://t.co/fl0fXH3Bng https://t.co/Rd4aclWEQJ
— Adam Kredo (@Kredo0) November 7, 2018
During her campaign, Omar focused on single-payer health care, gun control and immigration. In an interview with CBS Wednesday, the newly elected congresswoman said she plans on embracing refugees.
Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) is one of the first 2 Muslim women elected in Congress: "I hope to bring a unique insight to the lives and struggles that refugees need and the kind of opportunities and hope they are looking for when they come here." pic.twitter.com/DM38cgvnUZ
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) November 7, 2018