Somali Political Activist Upsets Long Time Minneapolis Councilman In Primary

A Somali political activist and former aide to the Minneapolis City Council unseats a 44–year legislative veteran in Tuesday’s primary.

Ilhan Omar defeated 22–term Representative Phyllis Kahn in the Minneapolis House District.

The mother of three says the district needed a fresh face of diversity.

The district covers the University of Minnesota and an area with a large population of Somalian immigrants.

Omar could become the first Somali-American lawmaker in the nation if she’s elected in November.