Suspense in Minnesota's Primary continues

Ilhan Omar and Don Samuels face off after a close race last election. 

By Katrina Bailey  /  The Hubbard School

The Minnesota primary election is underway, with a particular local race getting national attention. 

Rep. Ilhan Omar and previous Former Member of the Minneapolis City Council Don Samuels continue to run against each other. Samuels lost to Omar by 2% at the last election two years ago. 

The 5th Congressional District, located in Minneapolis, is the most Democratic district in the state, voting the same for 64 years. Omar and Samuels are representatives of this district. 

Omar made history in 2016 as the first Somali American elected to any state legislature. Two years later, she won her first term in Congress. 

While she is known as a popular candidate, not everyone is happy with her. Voter Latisha Harris said she wishes for a change. 

"The way we have been represented in voting and Congress has just not been what we need to be so it is important we understand that and that it is about the people and not special purposes,” Harris said. 

Samuels said people like Harris give him an opportunity to win. 

"CD 5 is the most important district in the state of Minnesota and what happens here, the leadership will impact the vibe and the feeling that people have about the state,” Samuels said. 

Voting continues to be important as elections have important consequences, Voter Peter Nolan said. 

"Voting especially at the local level is just as important thing you can do to change the everyday quality of your life,” Nolan said.