What Went Down In Elections In Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont And Connecticut

I think there’s a combination of factors here that are contributing to the competitiveness of Omar’s primary. First, Omar is probably the most controversial member of the Squad. While they are all outspoken progressives, Omar has gotten plenty of bad headlines for her anti-Semitic comments, adultery accusations and a possible campaign-finance scandal. Second, I think there is a lot of bad blood among Democrats in Minneapolis specifically, more so than in Boston or New York City or St. Louis. As Geoffrey mentioned, last year’s campaign around Question 2 and the Minneapolis mayoral election were fierce, fierce fights between the moderate and progressive wings of the party — fights that, notably, the moderate wing won. Third, it’s hard to rule out racism — specifically, anti-Muslim sentiment. The two members of the Squad who have faced the most serious primary challenges, Omar and Tlaib, are both Muslim.

We’re now at 96 percent of the expected vote in for Minnesota’s 5th District and Omar is still hanging in there — albeit barely so! She currently leads Samuels 51 to 48 percent.

Amelia, I was thinking a lot of the same, honestly. Of course, she’s not the only Muslim member of The Squad, but I do wonder how much racism, misogynoir and xenophobia play a factor here …