MINNEAPOLIS _ State Rep. Ilhan Omar made history Tuesday, becoming the first Somali-American elected to the U.S. House by defeating Republican Jennifer Zielinski in the heavily Democratic 5th District.
Omar, a Democrat, was favored to win election the 5th District seat that's been held by Democrats since the early 1960s _ most recently by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, who opted to run for state attorney general this year. She faced Zielinski, who works as a clinical specialist for Allina Health.
Omar, a vocal advocate for single-payer health care, tighter gun restrictions and more expansive immigration policies, captured national attention because of her life story as a refugee who made her way into elected office. She's also been a frequent target of critics who have questioned her use of campaign funds and marriage and immigration history. Omar strongly rejected all allegations of impropriety.
