Jamaican seeks to unseat congresswoman Ilhan Omar in August primary

Long-time community activist and former Minneapolis City Council member Jamaica–born Don Samuels has officially registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to oppose Rep Ilhan Omar in the DFL primary for the 5th Congressional District in August.

A March 8 FEC filing shows Samuels, 72, would run as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party in an effort to unseat two-time incumbent Omar.

In a statement announcing his candidacy, Samuels said: “The stakes have never been higher. Our city, our nation, and our world are threatened by devastating economic disparities, the catastrophic effects of climate change, and a sustained attack on democracy here at home and abroad. While Rep Omar and I share similar views on many issues, I believe this moment calls for a different approach to leadership – one that seeks to build a united coalition able to achieve greater progress for everyone.”

Samuels was born in Lucea, Hanover, lived in St Mary and moved to Kingston at age nine. He attended Swallowfield Primary School, Calabar High School, Mannings High School, and Meadowbrook High School. He worked with Things Jamaica and the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library (Tom Redcam Library) before migrating to the United States of America on a scholarship.

SETTLED IN BROOKLYN

On arrival, he settled in Brooklyn and attended Pratt Institute, where he studied industrial drawing.

Samuels, who has worked for all the major toy makers in the United States, traversed the United States, living in several states before settling in Minneapolis some 20 years ago.

After building a successful career in the private sector, he won a seat on the Minneapolis City Council in 2003. He spent much of his time on the council sounding the alarm about youth violence in Minneapolis.

Ten years later, he announced his bid for mayor of Minneapolis, eventually losing to Betsy Hodges.

Samuels later served on the board for Minneapolis Public Schools.

Last year, Samuels and his wife, Sondra, successfully campaigned against efforts to abolish and replace Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), urging residents to vote no on a November ballot question. Samuels said while he and others were “not satisfied with the status quo,” they hoped to change MPD within the current framework.

Rep Omar, who announced her intention to seek a third term in February, was first elected to Congress in 2019, making her the first Somali American to serve in either legislative chamber.

Omar then won her reelection in 2020 with 64.5 per cent of the vote.