Omar Gets A Primary Challenger In Organizer John Mason
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- Community organizer John Mason says he'll challenge U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar in a Democratic primary for Minnesota's 5th District.
Mason, a first-time candidate, said Tuesday he wants to build on President Barack Obama's accomplishments in health care care, education, gun control and the environment. He said he supports inclusivity and condemns all forms of hate, including "anti-Semitic tropes" -- a dig at Omar, who was criticized this year for remarks about Israel and the strength of the Jewish state's influence in Washington.
"Our inclusivity is our strength and our Minnesota values guide the way," said Mason in a statement Tuesday. "During this time of increasing vitriol and obstruction in politics, with special interests working only to divide us here at home and abroad - the good people of Minnesota need to know that we can come together as a community with a common goal to better our neighborhoods, our economy, our schools, and our health."
Omar apologized for suggesting lawmakers support Israel for money and has said she wasn't criticizing Jews.
Mason's campaign website says he worked on voter registration and turnout for the Obama for America campaign and was strategist for his husband, Nick Leonard, when Leonard ran for U.S. Senate in 2018.
Omar announced Monday she raised more than $1.1 million in the third quarter for her re-election.
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