Somali residents packed a Minneapolis venue and erupted in celebration as early results showed Rep. Ilhan Omar easily winning another term in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, even as a federal criminal investigation into her family's immigration paperwork remains active weeks after agents searched her Washington-area home.
Video circulating online captured the scene of mostly hijab-wearing women waving American and Somali flags, holding "Ilhan FIGHTS FOR US" signs, while dancing and cheering.
WATCH:
Celebration in Somali mall in Minnesota after ilhan Omar won her 3rd consecutive election in 5th district pic.twitter.com/wQBkE65Fyl
— SOMALI TOKS (@Somali_Alpha_X) November 4, 2026
Celebration in Somali mall in Minnesota after ilhan Omar won her 3rd consecutive election in 5th district https://t.co/wQBkE65Fyl
— SOMALI TOKS (@Somali_Alpha_X) November 4, 2026
With roughly 10 percent of precincts reporting as of late Tuesday evening, Omar held 15,478 votes to Nagel's 6,980, according to state tallies, leading to a quick projected win.
Ilhan Omar has been reelected to Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. pic.twitter.com/SnlBC1Lq02
— KSTP (@KSTP) November 4, 2026
Omar winning another term was never in serious doubt in a district that has voted overwhelmingly Democrat for years, but the election unfolded during an intensifying Justice Department investigation.
On October 12, Homeland Security Investigations agents executed a judicially authorized search warrant at Omar's Washington-area home as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation focused on potential false statements and fraud in immigration paperwork.
Agents seized her phone, laptop, notebooks, and passport.
Subpoenas were also issued to family members, including Omar's sister Sahra Noor.
The investigation focuses, in part, on whether Omar's late father, Nur Omar Mohamed, lied about information on forms when the family sought legal status after fleeing Somalia, including questions about the congresswoman's real age. It appears that he may have lied and claimed she was a minor, helping her gain citizenship as a dependent, when in fact she may have been over 18.
There is also an investigation into whether or not she married her brother to help him gain citizenship.
Omar's campaign raised more than $8 million this cycle, according to FEC filings.
Source link
