Who Is Running in Minnesota Congressional District 5th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Ilhan Omar
(Incumbent)Economy
HighIlhan Omar advocates for progressive employment models, including a federal jobs guarantee and worker-owned cooperatives, aiming to provide all Americans with dignified jobs and a voice in their economic futures. She supports local hiring, prevailing wages for construction, and labor peace for public contracts to foster community wealth and security. Additionally, she works on workforce protections, participating in hearings on AI in workplaces, OSHA compliance, and E-Verify, and voted against the GOP budget bill.
Immigration
HighRepresentative Ilhan Omar advocates for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and opposing its funding, voting against appropriations bills that include billions for the agency. She cites a need for accountability and reform due to what she describes as lawless behavior and fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents by federal agents. Omar, as Deputy Chair, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus officially advocate to deny all funding to ICE's enforcement actions until serious oversight and accountability are imposed.
Healthcare
HighRepresentative Ilhan Omar supports a single-payer "Medicare for All" system, viewing healthcare as an inalienable right to ensure dignity and equality for all people. She co-introduced the Long Covid Research Moonshot Act, providing $1 billion annually for NIH research. Omar voted against the FY26 NDAA, arguing Congress should prioritize investments in people and healthcare over defense spending, and opposes policies that would increase health insurance premiums for Americans.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Ilhan Omar |
|---|---|
| Economy | Ilhan Omar advocates for progressive employment models, including a federal jobs guarantee and worker-owned cooperatives, aiming to provide all Americans with dignified jobs and a voice in their economic futures. She supports local hiring, prevailing wages for construction, and labor peace for public contracts to foster community wealth and security. Additionally, she works on workforce protections, participating in hearings on AI in workplaces, OSHA compliance, and E-Verify, and voted against the GOP budget bill. High |
| Immigration | Representative Ilhan Omar advocates for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and opposing its funding, voting against appropriations bills that include billions for the agency. She cites a need for accountability and reform due to what she describes as lawless behavior and fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents by federal agents. Omar, as Deputy Chair, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus officially advocate to deny all funding to ICE's enforcement actions until serious oversight and accountability are imposed. High |
| Healthcare | Representative Ilhan Omar supports a single-payer "Medicare for All" system, viewing healthcare as an inalienable right to ensure dignity and equality for all people. She co-introduced the Long Covid Research Moonshot Act, providing $1 billion annually for NIH research. Omar voted against the FY26 NDAA, arguing Congress should prioritize investments in people and healthcare over defense spending, and opposes policies that would increase health insurance premiums for Americans. High |
| Climate & Energy | Representative Ilhan Omar maintains a strong pro-environment voting record, earning a 98% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters and a 2024 endorsement from the Sierra Club. She advocates for a transition to a 100% clean energy economy by ending fossil fuel subsidies and promoting green manufacturing. Omar emphasizes environmental justice, opposing projects that disproportionately impact communities of color and indigenous populations and supporting efforts to achieve zero waste. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Representative Ilhan Omar supports abortion rights, co-sponsoring the Women's Health Protection Act and the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act to codify Roe v. Wade and protect interstate abortion access. She states her position is to protect reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and ensure individuals can make their own healthcare decisions. She also advocates for repealing the Hyde Amendment and protecting access to contraception and IVF. High |
| Foreign Policy | Ilhan Omar advocates for a foreign policy centered on diplomacy, human rights, justice, and peace. She supports reducing defense spending, reorienting foreign affairs, and reclaiming Congress's constitutional authority over war powers. She co-sponsored H.Con.Res. 68 to end unauthorized hostilities against Venezuela and advocates for repealing the 2001 AUMF. She also opposed funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2026, citing concerns about government militarization. High |
| Education | Representative Ilhan Omar advocates for increased federal funding for elementary and secondary schools, emphasizing resources for infrastructure, and better wages and benefits for school employees. She supports tuition-free college and the elimination of existing student loan debt, aiming to ensure access to affordable education. Omar voted against the FY26 NDAA, stating that Congress should invest more in social services and schools rather than bloated defense budgets. High |
| Gun Policy | Ilhan Omar advocates for strong gun policy measures to reduce gun violence, citing the need for simple solutions. She supported the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, requiring universal background checks, and cosponsored legislation to ban assault weapons. Omar also advocates for "red flag laws" to enable close family members or law enforcement to block firearm access. High |
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