Rep. Ilhan Omar Endorsed by Congressional Black Caucus PAC, National Black Leaders
MINNEAPOLIS—Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) announced the endorsement of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) PAC, along with CBC leaders Karen Bass, Barbara Lee, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Ayanna Pressley.
“Whether it is poverty, homeownership, education, criminal justice or unemployment, black Minnesotans are held back by policy decisions that perpetuate structural racism,” said Rep. Omar. “The deadly coronavirus crisis has only exacerbated those inequalities. Since I first ran for public office, I have made it a priority to tackle racial inequality in the Twin Cities. That’s why I co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus. It’s why I led a CBC field visit to my district to find solutions to entrenched inequality. And it’s why I have introduced major legislation to address racial disparities—like Homes for All, universal school meals, and the Zero Waste Act. I am honored by the solidarity shown by my sisters in the Congressional Black Caucus and look forward to continuing the fight with them.”
“Congresswoman Omar has been a champion for not only the people who sent her to Congress, but millions throughout the country in need of affordable housing, fair wages, and accessible health care,” said Rep. Karen Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Whether I was with her in Minnesota’s 5th district or with her and Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Ghana, it is so obvious to me the passion with which Rep. Omar serves. I am proud to support my colleague — send her back to Congress!”
“I am honored to endorse Congresswoman Ilhan Omar for her re-election to Congress,” said Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “She is a remarkable leader who has established herself as a visionary, both in her district and our nation. I had a chance to see this first hand when she welcomed me to Minnesota for a Congressional Black Caucus visit. As the first African-born Member of Congress, our Speaker and Chair of the Africa Subcommittee on a historic visit to Africa recognizing that she represents the hopes and aspirations of many marginalized people throughout the world.”
“In her short time in office, Ilhan Omar has established herself as an invaluable leader for her district and a vital member of our Caucus,” said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) “I look forward to welcoming her back as my colleague for a second term in the House of Representatives.”
“I’m proud to call Ilhan Omar my friend and my sister-in-service. In Congress, she has established herself as a leader deeply committed to working on behalf of the people she represents, something I saw firsthand when I visited her district as part of a CBC delegation,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). “She is a visionary policy maker, informed by the struggles and the brilliance of families in her district. Ilhan’s lived experience makes her a bold and powerful advocate for the Minnesota 5th District and for millions of people in communities around the country. We need her continued leadership in Congress as we work to build a more just democracy.”
About Ilhan Omar: In 2018, Ilhan was elected to Congress representing the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota. In her first year in office, she successfully passed 16 bills and amendments through the U.S. House of Representatives. Ilhan introduced the Student Debt Cancellation Act to end the student debt crisis, Homes for All legislation to end the homelessness crisis, and legislation to tackle child hunger by making school meals universal. She also co-sponsored the No Ban Act to combat Donald Trump’s xenophobic Muslim Ban, successfully pushed to extend DED status for the Liberian community in Minnesota, and introduced a War Powers Resolution to prevent war with Iran.
She is Vice Chair of the Medicare for All Caucus, Whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Midwest Regional Whip for the Democratic Caucus. Ilhan has consistently worked to show that the American Dream is for everyone. This YEAR, she was awarded the Profile in Courage Award from the Town Project for her consistent engagement with constituents, even in the face of threats to her safety.