The Star Tribune, Minnesota's largest newspaper, endorsed Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (D., Minn.) primary opponent, citing the challenger’s "integrity and progress" as the primary reason to vote the incumbent out of office.
Omar’s hometown paper said in a Wednesday editorial that Democratic primary challenger Antone Melton-Meaux would be better suited to represent the district in Congress. Omar, the paper argued, is overly focused on picking fights with Republicans and pushing fringe causes.
Omar’s anti-Semitic rhetoric and penchant for backing far-left causes has isolated her in Congress and undermined her ability to represent her district. Omar has repeatedly picked fights with Israel and its Jewish-American supporters. Democratic leaders in Congress have distanced themselves from Omar's anti-Semitic rhetoric, and her alliance with fellow "Squad" members, Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), has been met with antipathy by many in her party. Melton-Meaux, on the other hand, seeks to forge alliances, the Star Tribune said.
"While Omar wants to lead a movement, Melton-Meaux seeks to serve the Fifth District," the paper wrote. "There are many ways to fight for change, few of them easy when tackling entrenched systems and interests. Omar says she will ‘fight hard for big ideas.’ But the point of the fight, after all, is the change. And that often requires the ability to forge alliances and persuade."
The paper also criticized Omar’s legislative prowess, saying she has not demonstrated an ability to pass legislation that enacts change.