Former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels has announced his candidacy for a rematch against Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar in the upcoming Democratic primary election for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. In last year's primary, Samuels came closer to defeating Omar than any candidate before him, losing by just over two percentage points.

Samuels, a Jamaican immigrant who previously served on the Minneapolis School Board, is confident that he will have a better chance at victory this time around. With more time and potentially more financial support, he aims to build on the trajectory of his previous campaign and address what he believes is an urgent need for new leadership.

The race for the Democratic nomination in the 5th Congressional District already includes two other challengers: Air Force veteran Tim Peterson and attorney Sarah Gad. However, Samuels' close margin of defeat in the last primary and his endorsements, including that of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, give him a strong foundation for his campaign.

While public safety remains a crucial issue for the district, Samuels plans to critique Omar's inconsistent values and decisions. He criticizes her support for the failed ballot initiative to replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a new public safety agency. Samuels believes that focusing on these inconsistencies will resonate with the district's voters.

One particular issue that Samuels highlights is Omar's recent handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He accuses her of minimizing the assault on Israel and exacerbating divisions in how she addresses the problem in Palestine. Samuels also points out Omar's acceptance of a World Cup trip funded by Qatar, a nation widely criticized for human rights abuses. These actions, according to Samuels, undermine Omar's credibility as a leader.

In response to Samuels' candidacy, Omar acknowledges that she has faced opposition from right-wing donors throughout her political career. She points out that Samuels received a campaign donation from billionaire Republican Harlan Crow, the same donor who has supported conservative causes, including Justice Clarence Thomas. Omar affirmed her commitment to progressive values and highlighted her efforts in Congress, including advocating for abortion protections, climate change legislation, and an assault weapons ban.

It remains to be seen whether Samuels' criticisms will resonate with voters in the 5th Congressional District this time around. While Omar has publicly condemned both Hamas' attacks on Israelis and Israel's counterattacks in Gaza, she was one of only 10 U.S. House members to oppose a recent resolution reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense. Omar's nuanced stance on the conflict may attract support from progressive voters, but it could also invite criticism from those who align more closely with Samuels' views.

As the race for the Democratic nomination heats up, it's clear that both candidates have their own challenges to navigate. Samuels, known for his advocacy against gun violence and his push for increased police staffing, plans to focus on creating incentives for law enforcement careers and addressing homelessness if elected to Congress. Omar, on the other hand, aims to drive record turnout in the upcoming election, emphasizing the need to stop Donald Trump and promote progressive values.

With the backing of House Democratic leadership, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Omar enters the race with significant support within her party. However, Samuels' deep roots in the community, particularly in north Minneapolis, where he has been actively involved in addressing local issues, may give him an advantage in connecting with voters.

The rematch between Don Samuels and Ilhan Omar is expected to be closely watched not only in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District but also nationally. As the candidates continue to outline their platforms and engage with voters, their positions on public safety, foreign affairs, and progressive values will undoubtedly shape the outcome of the primary election in August next year.