Ilhan Omar, the influential Somali-origin Democratic politician, has been re-elected by a wide margin from Minnesota’s 5th congressional district in the US midterm elections. In her first speech after winning a fifth straight term in the House of Representatives, she thanked voters for answering the politics of hate and fear with unity and the ballot.
In an emotional victory speech to supporters after the result was confirmed, Ilhan Omar said: “The remarkable results we are seeing in Minnesota and across the country are possible when you lead with compassion, courage and humanity, when you take care of your neighbour and vote according to your values.”
Recalling the repeated attacks by political opponents and the administration of the day, she said: “When they came down on Minnesotans, we did not stop at taking to the streets to protect our neighbours; we knew that when election day came we had to give the fitting answer at the ballot box. Through our votes we have told them clearly that Minnesota is not a place where you can do whatever you like.”
Responding to the personal and political attacks on her, Ilhan Omar said opponents had thought fear and attacks would silence her community and that perhaps they would not go to the polls.
Instead, ordinary people turned out in large numbers and rejected that attempt outright. Pointing to states such as Ohio, Maine and Texas, she said ordinary people had proved they are not ready to be pawns in anyone’s political whims.
Expressing deep gratitude to Minnesotans, Ilhan Omar said: “Thank you, Minnesota, for sheltering my family as refugees and giving us the chance to start a new life. Thank you for giving me and my siblings an education and giving my father the right to retire with dignity.”
“Minnesota did not just shelter a young refugee, it chose her and sent her to Congress to shape the country’s policies,” she added.
Towards the end of her speech, the Democratic leader sent a strong message to her political opponents and to President Donald Trump’s camp. Quoting Robert Garcia, the incoming chairman of the House Oversight Committee, she said: “The days of harassment and political repression are over. The time for transparency and accountability has begun.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report