Minnesota Primary Elections Feature High-Profile Democratic And GOP Races

Republican Senate candidate Royce White talks during an interview with The Associated Press in Minneapolis, July 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski, file)

As Minnesota gears up for its primary elections, several key races and controversies are taking center stage.

In the 5th District, Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing a tough challenge from former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels. Omar narrowly defeated Samuels in the 2022 primary and is now defending her seat against him.

Meanwhile, in the statewide race, conservative populist Royce White is vying against Navy veteran Joe Fraser for the chance to challenge Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar. White's controversial social media comments and legal issues have raised eyebrows among political observers.

Royce White controversially vying against Joe Fraser for Senate race.

Ilhan Omar faces tough challenge from Don Samuels in 5th District.

GOP newcomers in bitter fight to challenge Rep. Angie Craig in 2nd District.

Rep. Cori Bush and Rep. Jamaal Bowman lost primary challenges.

In the 2nd District, two newcomers are locked in a bitter fight for the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Rep. Angie Craig in November.

Omar's fellow Squad members, Rep. Cori Bush and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, recently faced primary challenges and lost. However, Rep. Ayanna Pressley remains unchallenged.

Omar, a Somali American and Muslim, has come under fire for comments deemed antisemitic in the past. Samuels has criticized her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling her one-sided and divisive.

White's victory at the GOP convention for the Senate race endorsement has surprised many, given his controversial affiliations and statements. Fraser, on the other hand, emphasizes a more mainstream approach, focusing on fiscal conservatism and national security.

In the House race, Rep. Angie Craig is preparing for a competitive challenge in November. Former federal prosecutor Joe Teirab and defense attorney Tayler Rahm are vying for the chance to challenge her.

Another notable clash is in the 7th District, where GOP Rep. Michelle Fischbach faces a challenge from small businessman Steve Boyd. Boyd, running on a religious platform, has blocked Fischbach from getting the district convention's endorsement.

As the primary elections approach, the political landscape in Minnesota is marked by intense competition, controversies, and shifting dynamics that will shape the upcoming general election.

Follow the latest updates on the 2024 election at AP News.