History of Ilhan Omar in Timeline
Ilhan Omar is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district since 2019. Prior to her time in Congress, she served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019, representing part of Minneapolis. Her current district encompasses the entirety of Minneapolis and some of its adjacent suburbs.
1977: Ilhan Omar's father serves in the Ogaden War
Ilhan Omar's father, Nur Omar Mohamed, served with distinction in the 1977-78 Ogaden War between Somalia and Ethiopia.
October 4, 1982: Ilhan Omar is Born
Ilhan Abdullahi Omar was born on October 4, 1982 in Mogadishu, Somalia.
1982: El Mozote Massacre
The El Mozote massacre occured.
1991: Abrams Convicted of Withholding Information
In 1991, Elliott Abrams was convicted of withholding information from Congress regarding the Iran-Contra affair.
1995: Arrival in the U.S.
Ilhan Omar and her family arrived in New York in 1995 seeking asylum from the Somali Civil War.
2000: Becomes U.S. Citizen
Ilhan Omar became a U.S. citizen in 2000 at the age of 17.
2001: Graduates High School
Ilhan Omar graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 2001.
2002: Engagement to Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi
In 2002, Ilhan Omar got engaged to Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi. According to Omar, they also had an unofficial Islamic marriage ceremony.
2006: Begins Work as Community Nutrition Educator
Ilhan Omar started working as a community nutrition educator at the University of Minnesota in 2006.
2008: Faith-Based Divorce from Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi
Ilhan Omar and Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi underwent a divorce according to their faith tradition in 2008.
2009: Concludes Work as Community Nutrition Educator
Ilhan Omar concluded her work as a community nutrition educator at the University of Minnesota in 2009.
2009: Marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi
Ilhan Omar married Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, a British Somali, in 2009.
2011: Graduates from North Dakota State University
Ilhan Omar graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in political science and international studies in 2011.
2011: Faith-Based Divorce from Ahmed Nur Said Elmi and Reconciliation with Hirsi
In 2011, Omar and Elmi had a faith-based divorce. Omar reconciled with Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi.
2012: Birth of Third Child
Ilhan Omar and Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi had their third child in 2012.
2012: Campaign Manager for Kari Dziedzic
Ilhan Omar served as campaign manager for Kari Dziedzic's reelection campaign for the Minnesota State Senate in 2012.
2012: Tweet About Israel
In 2012, Ilhan Omar tweeted, 'Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel.'
2013: Becomes Child Nutrition Outreach Coordinator
Ilhan Omar became a child nutrition outreach coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Education in 2013.
2013: Manages Andrew Johnson's Campaign
Ilhan Omar managed Andrew Johnson's campaign for Minneapolis City Council in 2013.
February 2014: Attacked at Precinct Caucus
In February 2014, Ilhan Omar was attacked by five people and injured during a contentious precinct caucus that turned violent.
September 2015: Becomes Director of Policy Initiatives
In September 2015, Ilhan Omar became the Director of Policy Initiatives of the Women Organizing Women Network, advocating for women from East Africa to take on civic and political leadership roles.
2015: Serves as Senior Policy Aide to Andrew Johnson
After Andrew Johnson was elected, Ilhan Omar served as his senior policy aide from 2013 to 2015.
2016: Runs for Minnesota House of Representatives
In 2016, Ilhan Omar ran on the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) ticket for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 60B.
2016: Miftah Co-sponsored Visit Approved
In 2016, Israel approved a visit by five U.S. Representatives to Israel that was co-sponsored by Miftah, an organization later accused of having members who support terrorism against Israel.
January 3, 2017: Begins Term in Minnesota House of Representatives
Ilhan Omar's term as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives began on January 3, 2017.
2017: Begins Service in Minnesota House of Representatives
Ilhan Omar served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019, representing part of Minneapolis.
2017: Legal Divorce from Ahmed Nur Said Elmi
Ilhan Omar and Ahmed Nur Said Elmi legally divorced in 2017.
2017: Serves as Assistant Minority Leader
During her tenure as state Representative for District 60B, Ilhan Omar was an Assistant Minority Leader for the DFL caucus from 2017-2018.
September 2018: Named "Progressive Rising Star"
In September 2018, Jeff Cirillo of Roll Call called Ilhan Omar a "progressive rising star".
October 2018: Criticism of Saudi Arabia
In October 2018, Ilhan Omar tweeted: 'The Saudi government might have been strategic at covering up the daily atrocities carried out against minorities, women, activists and even the #YemenGenocide, but the murder of #JamalKhashoggi should be the last evil act they are allowed to commit.' She also called for a boycott of Saudi Arabia's regime, tweeting: '#BDSSaudi.' The Saudi Arabian government responded by having dozens of anonymous Twitter troll accounts it controlled post tweets critical of Omar.
2018: Legal Marriage to Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi
Ilhan Omar and Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi legally married in 2018.
2018: Authors 38 Bills
Ilhan Omar authored 38 bills during the 2017–2018 legislative session.
2018: Criticism for Statements About Israel
In 2018, Ilhan Omar came under criticism for statements she made about Israel before she was in the Minnesota legislature. The comment, particularly that Israel had 'hypnotized the world', was criticized as drawing on antisemitic tropes. Then-The New York Times columnist Bari Weiss wrote that Omar's statement tied into a millennia-old 'conspiracy theory of the Jew as the hypnotic conspirator'. When asked in an interview how she would respond to American Jews who found the remark offensive, Omar replied: 'I don't know how my comments would be offensive to Jewish Americans. My comments precisely are addressing what was happening during the Gaza War and I'm clearly speaking about the way the Israeli regime was conducting itself in that war.' After reading Weiss's commentary, Omar apologized for not 'disavowing the anti-Semitic trope I unknowingly used'.
2018: Time for Ilhan Documentary Release
In 2018, the documentary film 'Time for Ilhan,' directed by Norah Shapiro and produced by Jennifer Steinman Sternin and Chris Newberry, was released. The film chronicled Omar's political campaign and was selected for screening at the Tribeca Film Festival and the Mill Valley Film Festival.
January 2019: Trump Appoints Elliott Abrams
In January 2019, Donald Trump appointed Elliott Abrams as Special Representative for Venezuela.
January 2019: Opposition to US Recognition of Juan Guaidó
During the 2019 Venezuelan presidential crisis in January 2019, Ilhan Omar, along with Democrats Ro Khanna and Tulsi Gabbard, condemned the Trump administration's decision to recognize Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president. She labeled it a "U.S. backed coup" and argued against the U.S. choosing foreign leaders, instead advocating for peaceful dialogue facilitated by Mexico, Uruguay, and the Vatican.
February 2019: Questioning Elliott Abrams's Appointment
In February 2019, Ilhan Omar questioned the suitability of Elliott Abrams as Special Representative for Venezuela, citing his past support for right-wing regimes, his initial questioning of the El Mozote massacre's death toll in 1982, and his 1991 convictions for withholding information from Congress about the Iran-Contra affair.
February 2019: Omar's "All About the Benjamins" Controversy
In February 2019, Omar responded to criticism of her support for the BDS movement with a quote from a hip hop song, "It's All About the Benjamins", which was perceived as antisemitic by many politicians.
February 27, 2019: Omar Questions Allegiance to Foreign Countries
On February 27, 2019, Omar questioned the pressure on American politicians to pledge allegiance to a foreign country, which was interpreted as another instance of antisemitism.
March 7, 2019: House Condemns Bigotry
On March 7, 2019, the House of Representatives voted to condemn various forms of bigotry, including antisemitism, in response to Omar's remarks.
March 2019: Support for Banning Gay Conversion Therapy
In March 2019, Ilhan Omar addressed a rally in support of a Minnesota bill to ban gay conversion therapy, a stance she also held while a member of the Minnesota House.
March 2019: Criticism of Barack Obama's Immigration Policy
In a March 2019 Politico interview, Ilhan Omar criticized Barack Obama's 'caging of kids' along the Mexican border. Omar accused Politico of distorting her comments and said that she had been saying how Trump is different from Obama, and why we should focus on policy not politics, adding, 'One is human, the other is really not.'
May 2019: Proposed Sanctions Against Brunei
In May 2019, Omar introduced legislation to sanction Brunei for its law punishing homosexual sex and adultery with death.
May 2019: Criticism of US Foreign Policy and Sanctions
In May 2019, Ilhan Omar expressed her belief during a Democracy Now! interview that U.S. foreign policy and economic sanctions were contributing to the "devastation in Venezuela" and aimed at regime change.
June 2019: Introduction of the No Shame at School Act
In June 2019, Ilhan Omar and Senator Tina Smith introduced the No Shame at School Act, which would end the marking of—and punishment for—students with school meal debt.
June 2019: Participation in Twin Cities Pride
In June 2019, Ilhan Omar participated in Twin Cities Pride in Minnesota, demonstrating her support for the LGBTQ+ community.
June 2019: Vote Against Border Funding Bill
In June 2019, Ilhan Omar was one of four Democratic representatives to vote against the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, a $4.5 billion border funding bill that required Customs and Border Protection to enact health standards for individuals in custody such as standards for 'medical emergencies; nutrition, hygiene, and facilities; and personnel training.' 'Throwing more money at the very organizations committing human rights abuses—and the very Administration directing these human rights abuses—is not a solution. This is a humanitarian crisis ... inflicted by our own leadership,' she said.
July 2019: Initial Allowance to Enter Israel
In July 2019, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer stated that "any member of Congress" would be allowed to enter Israel.
July 2019: Trump's Tweet and The Squad's Response
In July 2019, President Trump posted a tweet targeting 'The Squad' - a group comprising Ilhan Omar and three other congresswomen of color. Trump suggested they should 'go back' to the 'places from which they came.' In response, Omar and the other Squad members held a press conference, which was widely covered by media outlets like CNN and shared on social media.
August 2019: Banned from Entering Israel
In August 2019, Ilhan Omar and Representative Rashida Tlaib were banned from entering Israel after expressing support for the BDS movement.
August 2019: Support for Palestinian LGBT Rights Group
In August 2019, Omar used Twitter to voice her support for Al Qaws, a Palestinian LGBT rights group, after the Palestinian Authority banned its activities in the West Bank.
September 2019: Condemnation of Benjamin Netanyahu's Plans
In September 2019, Ilhan Omar condemned Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to annex the eastern portion of the occupied West Bank known as the Jordan Valley. Omar said Israelis should not vote for Netanyahu in the September 2019 Israeli legislative election.
October 7, 2019: Filing for Divorce from Hirsi
On October 7, 2019, Ilhan Omar filed for divorce from Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi, stating "irretrievable breakdown" as the reason for the separation.
October 2019: Vote on H.Res. 296
In October 2019, Ilhan Omar voted 'present' on H.Res. 296, to recognize the Armenian genocide, causing a backlash. She said in a statement that 'accountability and recognition of genocide should not be used as a cudgel in a political fight' and argued that such a step should include both the Atlantic slave trade and the Native American genocide.
October 2019: Opposition to the Turkish Offensive into Northeastern Syria
In October 2019, Ilhan Omar opposed the Turkish offensive into northeastern Syria, writing that 'What has happened after Turkey's invasion of northeastern Syria is a disaster—tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee, hundreds of Islamic State fighters have escaped, and Turkish-backed rebels have been credibly accused of atrocities against the Kurds.'
November 5, 2019: Finalization of Divorce from Hirsi
The divorce between Ilhan Omar and Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi was finalized on November 5, 2019.
2019: Call to Limit Use of Force
In 2019, Ilhan Omar joined Representatives Ro Khanna and Senator Rand Paul in signing a letter to President Trump urging for limitations on the use of military force without Congressional authorization.
2019: Condemnation of the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Bombings
In 2019, Ilhan Omar condemned the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings, tweeting, 'No person, of any faith, should be fearful in their house of worship.'
2019: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
Ilhan Omar was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota's 5th congressional district in 2019.
March 2020: Marriage to Tim Mynett
Ilhan Omar married Tim Mynett, a political consultant, in March 2020.
May 2020: Support for UN Embargo Against Iran
In May 2020, Omar signed a letter supported by AIPAC advocating for the continued UN embargo against Iran, a move her office clarified as opposition to human rights abuses and not an endorsement of the Trump administration's Iran policy.
June 2020: Support for Police Abolition Movement
Following the murder of George Floyd in June 2020, Ilhan Omar supported the police abolition movement in Minneapolis. She argued for a new police department based on the Camden County Police Department model in New Jersey.
October 19, 2020: Twitch Stream for Voter Encouragement
On October 19, 2020, Ilhan Omar participated in a Twitch stream with popular content creators like Ocasio-Cortez, Disguised Toast, Jacksepticeye, and Pokimane. They played the game 'Among Us' as a way to encourage viewers to vote in the 2020 election. The stream attracted a large audience, garnering nearly half a million views.
November 17, 2020: Termination of Contract with Mynett's Firm
On November 17, 2020, Ilhan Omar's campaign ended its contract with Tim Mynett's political consulting firm, the E Street Group. This decision was made to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest, which had attracted criticism from her Democratic primary opponent and conservative critics, resulting in significant media coverage.
2020: Reactions to Omar's Statements and House Resolution
In 2020, reactions to Omar's comments about Israel and lobbying were mixed, with some Democratic presidential candidates defending her while others criticized her remarks. This led to a House resolution condemning antisemitism, which was later amended to include other forms of bigotry.
2020: Publication of Memoir, 'This Is What America Looks Like'
In 2020, HarperCollins published Ilhan Omar's memoir, 'This Is What America Looks Like,' co-written with Rebecca Paley.
November 5, 2021: Vote Against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
On November 5, 2021, Ilhan Omar was one of six House Democrats to break with their party and vote against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because it was decoupled from the social safety net provisions in the Build Back Better Act.
2021: Response to the 2021 United States Capitol Attack
On January 6, 2021, supporters of President Donald Trump attacked the United States Capitol Building in an attempt to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. In response to the attack, Ilhan Omar said that the experience was very traumatizing and that the trauma would last a long time. She said she began to fear for her life when the evacuation began and as she was being escorted to a secure area, she made a phone call to the father of her children to make sure he would continue to tell her children that she loved them if she didn't make it out.
July 19, 2022: Arrest for Civil Disobedience
On July 19, 2022, after the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Ilhan Omar and 17 other members of Congress were arrested in an act of civil disobedience for refusing to clear a street during a protest for reproductive rights outside the Supreme Court Building.
February 2, 2023: Omar Removed from Foreign Affairs Committee
On February 2, 2023, the Republican-led House removed Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee, citing her past statements.
February 2023: Removal from Foreign Affairs Committee
In February 2023, the Republican-controlled House voted to remove Ilhan Omar from her seat on the Foreign Affairs Committee. The reasons cited were past comments she had made about Israel and concerns over her objectivity.
July 6, 2023: Opposition to Cluster Munitions for Ukraine
On July 6, 2023, Ilhan Omar opposed President Biden's authorization to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, expressing her belief that supporting Ukraine's freedom struggle should not come at the cost of violating international law.
July 18, 2023: Omar Votes Against Resolution Supporting Israel
On July 18, 2023, Omar voted against a resolution stating that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state and reaffirming US support for Israel.
October 16, 2023: Omar Calls for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas War
On October 16, 2023, Omar signed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel-Hamas war and criticized US support for Israel's actions in Gaza.