Rep. Ilhan Omar, serving Minnesota’s 5th District in the U.S. Congress since 2019, recently expressed her steadfast commitment to protecting Social Security and supporting the Minnesota National Guard, as well as addressing the concerns of senior citizens in her community. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and residing in Minneapolis, Omar has a background that includes a BA from North Dakota State University. In her latest series of statements, she underscores her focus on labor, military support, and community engagement.
On April 23, 2025, she commented on the importance of Social Security, stating, “Social Security isn’t a handout. It’s not an entitlement. It’s an earned benefit paid into, paycheck after paycheck. I’m fighting to protect Social Security for every person who built this country with their labor.”
Later that day, she discussed her meeting with a prominent local military official, saying, “I sat down with Minnesota National Guard Major General Shawn Manke in my Minneapolis office to discuss how I can support their needs at the federal level from funding the State Partnership Program to supporting applicant medical reimbursement.”
In the evening, Omar reflected on her engagement with residents of a senior living community, remarking, “I was grateful to spend my afternoon hearing directly from the senior residents at Hayden Grove Senior Living in St. Anthony about the issues that are concerning them most. When folks can’t come to our townhall, we bring one to their backyard and answer their questions.”
Through these statements, Rep. Omar illustrates her advocacy for earned social benefits, military collaboration, and direct constituent interaction. She has represented Minnesota’s 5th district since replacing Keith Ellison in 2019 and previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019.
