Tlaib, Omar win re-election amid heightened debate over US-Israel policy

Progressive Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar have secured decisive victories in their re-election bids, maintaining their positions as vocal critics of U.S. policy toward Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American woman in Congress, dominated her Michigan race with 77 percent of the vote, securing a fourth term with strong backing from Dearborn's substantial Arab-American community. The Associated Press called her victory early, with just 18 percent of votes counted.

In Minnesota, Omar also claimed a commanding win for her third term, defeating Republican challenger Dalia al-Aqidi with 76.4 percent of the vote. Al-Aqidi, who had characterized herself as a "secular Muslim," had attempted to paint Omar as pro-Hamas during a heated campaign.

The elections reflected broader political tensions: Tlaib notably declined to endorse Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, though she encouraged voter participation. Her stance follows a House censure last year over her statements following the October 7 Hamas attack.

Omar, a member of the progressive "Squad" alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others, has consistently challenged mainstream Democratic positions on Israel policy. Both she and Tlaib have faced significant pushback from pro-Israel groups and fellow lawmakers for their positions.

Their re-election suggests enduring support for alternative voices on Middle East policy within the Democratic Party, even as mainstream party leadership maintains strong backing for Israel.

The victories ensure continued congressional debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East.