Ilhan Omar
Published On 04 Nov, 2026
Personal Profile
Ilhan Omar is a Somali-American politician and member of the United States House of Representatives. She represents Minnesota's 5th Congressional District and is a member of the Democratic Party. She made history as one of the first two Muslim women elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Somali-American woman elected to Congress.
Early Life & Background
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Full Name: Ilhan Abdullahi Omar
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Known As: Ilhan Omar
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Date of Birth: October 4, 1982
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Age: 44 years (as of 2026)
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Birthplace: Mogadishu, Somalia
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Nationality: American
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Profession: Politician, Public Servant and Former Educator
Ilhan Omar was born in Mogadishu, Somalia. Her family fled the country's civil war and spent several years in a refugee camp in Kenya before moving to the United States. She settled with her family in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the 1990s.
Education
Omar graduated from Edison High School in Minneapolis in 2001. She later attended North Dakota State University, where she earned bachelor's degrees in political science and international studies in 2011.
Career
Early Professional Career
Before entering politics, Ilhan Omar worked in education, community outreach and public service. Her professional experience included working as a community nutrition educator at the University of Minnesota and as a staff member at the Minnesota Department of Education.
She also worked as a policy aide for the Minneapolis City Council and managed political campaigns.
Political Career
Ilhan Omar entered elected politics in 2016 when she won a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She served from 2017 to 2019 and became assistant minority leader.
In November 2018, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. She took office in January 2019 and has continued serving in Congress.
Omar is a member of the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Education and Workforce. She has also held leadership roles within congressional caucuses.
Personal Life
Ilhan Omar is a mother of four and has publicly discussed her experiences as an immigrant and refugee. She has been married more than once and keeps some aspects of her family life private.
Ilhan Omar – Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ilhan Abdullahi Omar |
| Known As | Ilhan Omar |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1982 |
| Age | 44 Years (2026) |
| Birth Place | Mogadishu, Somalia |
| Profession | Politician, Public Servant and Former Educator |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | North Dakota State University |
| Political Party | Democratic Party |
| Political Position | U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th District |
| Known For | Somali-American Representation in U.S. Congress |
| Category | Politicians / U.S. Congress Members |
