By Erin Golden

Star Tribune

MINNEAPOLIS — State Rep. Ilhan Omar made history Tuesday, becoming the first Somali-American elected to the U.S. House by defeating Republican Jennifer Zielinski in the heavily Democratic 5th District.

Omar, a Democrat, was favored to win election the 5th District seat that’s been held by Democrats since the early 1960s —most recently by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, who opted to run for state attorney general this year. She faced Zielinski, who works as a clinical specialist for Allina Health.

Omar, a vocal advocate for single-payer health care, tighter gun restrictions and more expansive immigration policies, captured national attention because of her life story as a refugee who made her way into elected office. She’s also been a frequent target of critics who have questioned her use of campaign funds and marriage and immigration history. Omar strongly rejected all allegations of impropriety.