Jibril Mohamed, a lecturer at Ohio State University, expressed satisfaction at Omar’s election to the Minnesota state legislature.
"It is like an anti-pain relief for the Somalis, who voted against Trump because of Trump's anti-Somali rhetoric that continued even to the last days of the election campaign," he said.
Ahmed Hirsi, Omar's husband, told VOA that the campaign was a long struggle for his family to witness this day.
"It is a big historic day for us and Ilhan, a symbol and role model for many Somali refugee girls. It is a success that came through hard work and the support of our Minnesota people," he said.
I’m Phil Dierking.
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Words in This Story
concentration n. a large amount of something in one place
engage v. to get and keep someone's attention or interest
relief n. a pleasant and relaxed feeling that someone has when something unpleasant stops or does not happen
rhetoric n. the art or skill of speaking or writing formally and effectively especially as a way to persuade or influence people
vet v. to check something carefully to make sure it is acceptable