40 House Democrats skip letter opposing Omar probe: Report

A group of 40 House Democrats did not sign a letter led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., that urged the Trump administration to halt a federal investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The letter, signed by 175 House Democrats, criticized the search of Omar’s Washington, D.C., home and called for the administration to refrain from further actions that could influence the election. It argued that such actions could interfere with Minnesotans’ right to a free and fair election. Key signatories included current House Democratic leadership: Speaker Mike Johnson, D-La., Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., did not sign the letter. Pelosi and Hoyer are retiring at the end of the current Congress. Notable absences from the letter included Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas; Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y.; Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.; and Don Davis, D-N.C. These lawmakers represent competitive districts and are facing tight re-election races. The letter was sent to Attorney General Todd Blanche and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The federal investigation into Omar’s immigration paperwork has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue it is politically motivated. The letter stated, “News of the search warrant, whether properly predicated or not, could affect voters’ decisions, which is exactly why federal law enforcement should not engage in such conduct when voters are casting their ballots.” Omar is seeking re-election in Minnesota’s 5th congressional district against Republican challenger John Nagel. The probe’s timing has raised concerns about its potential impact on the race. The New York Times previously reported that current and former officials familiar with the investigation indicated it was ongoing, though no further details were provided. The letter’s signatories represent more than two-thirds of the House Democratic caucus, but its omission of several high-profile and vulnerable Democrats underscores divisions within the party on the issue. The Trump administration has not publicly responded to the letter’s demands.