A significant portion of House Democrats, including prominent figures like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, did not join an effort to urge the Trump administration to end its federal probe into Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Nearly 40 Democrats in the House appear to have opted out of signing a letter led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal that demanded the investigation into Omar's immigration paperwork cease. The letter, sent earlier this week, argued that the probe was an attempt to influence Omar's re-election campaign ahead of the midterm elections.
More than two-thirds of the House Democratic caucus, approximately 175 members, did sign the letter. However, several notable names were absent. Pelosi and Hoyer, both retiring, did not sign on, though other outgoing members like Rep. Nydia Velazquez did. Rep. Jim Clyburn, who previously served as House majority whip, was among the signatories, as were all current members of House Democratic leadership.
Democrats running in closely contested races also appear to have distanced themselves from the public stance. Representatives Henry Cuellar, Tom Suozzi, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Don Davis were among those not listed as signatories.
The letter sent to the administration stated, "Congresswoman Omar is seeking reelection in Minnesota’s 5th congressional district in just one week. 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. This type of interference strips Minnesotans of their right to a free and fair election guaranteed to them under the Constitution."
It further asserted, "We stand with Congresswoman Omar and condemn the weaponization of law enforcement against her. You have already disgraced the offices you hold, and we demand you refrain from taking any further actions that could affect the outcome of the upcoming election."
Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, is reportedly under federal investigation concerning allegations of misrepresenting her birth year on immigration paperwork when her family arrived from Somalia in the late 1990s. The investigation reportedly focuses on her father's immigration filings when Omar was a minor. Federal agents executed a judicially authorized search warrant at Omar's home on October 12, seizing electronic devices and notebooks.
Omar has publicly characterized the investigation as a politically motivated attack. She is running for re-election in Minnesota's 5th congressional district, with Election Day approaching shortly after the letter was circulated.