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