Omar to bring ‘fierce advocate for inclusive democracy’ as guest to State of the Union

Rep. Ilhan Omar says President Donald Trump will be treated with respect by members of congress when he delivers his third State of the Union address on Tuesday evening.

Omar, along with other members of Congress, will bring a guest with them to experience the speech from inside the Capitol in Washington D.C.

“She harnesses the energy around democracy," Omar said of her guest Habon Abdulle, from the Twin Cities. "I want Habon’s presence of resilience, of engagement, of community involvement, to be the counter-narrative to be in that room."

Abdulle is executive director of the nonprofit Women Organizing Women Network that empowers women who are first- and second-generation immigrants to become engaged citizens.

“Every single day, I believe the best way to achieve full inclusion is electoral politics," Abdulle said.

Part of Abdulle’s work involves civic engagement activities in the East African and other immigrant communities in Minnesota, including training political candidates.

Newly elected St. Louis Park City Councilwoman Nadia Mohammed and Omar have been trained by the nonprofit group.

"I respect the work she’s done so far,” Abdulle said. “I’m extremely honored to be the special guest of Congresswoman Omar and to have our work be recognized on a national platform.”

The theme of the State of the Union is "The Great American Comeback," where the president is expected to focus on his economic record and his new North American trade deal.