Dalia al-Aqidi

Dalia al-Aqidi was born in Baghdad, Iraq. She earned an undergraduate degree from the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1987. Her career experience includes working as a journalist, advocate, activist, and geopolitical analyst.[1] Al-Aqidi has been affiliated with the American Center for Counter Extremism and the Center for Security Policy.[2]

Dalia al-Aqidi did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a born fighter, a freedom activist, geopolitical analyst, and award-winning journalist and I've been been proactive in fighting terrorism and oppression my entire adult life—whether it be through my reporting or through my work with U.S. forces in Iraq. I'm currently the Executive Director of the nonprofit American Center for Counter Extremism, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy, and the Minnesota GOP-endorsed candidate for U.S. Congress in MN-5

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'll work to LOWER inflation, government spending, and taxes.I'll work to MAKE Minneapolis a safe place to live, work, and visit by standing with law enforcement.I'll work to SECURE our border.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Inflation & Cost of Living

Public Safety & Crime

Educational Freedom & School Choice

Trade & Energy

Border Security & Immigration

National Defense & Foreign Affairs

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire quite a few Members of Congress who are honest, forthright, and unafraid to challenge the media.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Red Dawn. It shows the best of America - resourcefulness, patriotism, and never giving up.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Most of all, integrity. I believe, also, that elected officials have a responsibility to be patriots - that is, to love and revere the principles of America's founding. If you are in government and you're at war with these principles, or you think they're unjust or bigoted, you should not be serving in office.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Leadership, Commitment, Intelligence, Courage.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To represent their constituents in Congress, and to reflect their concerns.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of supporting America, and the values and principles that made it great. I would also like to be a positive example of a patriotic, grateful immigrant fighting for these values.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was 13 when Egyptian President Awar el-Sadat was assassinated by the Muslim Brotherhood on October 6th, 1981. The terrorist group killed him for his vision for a better future by seeking peace with Israel. That's when I realized that the forces of radicalism are against freedom and peace. We must never let them win.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Until more recently, I've never done anything other than journalism. It remains my passion.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Samuel Huntington's much misunderstood Clash of Civilizations. It points to the fact that, contrary to the soothing things the media likes to tell us, there are many differences when it comes to the fault-lines of culture.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

President Biden - as portrayed by mainstream media until recently. [/sarc]

Or Iron Man: smart, strong, witty, and with a great heart.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Covering the world of international politics, it takes all the strength you can muster sometimes to not become jaded and cynical. In addition to so much corruption, there is ideological extremism. I feel blessed to be an immigrant, because I never take America for granted - it's so much more difficult, and more cynical outside this country. When I say that I'm fighting for the American dream, it's because I have never taken it granted.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Because of its small voting districts and turnover every two years, the House is the chamber that's always been the closest to the people. It is responsive to the way Americans feel politically.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, but one doesn't necessarily have to have experience being an office-holder as a profession. The worlds of policy or media are inter-connected with politics.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Over the next decade, we will be dealing with ever-worsening political discourse. The civility in politics comes at times when there's relative agreement about the most fundamental things. Now, we're in a period where there's far less agreement about the nature of America than there used to be.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes. While it seems that the election never stops, it's important to maintain the 2-year term because it keeps the House responsive to voters.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support them. Our Founders didn't imagine a use for professional politicians. The more time they spend in office, the less they can relate to their voters.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I admire quite a few Members of Congress who are honest, forthright, and unafraid to challenge the media.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I'm constantly meeting voters on the street and, especially, the Uber drivers. The thing I hear most often is disgust about the ideological extremism of Ilhan Omar. People are disappointed at her divisiveness, more than anything.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, compromise is often necessary in politics.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The U.S. Congress controls our country's purse strings. I will watch our spending like an hawk and I'd like to see every dollar spent offset by a dollar cut, when possible.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Minnesota Republican Party

What committees interest you?

Foreign Affairs

Homeland Security

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Campaign website

al-Aqidi’s campaign website stated the following:

Issues

INFLATION & COST OF LIVING

With inflation at a 40-year high, the dollar is worth less, buys little, and is stretched too thin. The burden of these price increases is falling on the backs of the American people—middle America. We need smaller government, less spending, and lower taxes. We have to make it easier for individuals and small businesses to compete and succeed, rather than punishing success and stifling innovation in pursuit of a Marxist or socialist vision of equity. We also can’t keep printing money and pretend it won’t drive up inflation. The federal government must learn to live within its means.

PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIME

We cannot allow crime, violence, and carjackings to become commonplace as they are now. I will work to re-build our police force, provide common sense solutions to crime, support first responders, and commit to making CD-5 and Minneapolis a safe place to live, work, and visit. I will also fight to end the two-tiered politicization of our justice system.

EDUCATIONAL FREEDOM

No investment is more important than our children. When it comes to our youngest generation, the only special interest group that matters are the children and their parents. I’m for school choice, increasing graduation rates, and eliminating Critical Race Theory from classrooms. We can’t continue to produce new generations of kids that are taught to hate America, which begins early in too many classrooms. Parents should also have a say on what their children are taught. Our children need quality education to prepare them to compete and build a promising future.

TRADE & ENERGY

Energy security is national security and the more stable and independent America is, the stronger we are on the world stage. I will work to regain America’s position as a net total energy exporter to the rest of the world, allow the Keystone XL pipeline to be completed, and end the bureaucratic freeze the government has on drilling on federal lands.

BORDER SECURITY & IMMIGRATION<br.

Secure borders don’t just allow us to take care of our own citizens—they allow citizens, through their votes, to have a voice in how they are governed. When the United States allows a vetted, legal immigrant to pass through its secure border, that is a gift, and a great privilege. I would know. I came here legally. Illegal immigration is an affront to the rule of law, a slap in the face to those of us who follow the rules, a threat to our nation’s security, and an invitation to an ever-more balkanized society. This has to stop.

NATIONAL DEFENSE & FOREIGN AFFAIRS

We should always be guided by what is in America’s interest. We benefitted from the world order we helped shape since the end of World War II and the end of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. We were the world’s defense against fascism and dictatorships. The global challenges have shifted since then.

The world order we helped ensure requires our allies to do their part and not duck their responsibility, believing that we put their priorities first. We must have that conversation with our allies without losing sight of the fact that they are our friends and we share common values. We must embrace our global position and act as a leader, rather than shrink the responsibility our leadership bestowed. [3]

—Dalia al-Aqidi’s campaign website (2024)[4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an award-winning international journalist, for over three decades ago, covering foreign affairs, terrorism, radical Islamism, and terrorist groups. I was born in Iraq, and my family and I fled the country in 1988 due to harsh persecution by Saddam Hussein. When I took my citizenship oath, I took it seriously and try to live it out every day. I've been fighting terrorism and oppression my entire adult life-whether it be through reporting, often putting me in war zones and terrorist attacks locations, or through my work with U.S. forces in Iraq. Being a Muslim, I believe that dangerous Islamists wishing to do harm to the U.S. are entering our country every day and that it is Congress' responsibility to stop them.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

To challenge and stop Islamism, anti-Semitism, and anti-Americanism.To represent all the constituents of the 5th District, regardless of their gender, race, or politics.To ensure safety, a vibrant and growing economy, affordable health care and education for the post Covid-19 era.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Intelligence and counter-terrorism.

Foreign affairs.

Homeland security.

Public housing.

Economy.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

President Ronald Reagan was the voice of modern conservatism. I'm inspired by his presidency, speeches, and his dreams of how America should be. He knew the foreign threats and stood strong against tyrannies and oppression.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Red Dawn. It shows the best of America - resourcefulness, patriotism, and never giving up.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Most of all, integrity. I believe, also, that elected officials have a responsibility to be patriots - that is, to love and revere the principles of America's founding. If you are in government and you're at war with these principles, or you think they're unjust or bigoted, you should not be serving in office.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have intellectual curiosity, as well as an empathetic way of relating to people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To represent their constituents in Congress, and to reflect their concerns.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of supporting America, and the values and principles that made it great. I would also like to be a positive example of a patriotic, grateful immigrant fighting for these values.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was 13 when Egyptian President Awar el-Sadat was assassinated by the Muslim Brotherhood on October 6th, 1981. The terrorist group killed him for his vision for a better future by seeking peace with Israel. That's when I realized that the forces of radicalism are against freedom and peace. Sadat was, and still is, one of my heroes.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I've never done anything other than journalism. It is my passion.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Samuel Huntington's much misunderstood Clash of Civilizations. It points to the fact that, contrary to the soothing things the media likes to tell us, there are many differences when it comes to the fault-lines of culture.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I'd like to be Iron Man: smart, strong, witty, and with a great heart.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Prince's "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold" from 1999.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Covering the world of international politics, it takes all the strength you can muster sometimes to not become jaded and cynical. In addition to so much corruption, there is ideological extremism. I feel blessed to be an immigrant, because I never take America for granted - it's so much more difficult, and more cynical outside this country.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Because of its small voting districts and turnover every two years, the House is the chamber that's always been the closest to the people. It is responsive to the way Americans feel politically.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, but one doesn't necessarily have to have experience being an office-holder as a profession. The worlds of policy or media are inter-connected with politics.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Over the next decade, we will be dealing with ever-worsening political discourse. The civility in politics comes at times when there's relative agreement about the most fundamental things. Now, we're in a period where there's far less agreement about the nature of America than there used to be.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Foreign Affairs

Homeland Security

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes. While it seems that the election never stops, it's important to maintain the 2-year term because it keeps the House responsive to voters.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support them. Our Founders didn't imagine a use for professional politicians. The more time they spend in office, the less they can relate to their voters.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

No. I want to be free to be vocal with my message, and to represent the people of my district.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I admire quite a few Members of Congress who are honest, forthright, and unafraid to challenge the media.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I'm constantly meeting voters on the street and, especially, the Uber drivers. The thing I hear most often is disgust about the ideological extremism of Ilhan Omar. People are disappointed at her divisiveness, more than anything.

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1548351617089-0'); });

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { if (event.slot.getSlotElementId() == "div-hre-[the profile publisher]---New-3049") {googletag.display("div-hre-[the profile publisher]---New-3049");} });});