A video of Ohio Democrat state Rep. Ismail Mohamed, a Somali-born lawmaker representing Columbus, going fully mask-off while speaking to Somali voters has gone viral after he endorsed Amy Acton in the state’s close gubernatorial race.
In the resurfaced clip, Mohamed says the community’s political goal is to present a united front to lobby for Somalia.
Mohamed has previously faced backlash for his Somali-language videos speaking to his fellow foreign constituents, including one about efforts related to naming streets after Somali historical figures.
In the subtitled clips that went viral after Libs of TikTok posted them on X, Mohamed, speaking in Somali, said, “Our aim is a united front to lobby for Somalia.”
WATCH:
“Our aim is a united front to lobby for Somalia” – Rep Ismail Mohamed
He just endorsed Amy Acton. https://t.co/laY4vzrPou
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 1, 2026
Another clip endorsing Acton features Mohamed trashing supporters of Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as “the MAGA crowd, Trump’s crowd, the racist crowd.”
WATCH:
Somali reps are now endorsing Amy Acton for Ohio Governor in Somali
This should tell you everything you need to know on who Amy actually represents…. https://t.co/TTsWfZlNPg
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 1, 2026
Mohamed has described a network of at least 20 Somali political representatives across the United States, referred to Minnesota Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar as their “federal representative,” and said the group communicates in a shared chat focused primarily on issues in Somalia.
Speaking in Somali, Ohio State Rep. Ismail Mohamed highlights his efforts to have Columbus, Ohio, name a monument after Somalia’s founder.
“It is history for us to have to name a street in Columbus, Ohio, after him.”
Mohamed said that there is a group of “20 or more” political representatives, including Ilhan Omar, in a “tight-knit organization”, even mentioning they were all in one “group chat” together.
Mohamed said the group’s main objective is to discuss issues that concern Somalia.
“It’s our country. It’s our people. Our aim as united front is to lobby for Somalia.”
Mohamed mentioned waiving Somalia’s debt or resolving maritime crises as potential areas of concern.
Mohamed then urged residents of Columbus to vote for him and knock on doors.
Follow: @AFpost
— AF Post (@AFpost) August 15, 2025
Central Ohio currently hosts the second-largest Somali community in the country after Minneapolis, with estimates of nearly 70,000 Somali migrants living in the region, according to a report from Breitbart News.
Mohamed, who arrived in the United States as a refugee from Somalia, became the first Somali man elected to the Ohio House and the first Somali attorney licensed to practice in the state.
Less concerned about native Ohioans, Mohamed has long positioned himself as an immigrant rights advocate.
Acton’s campaign lists his endorsement, and she has publicly thanked him for his support.
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