State Senator Omar Fateh has officially secured the endorsement of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party to run for mayor of Minneapolis. The endorsement came after a competitive convention, where Fateh defeated four other candidates, including current Mayor Jacob Frey.
On social media, Fateh expressed his gratitude: “I’m incredibly honored to be the DFL-endorsed candidate for Minneapolis Mayor. This endorsement is a message that Minneapolis residents are done with broken promises, vetoes, and politics as usual. It’s a mandate to build a city that works for all of us.”
Who is Omar Fateh?
Omar Fateh, 35, made history in 2020 when he became the first Somali American and the first Muslim elected to the Minnesota State Senate. He is a first-generation American and a family man who says his campaign is focused on creating a “vibrant, loving city” that better serves its people.
Fateh believes that Minneapolis is becoming increasingly unaffordable for working families. “For working people, it’s getting harder to build our lives in Minneapolis,” he says on his campaign website. He warns that with former President Donald Trump running again, the progress made in recent years could be at risk. “It’s not enough to just stand up to Donald Trump. It’s time to push back with forward-thinking leadership.”
Criticism of Current Leadership
Fateh has been openly critical of current Mayor Jacob Frey. He accuses Frey of failing to keep his promise to end homelessness by 2022 and of lacking a clear plan for public safety—especially following the death of George Floyd in 2020, which sparked global protests and calls for police reform.
“He vetoes every solution that comes to his desk,” Fateh says. “It’s time for a Mayor who has real solutions that put Minneapolis residents first.”
A Competitive Endorsement Process
The DFL endorsement came after a large and energized convention that was originally set to take place at North High School. Due to high interest, it was moved to the Target Center, home of the Minnesota Timberwolves, to accommodate around 1,600 delegates and alternates.
Fateh emerged as the winner, gaining enough support to secure the party’s backing ahead of the November election.
Frey Pushes Back
Despite losing the endorsement, Mayor Frey’s campaign has announced plans to challenge the outcome. His team argues that the convention process was flawed and that the endorsement does not reflect the will of the entire city.
“This election should be decided by the entire city rather than a small group of delegates, particularly given the irregular conduct of this convention,” Frey said in a statement. He added that voters will now have a clear choice between his record and Fateh’s vision when they head to the polls in November.
Looking Ahead
With the DFL endorsement in hand, Omar Fateh is now in a strong position heading into the general election. He represents a growing movement of progressive leaders in the Democratic Party, similar to Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist from New York who also gained attention after winning his party’s mayoral nomination.
Fateh’s campaign focuses on equity, housing, public safety reform, and making Minneapolis a more inclusive and livable city for all residents.
As the race heats up, voters will have a chance to decide between two very different approaches to leadership—one promising bold change, and the other defending an experienced, moderate record.
