From Grassroots to Government
Senator Omar Mahmood Fateh’s story begins in 1990 in Washington, D.C., where he was born to Somali immigrants who taught him the values of hard work, leadership, and sacrifice. These principles shaped his path from a young age, guiding him toward public service. After earning degrees in political science and public administration, Fateh moved in 2015, with a job offer to serve in a role in the local government
In 2020, he made history by unseating a long-standing incumbent in the Minnesota Senate, becoming the first Somali American and first Muslim elected to that body. Two years later, he was reelected with overwhelming support, representing a district of working families, students, and a broad mix of immigrant communities.
Legislative Impact Across Minnesota
Fateh quickly established himself as a champion for underrepresented groups. He authored and passed legislation granting tuition-free public college to families earning under $80,000, expanded the Hunger-Free Campus program, and secured funding for emergency student aid. He also fought for stronger tenant protections, environmental justice, and harm-reduction strategies to combat the opioid crisis.
His work extended into labor rights, leading efforts to secure protections for rideshare drivers by setting minimum wages and safety standards for gig workers. His advocacy touched every corner of Minnesota’s immigrant and working-class communities—from Hmong families in East St. Paul to Latino residents in South Minneapolis, from African American youth to small business owners from East Africa and Southeast Asia.
Launching a Historic Mayoral Campaign
In late 2024, Fateh announced his candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis. By mid-2025, he had secured the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party’s endorsement, defeating the sitting mayor in a tense and closely watched convention. The win marked a generational shift in city politics, signaling the rise of leaders focused on equity, economic justice, and community-based public safety.
His campaign centers on three priorities: expanding affordable housing, strengthening community-led public safety programs, and protecting worker rights while building pathways to jobs for youth and immigrant families.
A Vision for All Communities
Fateh frames his candidacy as a coalition effort—not a campaign for one community, but for all communities. “I don’t just want to represent Somali Americans, or East African Minnesotans,” he said. “I want to represent every worker who’s been left out, every immigrant who’s been silenced, and every young person who’s been told their voice doesn’t matter.”
This vision includes multilingual city services, participatory budgeting that allows neighborhoods to shape priorities, and targeted programs to address disparities facing low-income and immigrant families.
A Campaign Powered by People
Though he trails the incumbent in fundraising, Fateh’s campaign has gained momentum through small-dollar donations and grassroots organizing. Volunteer ranks have swelled, particularly among students, first-time voters, and community organizers. Many see him as part of a broader national wave of progressive leaders challenging traditional political power in cities.
Investing in the Next Generation
Youth opportunity is a cornerstone of Fateh’s platform. He proposes expanding after- school programs, funding career training, supporting student-led initiatives, and creating city internships for high school and college students. “I was a young person once who felt ignored,” he said. “I want Minneapolis to be a city where every kid sees a future for themselves—no matter where they come from or how much money their parents make.”
A Message of Belonging
For Minnesota’s immigrant communities—whether Latino, Hmong, Somali, Oromo, Liberian, Afghan, or Vietnamese—Fateh’s campaign offers more than political representation. It offers a vision of belonging and civic empowerment.
“This campaign is about all of us,” he said. “Whether you’ve lived here five months or five decades, you have a right to be heard, to be seen, and to shape the future of this city.”
Looking Forward
As the November election approaches, Fateh’s message remains rooted in the values his parents instilled: service, justice, and community leadership. “We’re not just part of this country—we help build it,” he told Spotlight Magazine. “It’s time to step into our full power. Run for office. Start that business. Lead your neighborhood. And never let anyone tell you you don’t belong.”
