With just over a week to go before Minneapolis voters head to the polls, four leading candidates for mayor took the stage at Minnesota Public Radio headquarters in St. Paul on Monday to share their visions for the city’s future. The debate brought together incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, state Senator Omar Fateh, Reverend DeWayne Davis, and attorney Jazz Hampton — all of whom are vying to convince voters that they have the leadership and ideas needed to guide Minneapolis through its next chapter.
Each candidate described the kind of leader they hope to be. Jazz Hampton called himself a “collaborative and pragmatic” leader, while Mayor Frey said he strives to be “earnest and compassionate.” Fateh described his approach as “bold and partnership-driven,” and Reverend Davis said he hopes to be “visionary and collaborative.”
The hour-long debate featured a mix of spirited exchanges and moments of agreement as the four contenders discussed issues that matter most to residents — including public safety, housing affordability, downtown revitalization, city revenue, and property taxes. It was also clear that tensions remain between Frey and Fateh, whom Frey referred to as his “primary challenger.” Still, both men — along with Davis and Hampton — had opportunities to outline how they plan to improve the city’s direction if elected.
Frey, who has served as mayor since 2018, defended his record and highlighted his focus on partnerships. He spoke about his administration’s collaboration with Minneapolis Public Schools through the “Stable Home Stable Schools” program, which he said has helped more than 6,700 students and their families find stable housing. Frey emphasized that continued cooperation between the city and its schools is essential to creating long-term stability for families.
Reverend DeWayne Davis, a pastor and community advocate, urged voters to see Minneapolis as a place that can be both equitable and forward-thinking. “We have to figure out how to make all of this work for everybody here,” Davis said. “Not only to save ourselves, but to show the rest of the country what’s possible.” His message focused on unity and shared responsibility, suggesting that the city’s challenges — from safety to inequality — require collective effort rather than division.
Senator Omar Fateh, known for his progressive stance at the state level, used his time to promote an ambitious agenda centered on youth and working families. He spoke passionately about ending “poverty wages” in Minneapolis and ensuring that young people have access to jobs and development programs. “It includes having an ambitious youth agenda — supporting our kids, making sure we have youth jobs and programming. It includes ending poverty wages in the city of Minneapolis forever,” he said.
Attorney Jazz Hampton, who has built a reputation in the private sector and through community work, said his vision revolves around collaboration with Hennepin County to create more safe and accessible community spaces. He emphasized the need for after-school programs that are both financially sustainable and supportive of working families. “I’m excited to do that work,” Hampton said, “partnering with Hennepin County to make more buildings open to before-and-after school programs and driving down crime in the process.”
At one point during the debate, Frey accused the other three candidates of forming a coalition against him — a sign of how competitive the race has become. Despite such moments, the tone remained largely respectful, with each candidate emphasizing a desire for progress, community engagement, and a shared vision of a stronger Minneapolis.
The November election will be conducted through ranked-choice voting, meaning residents can select up to three candidates in order of preference. With 15 names on the ballot, the race remains open and unpredictable. As the campaign enters its final stretch, Monday’s debate gave voters another glimpse into how each of the four frontrunners hopes to lead a city still navigating challenges around safety, housing, and inclusivity — but also brimming with potential for renewal.
