When the Minneapolis branch of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party met on July 19 for its annual convention, delegates shocked many by endorsing State Senator Omar Fateh for mayor. It was the first time since 2009 that the Minneapolis DFL had endorsed a candidate for mayor. Fateh, a democratic socialist and second-term senator, secured the required 60 percent of votes from delegates, beating out incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, a moderate running for his third term.
The endorsement immediately sparked controversy. Frey’s campaign challenged the outcome, claiming there were missing or uncounted votes and that another candidate, DeWayne Davis, was wrongly eliminated in the first round. Fateh dismissed the claims, saying the majority was clearly on his side. His supporters accused Frey backers of trying to derail the process by staging a walkout when it became clear they lacked the numbers.
Despite these disputes, the vote was conducted by raising badges, and Fateh emerged with a decisive majority of those present. “There was a clear majority in favor of Fateh,” said Revmira Beeby, co-chair of the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). “Frey’s supporters tried to delegitimize the process, but the reality is that people are ready for change.”
A month later, on August 21, the state-level Minnesota DFL intervened and rescinded the endorsement, citing flaws in the process. This move drew sharp criticism, with many accusing the party establishment of undermining grassroots democracy. The Twin Cities DSA compared Frey’s tactics to Donald Trump’s refusal to accept election results.
Regardless of the endorsement fight, Fateh will still appear on the November 4 ballot. Minneapolis elections are officially nonpartisan, meaning multiple candidates from the same political camp can run. His candidacy is part of a broader trend of democratic socialist candidates gaining momentum in city politics nationwide, similar to Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary earlier this year.
The Twin Cities DSA has played a central role in building Fateh’s campaign, organizing door-knocks, rallies, and mobilizing supporters. They’ve also backed other local progressive candidates like City Council member Aisha Chughtai and park board candidate Michael Wilson. Their efforts echo past successes: in 2021, several socialists, including Chughtai, Jason Chavez, and Robin Wonsley, were elected to the Minneapolis City Council with strong grassroots support.
Wonsley, who has often clashed with Mayor Frey, sees these victories as the result of years of patient organizing. “These wins don’t happen overnight,” she said. “They come from neighbors, union members, and community members talking to each other about real issues that affect their lives.”
Fateh’s campaign platform reflects this approach. He has promised to expand affordable housing, stabilize rents, and reform the Minneapolis Police Department. Much like Mamdani’s campaign in New York, Fateh has urged voters to use the city’s ranked-choice system strategically—encouraging them not to rank Frey at all. His plans also include implementing the Safe and Thriving Communities Plan, which would divert nearly half of 911 calls that don’t require police to other emergency response services.
But Fateh faces resistance from Minnesota’s Democratic establishment. Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar have both endorsed Frey. For progressives, this mirrors earlier clashes with mainstream Democrats after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, when calls to overhaul policing met strong opposition from both major parties.
Still, Fateh’s supporters remain confident. “This is exactly what Minneapolis voters are sick of,” Fateh said after his endorsement was stripped. “The insider games, the backroom deals, and being told their voices don’t matter.” With a strong grassroots base, growing frustration with the political establishment, and the city’s history of progressive activism, Fateh’s candidacy remains a serious challenge to Frey as November approaches.
