Somali State Senator Omar Fateh Seeks Minneapolis Mayoral Nomination

Omar Fateh, a Somali-American Democratic State Senator and self-described democratic socialist, is running for mayor of Minneapolis on a platform that includes raising the minimum wage to $20 by 2028, implementing rent stabilization to prevent evictions, providing free public housing and college tuition, and refusing police cooperation with ICE. Fateh's campaign emphasizes social justice measures such as environmental initiatives, expanding access to essential services for homeless encampments, and diverting non-criminal 911 calls to unarmed responders. Despite facing racist online abuse and accusations of radicalism from conservative critics who warn his policies would harm small businesses and increase crime, Fateh maintains his commitment to protecting immigrant communities and opposing policies linked to President Donald Trump. He has also been involved in past controversies, including campaign finance irregularities and ethics investigations, though he has returned questionable donations and continues to defend his legislative record. Fateh's candidacy reflects a growing movement of progressive, immigrant candidates pushing for transformative changes in urban governance. The Minneapolis mayoral election will take place on July 19, with Fateh seeking the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination to challenge incumbent Jacob Frey.