Minneapolis Democrats Endorse Omar Fateh Over Incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey

Omar Fateh, a progressive Democratic Socialist and state senator, has won the endorsement of the Minneapolis Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) for mayor, challenging incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey in a race that highlights tensions between the party's moderate and progressive wings. Fateh's victory is seen as a major upset and draws comparisons to New York City’s Zohran Mamdani, reflecting a growing shift toward progressive candidates advocating for policies like rent stabilization, affordable housing, and police reforms. The endorsement has sparked controversy, with Frey disputing the DFL voting process and maintaining broader financial support. Fateh has also attracted national attention for his critical stance on Israel, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and drawing condemnation from some quarters, including for his protest vote against President Joe Biden in the Minnesota primary due to dissatisfaction with U.S. policy on Israel. While Frey has positioned himself as a pragmatic progressive with a record of investments in affordable housing, his vetoes of progressive measures, including a city council ceasefire resolution, have alienated parts of the left-wing base. The race exemplifies ongoing ideological battles within the Democratic Party and the rising influence of progressive candidates who challenge establishment figures on both local governance and foreign policy issues.