Mayoral Contests Heat Up Across Several Cities

With Election Day days away, mayoral contests in multiple cities have intensified with debates, forums and at least one campaign controversy. In Minneapolis, a WCCO debate among the top four candidates centered on gun control, homelessness and immigration, with participants urging the city to be ready to enact ordinances if state preemption is lifted. In Durham, incumbent Leo Williams and challenger Anjanée Bell agreed on proposals like fare-free buses and more arts support but sharply disagreed over the Hayti development, crime policy and taxation. In Provo, Mayor Michelle Kaufusi and former state representative Marsha Judkins clashed over affordable housing, budget pressures and infrastructure, with Judkins proposing revenue-raising and deregulation measures to spur growth. Other local events included Lancaster’s mayoral forum (featuring Jaime Arroyo and Tony Dastra), Worcester’s Mechanics Hall debate (Mayor Joseph Petty, Khrystian King and Owura-Kwaku Sarkodieh), and a Pontiac race that turned nasty after a council candidate made controversial comments about a mayoral candidate’s race and sexuality. A Star Tribune readers’ letter defended ranked-choice voting while criticizing Ward 7 Council Member Katie Cashman’s record and urging focus on core municipal issues like public safety and the business climate.