Minneapolis Democrats Support Somali-American Socialist Omar Fateh

Published: Monday, July 21, 2025 at 7:24 am

Minneapolis Democrats Endorse Somali-American Socialist for Mayor

Minneapolis is poised for a potential shift in its political landscape as the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) has endorsed Somali-American State Senator Omar Fateh for mayor. The endorsement, announced on Saturday, marks a significant development in the city's mayoral race and follows a trend of progressive victories in other major cities.

Fateh, a 35-year-old democratic socialist, secured the DFL's backing after a vote at the Target Center. He defeated incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, who had led the city through the turbulent 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. The endorsement process, which involved over 1,000 party activists, saw Fateh garner 43.8% of the delegate votes in the initial round, ultimately securing over 60% of the votes. Frey's campaign contested the results, citing alleged issues with the online voting system.

Fateh's victory has drawn comparisons to the recent success of Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who defeated New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in a Democratic primary. Both Fateh and Mamdani share similar backgrounds and political platforms, focusing on affordability and equity.

The endorsement has sparked both celebration and criticism. Former New York Giants player Carter Coughlin voiced concerns, arguing that Fateh's policies could negatively impact the city. Despite the challenges, Fateh declared victory, emphasizing a rejection of the status quo. The upcoming election in November will determine whether Minneapolis residents embrace this call for change.

BNN's Perspective: The endorsement of a democratic socialist in Minneapolis reflects a growing trend of progressive movements in major cities. While the shift towards more left-leaning policies may be appealing to some, it is crucial to consider the potential economic and social impacts of such changes. A balanced approach that addresses the needs of all residents is essential for the city's future.

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