Omar Fateh Secures DFL Endorsement, Shakes Up Minneapolis Mayoral Race

A Political Earthquake Just Hit Minneapolis—and It’s Coming from the Left.

Over the weekend, state Senator Omar Fateh pulled off a political stunner that’s got the whole city—and the national Democratic establishment—buzzing. The Minneapolis Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) officially endorsed Fateh for the city’s upcoming mayoral election, dealing a major blow to two-term incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey. That endorsement wasn’t just a nod; it was a political statement that could shift the city’s direction in a big way.

This marks the first time in 16 years that the Minneapolis DFL has made an official endorsement in a mayoral race. And they didn’t go safe. They went left—really left. Fateh, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, is staking his campaign on big, bold changes like rent control, raising the minimum wage, and serious police reform.

🧭 Why You Should Care: A Shift in the Democratic Party's Soul

Fateh’s endorsement isn’t just about Minneapolis. It’s another data point in the ongoing identity crisis within the Democratic Party. His rise, along with others like New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, signals that the progressive wing of the party isn’t just gaining momentum—it’s challenging the traditional center-left leadership on its home turf.

You’ve seen this movie before. Candidates with grassroots muscle, often backed by young, energized voters, are disrupting the establishment. Think AOC in 2018. Think Mamdani, who just beat out former Governor Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic nod in NYC’s mayoral primary.

Now, Fateh is positioning himself as the Minneapolis version of that wave. The question is: will the city embrace that change?

🚨 The Upset: How Fateh Beat Frey at His Own Game

At the DFL’s city convention this past Saturday, things got heated. There were reports of chaos and internal disputes among delegates. Despite the friction, Fateh emerged victorious. This wasn’t just a procedural win—it was a shot across the bow for Mayor Frey, who’s been a fixture in Minneapolis politics since 2018.

Frey, known for his moderate policies and business-friendly stances, didn’t see it coming. The endorsement was an unexpected upset and has completely flipped the narrative heading into the November 4 election.

🗣️ What Everyone’s Saying

Fateh took to X (formerly Twitter) soon after the win, posting:

“I am incredibly honored to be the DFL endorsed candidate for Minneapolis Mayor. This endorsement is a message that Minneapolis residents are done with broken promises, vetoes, and politics as usual. It’s a mandate to build a city that works for all of us.”

Frey, trying to stay optimistic, responded with his own message:

“I want to thank everyone who showed up to support my campaign. This election should be decided by our entire city, not by a handful of delegates. I look forward to a full debate with Sen. Fateh about our records and visions for Minneapolis's future.”

Translation: It’s on.

🔥 Fateh’s Vision: Bold, Risky, and Reshaping the City

Fateh is the son of Somali immigrants, and his identity isn’t just part of his story—it’s central to his campaign. He’s tapping into the frustrations of communities of color, renters, and working-class folks who’ve felt ignored by traditional politics.

His platform? Straight fire—for the left, at least.

• Rent Control: In a city where gentrification and housing prices have been skyrocketing, this could be a game-changer.

• Minimum Wage Hike: Fateh wants to put more money into the pockets of the city’s lowest-paid workers.

• Police Accountability: After the trauma of George Floyd’s murder, Fateh promises real reforms—not just talk.

These are the kinds of issues that resonate with younger voters and progressive activists, but they’re also the kind of policies that scare the establishment.

👊 The Backlash: Conservatives and Moderates Are Not Happy

Not everyone’s cheering for this new direction. Former New York Giants player Carter Coughlin (yeah, seriously) took to X to rip into Fateh’s platform, calling it dangerous:

“In a city that has experienced unimaginable destruction and racial tension, these policies would send the city another 10 steps back. MPLS needs to be rebuilt, this will do the opposite.”

And Coughlin isn’t alone. Fateh is facing heat from both moderate Democrats and conservative voices, who argue his policies are too radical, too risky, and could push Minneapolis into further instability.

🌊 Is This the Progressive Wave 2.0?

There’s no doubt about it: Fateh’s win is part of a broader trend.

The Democratic Party's left flank—once on the fringes—is increasingly being taken seriously. Candidates like David Hogg have voiced public dissatisfaction with the current party leadership, saying it's “asleep at the wheel.” Hogg, a prominent activist, has openly called for primarying establishment incumbents to push the party in a new direction.

That’s the energy Fateh is tapping into. It’s a movement driven by frustration, but also hope—hope that a new kind of politics can actually make cities like Minneapolis more equitable and just.

🗓️ What’s Next: All Eyes on November

So where do we go from here?

The mayoral election is set for November 4, and while Fateh has snagged the DFL’s endorsement, that doesn’t mean he’s got this thing in the bag. Minneapolis voters will ultimately decide who sits in the mayor’s office. Still, that DFL backing comes with a boost in resources, party infrastructure, and credibility—which could make a huge difference on the campaign trail.

Expect this race to be heated, with both sides bringing big energy, bold visions, and probably some brutal ads.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Omar Fateh, a progressive state senator and democratic socialist, has secured the Minneapolis DFL endorsement for mayor.

• This historic endorsement marks a significant challenge to incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, who’s running for a third term.

• Fateh’s progressive platform includes rent control, wage increases, and police reform—policies that are galvanizing his base and alarming his critics.

• The election will be held on November 4, and it’s shaping up to be a major battleground for the Democratic Party’s future.

Bottom Line:
Minneapolis might just become ground zero for the Democratic Party’s ideological tug-of-war. Omar Fateh’s rise is no fluke—it’s part of a larger progressive push that’s redefining what it means to be a Democrat in 2025. Whether that movement takes City Hall in November is now the big question.