Minneapolis: Muslim Migrant and Socialist Mayoral Candidate Alleges Opponents Are Spreading ‘Hate’

Image: Jihad Watch

Minnesota State Senator and Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh is pushing back against a growing wave of right-wing criticism that has targeted both his political ideology and his identity as a Muslim American. Fateh, who is running in the city’s 2025 mayoral race, has become the focus of increasing online hostility—some of which goes beyond policy disagreements and veers into personal attacks on his appearance, faith, and citizenship.

A Democrat representing Minnesota’s 62nd district, Fateh is currently serving his second term in the state senate. At 35, he is among a new generation of politicians championing progressive change at the local level. Born in Washington, D.C. to Somali immigrant parents, Fateh's life and career are rooted in a deep understanding of the immigrant experience, urban inequality, and systemic injustice. He has recently shared that he is soon to become a father, further emphasizing the personal stake he has in building a better future for the next generation.

Fateh’s platform as a democratic socialist includes ambitious reforms: expanding protections for gig economy workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers, increasing the availability of affordable housing, combating police violence, and raising Minneapolis’s minimum wage from the current $15.97 to $20 by the year 2028. These stances, while applauded by many on the left, have drawn sharp opposition from conservative circles who accuse him of radicalism.

However, the attacks have not remained confined to policy critiques. Fateh has been subjected to a stream of vitriolic commentary questioning his loyalty, legal status, and religious beliefs. The tone of the discourse took an especially ugly turn following a social media post from conservative figure Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who has frequently made inflammatory remarks about immigrants and Muslims.

Fateh responded directly to Kirk’s post on Monday night, July 14, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the hate-filled rhetoric. “Minneapolis is a beautifully diverse city that stands firm in our progressive values,” he wrote. “The hate I’ve seen today – and most days – is not who we will ever be.” His response quickly gained traction, with many applauding his dignified stance and refusal to allow bigotry to go unanswered.

The backlash against Fateh has drawn condemnation from advocacy groups as well. TakeAction Minnesota, a grassroots organization that supports progressive candidates and policies, issued a strong statement defending the senator. “Islamophobia has no place in politics or our communities,” the group declared in a post on X. “Sen. Fateh is right – this hate is not who we will ever be. We are organizing to elect leaders like Sen. Fateh because we share a vision for communities built around care and love – not hate.”

Fateh’s candidacy symbolizes more than just a local mayoral race—it represents a broader clash between two visions for America: one rooted in inclusivity, social justice, and collective upliftment; the other marred by suspicion, exclusion, and fearmongering. As Minneapolis prepares for the 2025 elections, the outcome will be closely watched not just for its local implications, but for what it says about the national mood and the evolving identity of American democracy.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)