Minnesota Democrats nominate Muslim immigrant and self-identified socialist as their candidate for Minneapolis mayor

Image: Jihad Watch

In a significant political development, Minnesota’s Democratic Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party officially endorsed State Senator Omar Fateh in his bid to become the next mayor of Minneapolis, bypassing current Mayor Jacob Frey, who is also a Democrat. The endorsement, announced on Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in the city's political landscape, signaling a shift towards more progressive leadership.

Senator Fateh shared the news on social media, writing: “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.” His message underscores a campaign that is positioning itself as a bold alternative to the status quo.

At 35 years old, Fateh represents a younger, more activist wing of the Democratic Party, and his candidacy is drawing strong parallels to New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. Like Mamdani, Fateh is a Muslim Democratic socialist who advocates for expansive reforms and community-centered governance. Both figures embody the growing influence of millennial leaders from immigrant backgrounds who are reshaping progressive politics across the country.

Fateh, the son of Somali immigrants, made history in 2020 by becoming the first Somali-American elected to the Minnesota State Senate. Since then, he has been an outspoken advocate on issues such as economic justice, housing reform, and public safety. His mayoral platform includes raising the city’s minimum wage, expanding affordable housing, and addressing what he terms "police violence," signaling a commitment to structural change in how Minneapolis is governed.

The DFL's endorsement of Fateh over the sitting mayor is widely viewed as a rebuke of Frey’s leadership, particularly in the wake of continued debates over policing, inequality, and development in the city. With this backing, Fateh now enters the race with significant momentum and institutional support, potentially setting the stage for a transformative election in one of America’s most politically active urban centers.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)