Minnesota DFL Withdraws Endorsement Of Omar Fateh In Minneapolis Mayoral Race

Minnesota DFL Withdraws Endorsement Of Omar Fateh In Minneapolis Mayoral Race

Controversial Move by State Democrats Sparks Debate Over Fairness and Donor Influence in Minneapolis Election

In a rare and unprecedented move, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party has officially revoked its endorsement of State Senator Omar Fateh in the upcoming Minneapolis mayoral race.

State Senator Omar Fateh

Fateh, a democratic socialist and the first Somali American to serve in the Minnesota Senate, had previously secured the DFL’s endorsement at the July Minneapolis convention.

The decision comes after a state party review of the convention’s voting process revealed “substantial failures,” including issues with the electronic voting system that resulted in an undercount of 176 votes and the improper elimination of candidate DeWayne Davis. These flaws were deemed serious enough to nullify the convention’s results, according to the Pioneer Press and local reporting. As a consequence, the Minneapolis DFL has been placed on a two-year probation and must implement corrective measures for future conventions.

The endorsement revocation has sparked significant controversy within the party. Fateh condemned the decision, alleging influence from out-of-state party officials and donors, including supporters of incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, and criticized what he described as attempts to undermine his candidacy.

Former Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman

Former Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman reportedly stated during an “All of Mpls” (Frey PAC) call that she is withholding contributions from DFL donors, particularly at the $5,000 level and above, unless the party’s endorsement of Fateh is reinstated. She indicated that donors are uncomfortable contributing to the DFL if Fateh remains the endorsed candidate, and she has permission to process withheld donations should the endorsement be reversed.

The move has drawn criticism from prominent Democrats, including Representative Ilhan Omar, who, along with other party officials, described the revocation as a “stain on our party.” They warned that the decision could deepen divisions between centrist Democrats and democratic socialists, potentially hampering the party’s cohesion and future electoral prospects.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

In contrast, Mayor Jacob Frey expressed support for the DFL’s decision, stating, “I am proud to be a member of a party that believes in correcting our mistakes, and I am glad that this inaccurate and obviously flawed process was set aside.” Frey emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent endorsement process and signaled readiness for a competitive mayoral race in November.

As the Minneapolis mayoral contest intensifies, the revocation of Fateh’s endorsement adds complexity to an already contentious election. Both Fateh and Frey are expected to continue vigorous campaigns, with voters now playing the decisive role in the November election outcome.

MinneapoliMedia