Minneapolis Mayoral Election: A Look at the 7 Contenders and Their Platforms

The upcoming mayoral election in Minneapolis will feature a diverse range of candidates, each with their own unique vision for the city. Seven individuals have thrown their hats into the ring, representing a mix of political backgrounds and ideologies. The election will be held on November 4, 2025, and will utilize ranked-choice voting.

With a strong focus on community power and reversing the executive mayor system, Brenda Short aims to create a more equitable and just city. Despite facing challenges, including a lawsuit against the Minnesota DFL, Short remains committed to her vision and is prepared to work towards a better Minneapolis. "Minneapolis is my home. And I'm ready to fight for it. Let's build a safer, more just, and a more affordable city together," she said.

Omar Fateh, on the other hand, has centered his campaign around being a champion for the working class. He seeks to make Minneapolis a city where people want to live and stay, free from corporate influence. "We need a Mayor who understands that a city that lifts up working people is a city that lifts up everyone," Fateh stated on his campaign website. "Because when the city invests in us, we have more time to invest in the people we love."

Jacob Frey, the current mayor, has also announced his candidacy for a third term. While he has faced controversy over his vetoing actions and is seen as a barrier to change by some, Frey has been endorsed by prominent figures such as U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt.

Other candidates in the race include Jazz Hampton, Howard Dotson (Independent), DeWayne Davis, and Laverne Turner (Republican). Council Member Emily Koski (Ward 11) was initially a DFL nominee but dropped out of the campaign due to the toxic political climate, stating that the race prioritizes power over people.

Key Takeaways:

• Seven candidates are running in the Minneapolis mayoral election, representing the Democratic Farmer Labor party, Republican, Socialist, and Independent parties.
• Ranked-choice voting will be used in the election, allowing voters to select up to three candidates in order of preference.
• Candidates such as Omar Fateh and Brenda Short are focusing on community power and reversing the executive mayor system, while Jacob Frey is seeking a third term with endorsements from prominent figures.
• Current debates and controversies surrounding the election include allegations of mistreatment of women in the DFL endorsement process and a lawsuit against the DFL.

Statistics:

• Seven candidates are participating in the Minneapolis mayoral election.
• The election will take place on November 4, 2025.
• Ranked-choice voting will be used, allowing voters to select up to three candidates in order of preference.
• According to Omar Fateh's campaign website, he has worked towards issues such as funding free college tuitions for thousands of Minnesotans and securing a living wage for Uber and Lyft drivers.
• Brenda Short is currently involved in a lawsuit against the Minnesota DFL due to alleged mistreatment of women in the endorsement process.

Sources:

• "Upcoming mayoral election brings many candidates to the ballot." The Minnesota Daily. July 26, 2025.