Minnesota Democratic Committee Revokes Endorsement of Omar Fateh, Democratic Socialist Mayoral Candidate

A Minneapolis Democratic Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) committee has revoked its endorsement of mayoral candidate Omar Fateh, a democratic socialist challenging incumbent Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey. The decision comes after a review of the convention's voting process, which found substantial failures, including an errant elimination of a mayoral candidate. Fateh was the top delegate winner at the convention, which resulted in 98 people signing onto numerous challenges. Supporters of Fateh characterize the move as an attempt to disenfranchise thousands of Minneapolis caucus-goers and stifle his progressive message.

Key Takeaways:

• The Minneapolis DFL's mayoral convention resulted in 98 people signing onto numerous challenges, with supporters of incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey alleging widespread problems with the electronic voting system.
• The Constitution, Bylaws & Rules Committee found substantial failures in the voting process, including an errant elimination of a mayoral candidate, leading to the revocation of Fateh's endorsement.
• The state party committee took the significant step of barring Minneapolis Democrats from endorsing candidates by any other means in the weeks ahead through its executive committee or otherwise.
• Fateh, a democratic socialist and first Somali American and Muslim member of the Minnesota State Senate, has proposed enacting rent stabilization, disciplining and firing local police who work with immigration officers, and increasing access to affordable housing.
• Frey, a two-term incumbent, led Minneapolis during the Covid-19 pandemic and the protests and unrest following George Floyd's murder by a White police officer.
• The decision could exacerbate divisions on the left as Fateh's supporters view the move as an attempt to stifle an ascendant progressive voice.

Statistics:

• 98 people signed onto numerous challenges following the mayoral convention.
• Fateh was the top delegate winner at the Minneapolis DFL convention.
• Fateh topped the delegate count at 34%, followed by Jacob Frey at 32%.
• 16 years have passed since city Democrats made an endorsement for a mayoral candidate in Minneapolis.
• 2 years of probation for the Minneapolis DFL for failing to correct voting process mistakes.
• $0 value of the Frey endorsement after the revocation.

Sources:

• Minneapolis Star Tribune
• Axios Twin Cities
• CNN
• Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party
• Minneapolis DFL
• Jacob Frey (statement)
• Omar Fateh's Co-Campaign Manager Graham Faulkner's statement
• Chelsea McFarren, Chair of Minneapolis for the Many
• Jacob Hill, Executive Director of All of Minneapolis.