The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) has officially endorsed State Sen. Omar Fateh for Minneapolis mayor, signaling the party’s continued shift toward the progressive far-left. Fateh, who has faced past controversies over ethics and campaign misconduct, is now positioned as the frontrunner in the city’s 2025 mayoral race.
Fateh gained notoriety for his close ties to socialist groups and his support for defunding the police, rent control mandates, and aggressive climate policies. He has also championed sanctuary city measures and opposed tougher sentencing for violent offenders, drawing criticism from law enforcement groups and Minneapolis residents frustrated with rising crime. Despite these concerns, the DFL claims Fateh represents “a new era of progressive leadership” for the city.
The endorsement has sparked backlash among moderate Democrats and Republicans who argue that Minneapolis cannot afford more radical leadership after years of failed policies under previous progressive mayors. Business leaders warn that continued anti-police and anti-business agendas will drive more families and companies out of the city, deepening economic decline.
Conservative critics say the DFL’s embrace of Fateh shows the party is prioritizing activist ideology over public safety and economic stability. Minneapolis, still struggling with the aftermath of the 2020 riots and record-high crime rates, faces significant challenges that many believe require pragmatic leadership rather than far-left experimentation.
Fateh’s main opponents in the race include more centrist Democrats and at least one Republican-backed independent candidate. However, with the DFL’s backing, Fateh is expected to dominate the party’s base vote in the November election.
