Omar Fateh, the first Somali-Muslim American in the Minnesota Senate, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the 2025 Minneapolis mayoral election. On December 2, Fateh made the bold announcement of his candidacy, citing the re-election of Donald Trump as a pivotal moment that pushed him to take action. In a passionate statement, Fateh expressed his belief that the future of Minneapolis and its working-class communities are at risk under the threat of a potential Trump presidency.
“For working people, it’s getting harder to build our lives in Minneapolis. And with Donald Trump stepping back into the Oval Office, everything we’ve worked so hard to create is in jeopardy. It’s not enough to just stand up to Donald Trump. It’s time to push back with forward-thinking leadership,” Fateh shared.
Fateh, who currently serves in the Minnesota Senate representing District 62, is widely recognized for his progressive stance on issues such as economic justice, healthcare, and education. He has already made a name for himself as a member of the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), championing policies like free college tuition for low-income students and securing minimum wage protections for rideshare drivers—legislation that recently went into effect.
With his experience in the state legislature, Fateh feels well-positioned to bring real change to Minneapolis. He is eager to work alongside a progressive City Council to tackle the city’s issues head-on, with a particular focus on supporting the working-class families who form the backbone of the community.
“Serving in the Minnesota Senate, I’ve seen firsthand what a progressive legislature can do with the right executive,” Fateh said. “As Mayor, I will work with the progressive City Council to achieve tangible wins for our neighbors and uplift those of us who are struggling to get by.”
His vision for Minneapolis centers on the people—especially those who work tirelessly to build a better future for the city. Fateh’s promise is clear: He intends to be a mayor who works just as hard as the residents he seeks to represent, advocating for long-term solutions that will bring stability and security to all corners of the city.
Fateh will face off against incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey in the 2025 race. If elected, Fateh would not only make history as the second Somali American mayor in the U.S. but also as a trailblazer for Black and immigrant communities seeking greater representation in government.
The possibility of Fateh’s success would also add another landmark achievement for Minnesota’s Somali community, following the election of Nadia Mohammed as the first Somali American mayor of St. Louis Park in 2023.
As Minneapolis looks toward the future, Fateh’s campaign promises a commitment to fighting for the working people, pushing for progressive reforms, and standing strong against forces that threaten to reverse the progress made over the past several years. His candidacy is one that will certainly be watched closely by Minnesotans and beyond as he aims to shape the city’s trajectory in the years to come.
Based on reporting by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman, Black Enterprise