Jazz Hampton, a passionate advocate for justice, equity, and community-driven change, has officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis. Hampton, the CEO and General Counsel of TurnSignl, a cutting-edge app that provides legal assistance during traffic stops, is making this move with a deep commitment to the city that has shaped his life for over a decade.
“What I know to be true is this: I care so much about public safety, about how people interact with law enforcement, how law enforcement interacts with people,” said Hampton.
In a video accompanying his announcement, Hampton explained his motivation: “People ask me why I am running. I am not running against anyone. I am running for our city. Minneapolis is more than just where I live — it’s a part of who I am.”
This announcement arrives at a critical moment for the city, which is still navigating the complexities of civil unrest, the need for revitalization in areas like downtown and uptown, and challenges related to public safety, affordable housing, and education. Hampton’s candidacy offers a fresh, solutions-oriented perspective at a time when many feel the city’s leadership has been gridlocked.
“For too long, our city’s government has been stuck in a cycle of division,” Hampton said. “We need new leadership, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to what the people of Minneapolis want and need… What I believe in is working for the city, not against other people within the local government.”
About Jazz Hampton
Jazz Hampton’s work spans a variety of important social issues, from criminal justice reform to affordable housing. Here’s a look at some of what he considers his key achievements:
Justice advocate: As a public defender in law school and with the Great North Innocence Project, Hampton played a pivotal role in securing the release of a man wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, after 19 years of incarceration.
Community builder: In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death, Hampton was on the front lines helping clean up Lake Street, protesting, and co-founding TurnSignl. His app is designed to protect drivers’ rights and safety during traffic stops by connecting them with an attorney in real time.
Affordable housing champion: Through his work with Catholic Charities Twin Cities, Hampton has been a staunch advocate for addressing the city’s affordable housing crisis. He has worked tirelessly to expand access to essential services, including housing, emergency shelter, and mental health care.
Public safety and accountability: Hampton says he has shown an enduring commitment to improving public safety. He says his work with TurnSignl demonstrates his belief in solutions that foster trust, equity and accountability for all people in the community.
Education advocate: As an adjunct professor and a parent of children in Minneapolis Public Schools, Hampton understands the transformative power of education. He is committed to supporting teachers and uplifting students — particularly those from marginalized communities — ensuring they have the resources to thrive.
Hampton says his candidacy is rooted in a deep understanding of the issues facing Minneapolis, but also in the belief that real change requires new leadership. As he stated, “I don’t start with a campaign fund built over years or a slate of obvious endorsements. What I will run is a people-oriented campaign focused on listening, connecting, and proving to the people of Minneapolis what leadership looks like when it’s centered on them.”
In addition to his leadership role at TurnSignl, Hampton is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurial finance at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. He has been recognized as one of Minneapolis-St. Paul’s “40 Under 40,” and serves on the boards of notable organizations such as the Minneapolis Foundation, Catholic Charities Twin Cities, and the Great North Innocence Project.
Through his work, he says he has remained a staunch advocate for social justice, particularly in addressing issues such as homelessness and affordable housing. As he takes his campaign to the next level, he says he is determined to lead with integrity, inclusivity, and an unwavering focus on serving the people of Minneapolis.
“It’s just time for a fresh start, a new chapter,” said Hampton. “We need new relationships between local governments… Let’s come together, sit at a table, and understand what we all want.”