The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) has rescinded its endorsement of State Senator Omar Fateh, a prominent figure within the party's progressive faction.
Fateh, a Somali American legislator, had previously secured over 60 percent of delegate support at the Minneapolis DFL convention in July. However, the party's Constitution, Bylaws & Rules Committee recently annulled this endorsement following a challenge by incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey regarding the convention's results.
As reported by The Post Millennial, DFL Chairman Richard Carlbom stated, After a thoughtful and transparent review of the challenges, the Constitution, Bylaws & Rules Committee found substantial failures in the Minneapolis Conventions voting process on July 19th, including an acknowledgement that a mayoral candidate was errantly eliminated from contention.
The investigation revealed significant flaws in the electronic voting system, including a 176-vote undercount on the first ballot and the improper removal of candidate DeWayne Davis from the race. Additional irregularities were noted, such as the loss of a credentials book, an unsecured master check-in sheet, and unauthorized access to the digital spreadsheet used for delegate tracking.
The committee's findings have set the stage for a high-profile electoral contest in November between Fateh and Frey, who has been at the helm of the city since 2017. Carlbom emphasized the party's commitment to expanding its coalition for the 2026 midterms, aiming to elect leaders who will foster an inclusive economy. With an eye towards the 2026 midterms, the Minnesota DFL will broaden our coalition to elect leaders who will build an affordable economy that works for everyone, he remarked.
In response to the DFL's decision, Fateh expressed his discontent in a campaign video, accusing party insiders of undermining the will of Minneapolis delegates. Twenty-eight party insiders voted to take away our endorsement behind closed doors, he asserted. This group was comprised of non-Minneapolis residents, Mayor Freys supporters and even donors. This is exactly what Minneapolis voters are sick of: the insider games, the backroom decision, and feeling like our voice doesnt matter in our own city.
Despite this setback, Fateh remains resolute, declaring, Let me be clear. Were still in this fight, and were going to win.
Mayor Frey, who has faced scrutiny over his handling of the 2020 George Floyd riots, commended the DFL for addressing what he described as a deeply flawed process. I am proud to be a member of a party that believes in correcting our mistakes, and I am glad that this inaccurate and obviously flawed process was set aside, Frey stated. He anticipates a comprehensive debate with Fateh regarding the city's future, emphasizing that the decision now rests with the people of Minneapolis.
Fateh's campaign has garnered national attention, drawing parallels to Zohran Mamdani's unexpected triumph in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Both Fateh and Mamdani advocate for progressive policies such as rent controls, affordable housing expansion, and increased taxation on the wealthy.
As young, Muslim members of the Democratic Socialists of America, they represent a rising force within urban Democratic politics.
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