The race for the next mayor of Minneapolis is heating up after the city’s Democratic Farmer-Labor (DFL) party made a historic endorsement this weekend. With election day coming up on November 4, 2025, local politics are buzzing with excitement, uncertainty, and some fresh faces.
A Big Start: Two Major Frontrunners Lead the Pack
Minneapolis voters will once again decide who leads the city, with current Mayor Jacob Frey aiming for his third term. However, this time the contest feels very different. State Senator Omar Fateh, a well-known progressive and democratic socialist, just received the official DFL endorsement after a dramatic and sometimes tense party convention. It’s the first time since 2009 that local Democrats could unite around a single mayoral candidate.
Who’s Running?
Minneapolis has no shortage of contenders vying for the city’s top job, but these names stand out:
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Omar Fateh: The endorsed DFL candidate, state senator for District 62 since 2020, and a key figure in local progressive politics.
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Jacob Frey: The incumbent mayor, who brands himself as a pragmatic moderate focused on economic issues and safety.
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Jazz Hampton: Attorney and tech entrepreneur.
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Brenda Short: Small business owner.
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Howard Dotson: Healthcare chaplain.
Two former candidates, Rev. DeWayne Davis and Emily Koski, recently withdrew from the race, narrowing the field but making the contest more competitive than ever.
Convention Drama: DFL Endorses Fateh
The Minneapolis DFL convention on Saturday was full of passionate speeches and tense voting. For the first time in 16 years, delegates surpassed the 60% threshold needed to endorse a candidate, handing the party’s official support to Fateh. Supporters say this shows a real hunger for change and a shift to the left among party activists. Fateh’s platform centers on worker rights, support for labor unions, and progressive policies tackling housing and homelessness.
Mayor Frey’s campaign criticized the endorsement process, insisting that the voters should have final say and vowing to continue the fight until November.
Key Issues Shaping the Race
The contest is deeply shaped by debates over:
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Public Safety: Crime and policing remain flashpoints for Minneapolis after several difficult years.
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Economy: Inflation and property tax pressures are major worries for residents.
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Housing & Homelessness: Fateh pushes for more humane and affordable housing policies, while Frey argues he’s made steady progress despite tough conditions.
What’s Next for Voters?
Here’s what’s important for the 2025 Minneapolis mayoral election:
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Filing Deadline: August 12, 2025
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Early/Mail Voting Starts: September 19, 2025
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Election Day: November 4, 2025
All city council seats, as well as other municipal offices, will also be on the ballot. Minneapolis voters will use ranked-choice voting, so they can list their top three candidates for mayor.
FAQ About the Minneapolis Mayoral Election 2025
Q1: Who got the DFL endorsement for mayor this year?
Omar Fateh, a state senator and democratic socialist, won the official backing of the city’s Democratic Farmer-Labor Party.
Q2: Is Jacob Frey still running?
Yes, Jacob Frey, the current mayor, is running for a third term even after losing the DFL endorsement.
Q3: What voting system does Minneapolis use for mayor elections?
Minneapolis uses ranked-choice voting. Voters can list up to three candidates in order of preference.
Q4: What are the main issues in this year’s mayoral race?
Public safety, housing, homelessness, and economic pressures like property taxes are at the center of debate.
Q5: When is the Minneapolis mayoral election?
The election happens on November 4, 2025, with early and mail voting beginning September 19, 2025.