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Minneapolis Mayor And City Council Results: What To Know Wednesday

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 11:54 GMT by Patch

The Mayoral Race

The race was centered on three principal candidates: Jacob Frey, the 2020‑era progressive mayor; former mayor Mike Kehoe, a Republican who previously governed from 2006 to 2014; and a third contender, who garnered a smaller share of the vote. Frey’s platform emphasized climate action, policing reform, and affordable housing, while Kehoe highlighted fiscal responsibility, job creation, and a more business‑friendly approach to city governance. The third candidate, a local activist, focused on community empowerment and economic equity but ultimately received a relatively modest percentage of the vote.

The final results show Frey leading with 42 % of the vote, Kehoe trailing closely with 39 %, and the third candidate capturing the remaining 18 %. While Frey achieved a plurality, the margin of victory—less than 3 percentage points over Kehoe—meant that the election rules required a runoff, as no candidate achieved the 50 % threshold necessary for an outright win. The runoff, scheduled for November 8, will pit Frey against Kehoe once again, with all Minneapolis residents invited to cast their ballots.

Voter turnout was higher than in many recent city elections, with an estimated 35 % of registered voters participating. Key precincts that swayed the outcome included downtown and the Near North, where Frey’s progressive base remained robust, and the West Side, where Kehoe’s message resonated with voters concerned about budget deficits and public safety. The distribution of votes highlighted a clear geographic divide: progressive‑leaning districts largely favored Frey, whereas more conservative‑leaning areas leaned toward Kehoe.

City Council Outcomes

While the mayoral race dominated headlines, the city council elections delivered a mix of continuity and change. Minneapolis City Council seats were contested in seven wards, with four incumbents running unopposed, and three seats up for a contested race. The results revealed that in Ward 2, the incumbent councilmember retained his seat by a margin of 5 %, whereas Ward 5 saw a competitive race in which the challenger edged out the incumbent by a narrow 2 % difference. In Ward 8, a new face entered the council, reflecting a shift toward younger, more progressive representation.

These council outcomes are significant because they affect how the city will legislate on issues ranging from public transportation to housing policy. The election of a new councilmember in Ward 5 signals a potential shift in policy priorities for that district, particularly on affordable housing initiatives and transportation infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the continued presence of incumbents in other wards ensures stability and a continuation of ongoing projects.

What This Means for Minneapolis

The runoff between Frey and Kehoe will likely draw even more attention, as it represents a deeper clash of ideologies within the city. The result will not only determine the mayor but will also set the tone for the city’s policy direction over the next four years. Frey’s supporters hope that he will maintain his progressive agenda, pushing for further investments in renewable energy and community policing reforms. Kehoe’s camp, on the other hand, has pledged to focus on fiscal prudence, streamlining municipal operations, and attracting new business investments.

The city council’s composition, now a blend of experienced incumbents and fresh faces, will play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda. With the mayoral office still undecided, the council’s decisions on budget allocations, public works, and community programs will set the groundwork for the city’s strategic priorities. For example, the council’s endorsement of a new public transportation initiative could provide critical momentum for the mayor’s climate goals.

Looking Ahead

As Minneapolis prepares for the November 8 runoff, residents will once again head to the polls to decide the city’s future. The tightness of the race highlights a city that is both politically engaged and deeply divided on key issues. Beyond the mayoral showdown, the city council’s recent elections signal a shift toward a more dynamic legislative body that is ready to respond to evolving community needs.

In summary, the early Wednesday announcement of the election results clarified that while Jacob Frey has led in the first round, a runoff is necessary. The close margin of victory underscores the competitive nature of Minneapolis politics. The city council elections, featuring both incumbents and newcomers, add another layer of complexity to the city’s governance. As voters head to the ballot on November 8, the decisions made in that election will shape Minneapolis’ trajectory for years to come, influencing everything from public safety and economic development to environmental sustainability and community well‑being.