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Democratic socialists fresh off Mamdani victory see opportunity in Minneapolis | CNN Politics

Democratic Socialists Eye Minneapolis Mayoral Seat as Fateh Challenges Frey in High-Stakes 2025 Race

Minneapolis, Minnesota (CNN) -- In the heart of the Midwest, where progressive politics have long simmered amid urban challenges, a pivotal battle is unfolding that could redefine the trajectory of democratic socialism in American cities. Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh, a self-described democratic socialist and rising star in the state's Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2025 Minneapolis mayoral election, setting up a direct confrontation with incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey. This matchup, announced earlier this week, underscores the growing influence of leftist factions within the Democratic Party and highlights the ongoing tensions between moderate governance and radical reform in one of America's most politically charged municipalities.

Fateh, 34, who represents a district encompassing parts of south Minneapolis, has built his political career on a platform of bold, equity-focused policies. Elected to the state Senate in 2020, he became the first Somali-American Muslim to serve in the Minnesota legislature. His agenda includes aggressive measures to address housing affordability, police reform, and climate justice—issues that resonate deeply in a city still grappling with the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in 2020. Fateh's endorsement by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has amplified his voice, positioning him as a standard-bearer for a movement that seeks to push the Democratic Party further left. "Minneapolis deserves a mayor who fights for working people, not corporate interests," Fateh declared at his campaign launch event on Tuesday, drawing cheers from a crowd of activists waving signs reading "Socialism for All."

The incumbent, Jacob Frey, 43, has held the mayor's office since 2018, navigating a tumultuous period marked by civil unrest, a global pandemic, and economic recovery efforts. Frey, a former civil rights attorney, campaigned initially on progressive credentials but has since adopted a more centrist approach, emphasizing public safety and business-friendly policies. His administration has faced criticism from the left for vetoing city council measures aimed at defunding the police and for supporting developments that critics say prioritize developers over affordable housing. In a statement responding to Fateh's announcement, Frey defended his record: "I've worked tirelessly to make Minneapolis safer and more equitable. This election is about results, not rhetoric." Frey's tenure has been a flashpoint; he survived a recall effort in 2021 and narrowly won reelection in 2021 against a field of challengers, including progressive Kate Knuth.

This 2025 contest is more than a local skirmish—it's a litmus test for the viability of democratic socialism in urban America. Minneapolis has emerged as a laboratory for leftist ideas, with its city council boasting several DSA-endorsed members who have pushed through ordinances on rent control, sanctuary city protections, and environmental regulations. The DSA's local chapter, one of the largest in the nation, has mobilized thousands of volunteers and raised significant funds, drawing inspiration from figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Fateh's campaign is banking on this grassroots energy, particularly among young voters, immigrants, and communities of color who feel underserved by Frey's administration.

At the core of the divide are policy differences that reflect broader national debates. Fateh advocates for a "people's budget" that would redirect funds from policing to social services, including universal childcare and mental health programs. He has been vocal about dismantling systemic racism in housing, proposing measures to cap rent increases and expand public housing. "The status quo has failed too many Minneapolitans," Fateh told CNN in an exclusive interview. "We need transformative change—Medicare for All at the local level, green jobs, and an end to evictions." His platform also includes ambitious climate goals, such as transitioning the city to 100% renewable energy by 2030, aligning with DSA's national push for a Green New Deal.

Frey, conversely, has positioned himself as a pragmatic leader focused on "balanced" solutions. Under his watch, Minneapolis has seen a rebound in downtown business activity and investments in infrastructure, including the expansion of light rail. However, critics argue these gains come at the expense of marginalized communities. A 2024 city report highlighted persistent disparities: Black residents face eviction rates three times higher than white counterparts, and homelessness has risen 15% since 2020. Frey's supporters, including business leaders and moderate Democrats, praise his handling of the post-Floyd reforms, such as banning chokeholds and increasing police accountability measures. Yet, progressive activists accuse him of watering down more radical proposals, like the failed 2021 ballot initiative to replace the police department with a public safety agency.

The race is already drawing national attention, with potential implications for the Democratic Party's internal dynamics ahead of the 2026 midterms. Progressive heavyweights like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have signaled support for Fateh, with Sanders tweeting, "Omar Fateh represents the future of our movement—fighting for justice in every corner." On the other side, national Democrats wary of alienating moderates may quietly back Frey, fearing that a socialist victory could energize Republican attacks labeling the party as extreme. In Minnesota, where Democrats control the governorship and legislature, the outcome could influence statewide policies on issues like paid family leave and voting rights.

Voter sentiment in Minneapolis is polarized but energized. A recent poll by the University of Minnesota shows Frey leading with 45% support among likely voters, while Fateh garners 38%, with 17% undecided. The city's ranked-choice voting system adds complexity, potentially allowing third-party candidates to siphon votes. Demographics play a key role: Minneapolis is 60% white, with significant Black, Somali, and Hmong populations. Fateh's appeal in immigrant-heavy wards could be decisive, especially after his successful 2024 reelection to the Senate with 65% of the vote.

Beyond the candidates, the election spotlights the DSA's strategy in local politics. Since 2016, the organization has elected over 100 officials nationwide, from school boards to Congress. In Minneapolis, DSA-backed council members like Robin Wonsley and Vetaw have championed policies such as a $15 minimum wage and protections for gig workers. However, setbacks, including the defeat of a 2023 rent stabilization ballot measure, have tested the movement's resilience. "We're building power from the ground up," said DSA Minneapolis co-chair Sarah Martin. "Fateh's run is about proving that socialism isn't a dirty word—it's a solution."

Challenges abound for Fateh. Fundraising will be crucial; Frey's campaign war chest already exceeds $1 million, bolstered by donations from real estate interests. Fateh, relying on small-dollar contributions, aims to raise $800,000 by fall. Additionally, external factors like inflation and crime rates—Minneapolis saw a 10% drop in violent crime in 2024 but still lags national averages—could sway swing voters toward Frey's stability narrative.

As the campaign heats up, both sides are ramping up outreach. Fateh's team is organizing door-knocking drives in neighborhoods like Powderhorn and Cedar-Riverside, emphasizing community-led safety alternatives. Frey is touting endorsements from labor unions and highlighting his role in securing federal funds for affordable housing projects. The first debate, scheduled for August, promises fireworks, with topics ranging from police funding to economic development.

This Minneapolis showdown encapsulates a larger struggle within American progressivism: Can democratic socialists translate ideological fervor into electoral success without alienating the broader electorate? Fateh's challenge to Frey isn't just about one city—it's a referendum on whether bold, left-wing policies can thrive in a divided nation. As one local activist put it, "This is our chance to show that Minneapolis can lead the way toward a more just America." With months until Election Day on November 4, 2025, the eyes of the political world are fixed on the North Star State, watching to see if the socialist surge will endure or fade.

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