DFL Revokes Omar Fateh’s Mayoral Endorsement in Minneapolis Amid Voting Controversy

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party has officially rescinded its endorsement of State Senator Omar Fateh in the Minneapolis mayoral race, citing significant procedural issues during the July 2025 nominating convention. The decision comes as a major shake-up in the city’s political landscape, marking a setback for progressive Democrats and igniting debate over fairness, transparency, and power dynamics within the party.

Fateh, a democratic socialist and the first Somali-American to serve in the Minnesota State Senate, had secured the top delegate count during the DFL’s Minneapolis convention. However, the DFL’s Constitution, Bylaws & Rules Committee later determined that substantial irregularities—including the erroneous elimination of a candidate—compromised the legitimacy of the outcome.

The state party’s chair, Richard Carlbom, announced the revocation, emphasizing the importance of unity and procedural integrity. The move overturns what many saw as a groundbreaking moment for progressive politics in Minneapolis, as this was the first DFL mayoral endorsement issued in the city in over 16 years.

Why was Omar Fateh’s endorsement revoked by the DFL?

The central issue revolved around the convention’s voting system, which, according to multiple reports and internal reviews, suffered from technical malfunctions and logistical errors. These included electronic voting breakdowns and improper candidate eliminations, leading to widespread challenges filed by nearly 100 individuals.

Supporters of incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, who placed second in the delegate count, were among the loudest critics of the process. They argued that the flawed system not only disenfranchised thousands of caucus-goers but also violated democratic norms. The state committee agreed, ultimately voiding the endorsement as a corrective measure.

Despite the controversy, the DFL reaffirmed its commitment to electoral integrity, stating that decisions made under faulty systems could not stand unchallenged, even if the overall result may not have changed.

What does this mean for Omar Fateh’s campaign?

Fateh’s team condemned the decision as a deliberate effort to silence working-class voices and maintain establishment control. In a statement, his campaign accused Frey-aligned forces of orchestrating the challenge to derail a movement that threatens corporate and centrist interests.

The setback is significant but not fatal. Fateh remains a candidate in the race and has vowed to continue his campaign focused on rent stabilization, police accountability, and affordable housing access—issues that have galvanized his grassroots support base.

Frey, meanwhile, welcomed the DFL’s reversal, calling it a necessary correction of a flawed process. He stated his readiness to engage in a full public debate with Fateh about the city’s future, emphasizing that the final decision now rests entirely with Minneapolis voters.

How this decision reflects broader political tensions in Minneapolis

This episode is emblematic of growing tensions within the Democratic Party, particularly between progressive insurgents and establishment figures. The revocation of Fateh’s endorsement has sparked outrage among left-leaning activists who view it as a betrayal of democratic values.

Progressive political groups like “Minneapolis for the Many” have sharply criticized the state party, calling the intervention unjustified and undemocratic. Conversely, moderate-aligned organizations, including “All of Minneapolis,” expressed relief, arguing that a flawed endorsement would have undermined the integrity of the election.

The timing is also politically significant. Richard Carlbom, who recently succeeded longtime chair Ken Martin, now finds himself navigating a high-stakes leadership test just months into his tenure.

The road ahead for Minneapolis voters

With the DFL endorsement now nullified, the mayoral race in Minneapolis enters a more open and unpredictable phase. Both Fateh and Frey will campaign without formal party backing, forcing them to appeal directly to voters.

Fateh, who has made history as a Somali-American and Muslim elected official, continues to attract support from younger and more diverse voters, while Frey leverages his record during the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.

The November election will serve not just as a referendum on local governance but as a microcosm of the ideological battle playing out across the Democratic Party nationwide.

Omar Fateh has positioned his campaign as a voice for systemic change, while Jacob Frey is campaigning on a message of pragmatic progressivism. Voters will now decide which vision they trust to lead Minneapolis forward.

For your information:

What political party is Omar Fateh affiliated with?
Omar Fateh is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and identifies as a democratic socialist within the broader Democratic framework.

Why did the DFL revoke Fateh’s endorsement?
The DFL cited voting irregularities and procedural failures during the July 2025 convention that compromised the integrity of the endorsement process.

Is Omar Fateh still running for mayor?
Yes, despite losing the party’s endorsement, Fateh remains an active candidate in the Minneapolis mayoral race.

What are Omar Fateh’s main campaign priorities?
Fateh focuses on rent control, police accountability, and expanding affordable housing—core issues aligned with progressive policies.

How has Jacob Frey responded to the endorsement reversal?
Frey supported the DFL’s decision, citing it as a necessary step toward fairness and transparency in the electoral process.

What impact does this have on the Democratic Party in Minnesota?
The decision has deepened divisions within the party, especially between progressive and centrist factions, and raised concerns about internal governance and representation.