Minneapolis Mayoral Race: Omar Fateh Faces Setbacks Amid Controversial Endorsement Revocation

The upcoming Minneapolis mayoral election is heating up, especially for Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh, a prominent contender who recently experienced a significant setback. After winning the endorsement of the Minnesota Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) at the July nominating convention, the party rescinded its endorsement due to allegations of voting misconduct.

Controversial Vote Count and DFL Reversal

Senator Fateh’s endorsement was overshadowed by turmoil surrounding the convention, where the voting process was marred by issues. Key points about the convention include:

• Prolonged event: The 12-hour nomination convention faced interruptions, including a halt to the electronic ballot counting.
• Vote counting errors: Mistakes occurred in counting paper ballots, and issues arose during delegate voting via badges.
• Dispute raised by incumbents: Incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey led objections, claiming discrepancies in the vote totals compared to the number of delegates present.

An internal investigation by the DFL’s Committee of Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules found "substantial flaws" in the electronic voting process. The first round of votes was undercounted by 176, leading to the premature elimination of candidate DeWayne Davis.

Voices of Outrage

The decision to revoke Fateh’s endorsement has ignited outrage among his supporters. Campaign co-manager Graham Faulkner highlighted the disenfranchisement of thousands of caucus-goers, stating, “Twenty-eight mostly out-state, establishment Democrats erased the will of Minneapolis residents.”

Former Minnesota House Delegate Hodan Hassan echoed these sentiments on X, emphasizing that the people’s voice had been undermined: “This isn’t democracy; it’s sabotage.”

A group of over a dozen Democratic state and local lawmakers, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, condemned the DFL’s decision. They referred to it as a “stain on our party for years to come,” predicting it would hinder future Democratic organization and success.

The Race Ahead: Fateh vs. Frey

Despite the setback, Fateh remains in the race. Voter sentiment in a ranked-choice voting system could still favor him, although political analysts acknowledge the challenges.

Current Standings

• Jacob Frey: Despite his incumbent status and significant fundraising success—over $539,000 in July—Frey is grappling with low approval ratings, polling at just 30% among Minneapolis voters.
• Omar Fateh: Fateh has raised approximately $269,000, primarily after the endorsement revocation, but has only $54,000 left in his campaign treasury.

Key Support and Backing

Frey continues to enjoy support from influential state figures such as Senator Amy Klobuchar and Governor Tim Walz, who argue that Frey has positioned Minneapolis as a “national leader” on housing issues.

Escalating Tensions

Tensions escalated further when allegations emerged that Fateh’s campaign staff made incendiary remarks regarding Hamas, leading Klobuchar to rebuke him. “These comments are outrageous and have no place in our politics,” stated a spokesperson for Klobuchar.

Conclusion

As the Minneapolis mayoral race progresses, Omar Fateh must navigate significant obstacles while contending with a crowded field and an incumbent who is rallying financial and political support. The unfolding events within the DFL and the broader implications for Democratic unity will be critical as voters head to the polls.

For more insights into the Minneapolis mayoral race, stay updated with local news outlets and political analysis.