In a significant political contest in Minneapolis, a left-wing Democrat known for his staunch opposition to Donald Trump’s immigration policies has failed in his bid to become the city’s mayor. Omar Fateh, a 30-year-old Minnesota State Senator and a close ally of ‘Squad’ member Ilhan Omar, was narrowly defeated by Jacob Frey, a centrist Democrat, according to results announced on Wednesday. Frey secured the victory by a margin of six percentage points.

Jacob Frey, 44, will now embark on his third term as mayor, despite facing criticism over the rise in crime and deteriorating conditions in the city following the tumultuous aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in 2020. Frey’s leadership has been under intense scrutiny, yet his centrist approach resonated with enough voters to secure another term.

Omar Fateh is recognized as one of the more progressive voices in Minnesota’s political landscape. His campaign was marked by an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America, a group known for propelling figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez into the national spotlight. Fateh has championed progressive causes such as the ‘defund the police’ movement, rent control, and significant tax increases on the wealthy, alongside advocating for a fundamental overhaul of capitalism, which he has described as a system in need of dismantling.

Despite the setback, Fateh remains undeterred. In a statement posted on social media platform X, he expressed his resolve, vowing to “keep fighting” for the causes he believes in. His statement reflects a commitment to continue advocating for his progressive agenda, even outside the mayoral office.

He has called capitalism ‘a system that must be dismantled’ and was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, the same group that propelled Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Congress. 

Fateh vowed to ‘keep fighting’ as he accepted defeat in a statement posted to X. 

‘Thank you, Minneapolis!’ Fateh wrote. ‘While this wasn’t the outcome we wanted, I am incredibly grateful to every single person who supported our grassroots campaign. I’ll keep fighting alongside you to build the city we deserve. Onward.’

Fifteen candidates were vying for the position of Minneapolis mayor, which was clinched by Frey who was endorsed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. 

Omar Fateh, pictured, has lost his bid to become Minneapolis’s new mayor 

Frey (pictured) ran on a moderate platform, telling voters he wanted to eschew ‘extremism’ in favor of ‘good, thoughtful governance that listens to data, research, and experts’

Frey ran on a moderate platform, telling voters he wanted to eschew ‘extremism’ in favor of ‘good, thoughtful governance that listens to data, research, and experts to deliver real results for the people we serve’. 

Fateh was hoping to become the city’s first Muslim and Somali-American mayor. He vowed to ‘fund effective, compassionate public services’ and undo the ‘failings’ of Frey, who he claimed had made the metropolis ‘less safe and less vibrant’. 

Fateh has drawn comparisons with Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who won New York City’s mayoral race on Tuesday, because of their backgrounds and ideological similarities.

Both come from immigrant families, although Fateh, a member of the city’s large Somali American community, was born in the US. 

While there were 15 candidates on the Minneapolis ballot, the only others who raised significant sums were the Rev. DeWayne Davis and businessman Jazz Hampton, who are seen as left of Frey but right of Fateh.

Fateh, Davis and Hampton formed an alliance, urging their voters to rank one another, but not Frey, to make it harder for the incumbent to win.

Frey led Minneapolis through the turmoil and came under heavy criticism following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, who died after a white officer used his knee to pin his neck to the pavement for 9.5 minutes. 

Omar Fateh, 30, tapped into the Somali community in an attempt to become mayor 

Minnesota State Senator Fateh vowed to ‘keep fighting’ as he accepted defeat in a statement 

Frey’s administration later negotiated agreements with the state and federal governments to scale down the police department in response to Floyd’s death. 

Fateh has backed off his early support for the ‘defund the police’ movement, but he supported a ballot measure opposed by Frey and rejected by voters in 2021 which would have reimagined public safety in the city.

Fateh stressed the need for alternatives to conventional policing, while Frey said the city is already implementing this.

The ideological divisions also show up in the two candidates’ approaches to housing and other issues. 

Frey opposed rent control, while Fateh said he advocates some form of rent stabilization without being specific. 

Fateh criticized the Frey administration for its approach to closing down homeless camps.

Fateh has long championed the cause of Uber and Lyft drivers at the Legislature. Frey vetoed an attempt by the City Council to raise their wages after the companies threatened to pull out of the city. 

Fateh later used his leverage to force a compromise at the state level.

Omar Fateh waving the Somali flag and speaking the language at a rally was criticized 

Fateh, like Mamdani in New York, is a strong opponent of how Israel conducted the war in Gaza. 

Frey, who is Jewish, vetoed a City Council ceasefire resolution that he considered one-sided.

All the leading candidates vowed to stand firm against President Donald Trump and to resist his efforts to undermine Minneapolis’ status as a sanctuary city for immigrants — or any effort Trump might make to send federal troops into the city.