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Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh is receiving significant support from high-profile progressive Democrats as he embarks on his campaign to become the next mayor of Minneapolis. Notably, Fateh has secured endorsements from Rep. Ilhan Omar and former Rep. Jamaal Bowman, highlighting a renewed sense of unity among the progressive “Squad” members, despite recent internal party challenges.
Fateh, who is known for his democratic socialist stance, has put forward a robust platform that includes ambitious measures such as raising the minimum wage in Minneapolis to $20 per hour by 2028. He also advocates for rent stabilization, the expansion of non-police emergency response initiatives, and the introduction of a local income tax targeting high earners. Furthermore, Fateh is committed to reducing cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, firmly stating that Minneapolis should resist actions from figures like Donald Trump and work to protect all communities.
In a video filmed together, Omar and Fateh appeared to discuss the city’s rising costs, housing challenges, and the need for what they described as “new, bold leadership.” Omar said Minneapolis residents “are struggling to make ends meet” and “tired of the broken promises and the vetoes,” while Fateh emphasized his goal of “building an affordable city that working families can call home.”
The backing from Jamaal Bowman comes after he faced significant political hurdles, including losing his reelection bid in 2024 amid controversies. Notably, Bowman was involved in an incident where he triggered a fire alarm during a crucial government funding vote, leading to a misdemeanor plea. The fallout from this incident included a $1,000 fine and a required apology to Capitol Police, after an investigation revealed he had removed warning signs before setting off the alarm. This controversy, among others, contributed to his defeat by Westchester County Executive George Latimer in what became an incredibly costly House primary, amounting to over $23 million.
Fateh followed up with a graphic quoting Omar’s statement, which read, “Minneapolis deserves a champion for working people,” and expressed her intention to rank Fateh as her “first choice for mayor.” On Friday, Fateh announced an upcoming “Northside Doorknock” event with Jamaal Bowman, calling the former congressman “an inspiration to so many people across the country.”
Bowman’s congressional career, although short-lived, was marked by his advocacy for progressive causes, including his call for the United States to accept Palestinian refugees and his resistance to additional military aid to Israel. His departure was seen as a significant setback for the progressive “Squad.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar remains a steadfast supporter of Fateh, despite having faced her own share of scrutiny over her financial dealings and campaign practices. Omar’s personal finances reportedly saw a dramatic increase, growing from $51,000 to as much as $30 million in a single year, which drew public attention. She was also involved in a federal election complaint concerning substantial campaign payments made to her husband’s consulting firm. Moreover, her critical remarks about the United States under President Trump, describing it as a “police state” and one of the world’s worst, have further fueled debate.
Despite these challenges, the endorsements from Omar and Bowman for Fateh’s mayoral run signal a continued commitment to progressive agendas and highlight the enduring influence of the “Squad” within Democratic politics. This support may prove crucial as Fateh seeks to implement his vision for a more equitable and inclusive Minneapolis.
Fateh’s campaign has been marked by a series of disputes and investigations. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party revoked its endorsement of his mayoral bid after citing voting irregularities at the city convention, a move Fateh decried as “backroom politics.” In past reporting, – News detailed Fateh’s ties to individuals connected to a federal food fraud investigation, his advocacy for taxpayer-funded college for illegal immigrants, and his support for George Floyd protesters during the 2020 riots.
