Introduction: Leadership on the Line
Minneapolis enters a pivotal election season as the 2025 mayoral race brings a crowded field of candidates, each with differing visions for the city’s future. With rising concerns around public safety, housing, economic disparity, and governmental trust, voters face a critical decision: continue with the leadership of incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey or usher in a new era of progressive reform and civic innovation.
Background: A City Seeking Direction
Mayor Jacob Frey, first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, is running for a third term. His time in office has been marked by a strong-mayor system that granted him expanded authority over key departments. While he has made strides in housing affordability and public safety reform, Frey’s leadership has been polarizing, especially after a contentious budget veto and ongoing disputes with the city council. These tensions have opened the door for a new wave of challengers eager to reimagine Minneapolis governance.
The Candidates: Competing Visions for Minneapolis
Jacob Frey (Incumbent)
- Running on a platform of continuity and experience, Frey emphasizes public safety reforms, climate action, housing development, and infrastructure improvements.
Omar Fateh (State Senator)
- A progressive challenger advocating for economic justice, housing protection, and an end to discriminatory policing. Fateh proposes a $20 minimum wage by 2028 and strong renter protections. He has faced racist attacks online, which have only amplified the national attention on his campaign.
Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis
- A faith leader and state Senate chaplain focused on social equity, justice-based public safety, and expanding affordable housing. Davis appeals to voters seeking moral clarity and compassionate leadership.
Jazz Hampton
- A lawyer, tech entrepreneur, and father bringing a platform of innovation and unity. Hampton promotes mental health services, modernized public safety, and effective city governance.
Brenda Short
- With a background in small business, Short emphasizes economic development, support for entrepreneurs, and neighborhood-level engagement.
Howard Dotson
- A healthcare chaplain and community pastor, Dotson brings a grassroots approach centered on healing, safety, and community reinvestment.
Emily Koski (Withdrawn)
- Initially a high-profile city council candidate for mayor, Koski withdrew from the race due to campaign pressures, but her brief candidacy highlighted concerns over gender representation and progressive fragmentation.
Key Issues Shaping the Race
- Public Safety & Police Reform: All candidates offer alternative visions for addressing crime and improving police-community relations. Some push for structural reform, while others focus on resource expansion and mental health intervention.
- Housing Affordability: Rising rent and housing scarcity dominate the debate. Candidates propose rent control, new development incentives, and tenant protections.
- Arena Subsidies: There is broad opposition to using public funds for a new Timberwolves and Lynx arena, with candidates prioritizing housing, education, and infrastructure over sports financing.
- Budget Transparency: Frey’s controversial budget veto in 2024 sparked criticism and fueled calls for more collaborative city governance.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Minneapolis
The 2025 Minneapolis mayoral race represents more than just a contest for office—it reflects a broader struggle for the city’s values and identity. With a wide range of candidates, from establishment figures to progressive reformers, voters are being asked to decide what leadership looks like in a time of division and transformation. The outcome will set the tone for how Minneapolis tackles inequality, safety, housing, and democracy itself in the years to come.
