The race for mayor of Minneapolis has attracted one of the most diverse candidate pools in years. With a mix of familiar faces in local politics and first-time hopefuls, the candidates are presenting unique approaches to the city’s major challenges, including housing affordability, policing reform, homelessness, and equitable economic recovery.
Each major contender has carved out a niche appeal. Frey highlights steady progress and pragmatic management, while challengers such as Omar Fateh and DeWayne Davis frame their bids around moral renewal and deeper structural reform. Business attorney Jazz Hampton and community advocate Brenda Short, meanwhile, emphasize restoring public trust through inclusion, innovation, and personal experience.
Though the field includes a dozen names, most analysts expect a tight contest between the incumbent and a handful of well-organized campaigns. Still, independent and minor-party candidates are bringing fresh ideas and challenging the city’s dominant political narratives.
Minneapolis uses a ranked choice voting system to elect its mayor and City Council. Instead of selecting just one candidate, voters rank up to three choices in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and those ballots are redistributed based on the voters’ next available choice. This process continues until one candidate has more than 50 percent of the vote.
Supporters say ranked choice voting gives voters more power, reduces negative campaigning, and ensures that winners have broad support. Critics argue that it can be confusing for new voters and that results may take longer to finalize because of the counting process.
Key concerns for Minneapolis voters in 2025
1. Public safety and police reform
Even years after George Floyd’s killing, how Minneapolis approaches policing remains central. Voters are weighing proposals that range from Mayor Frey’s hybrid police–civilian response model to calls from challengers like Omar Fateh and DeWayne Davis for deeper structural reform or community-based safety alternatives.
2. Housing affordability and homelessness
With rents continuing to rise, access to affordable housing and the city’s approach to encampments are major issues. Candidates diverge sharply between those favoring regulatory incentives for development (like Frey) and those proposing rent stabilization and tenant protection laws (like Fateh and Short).
3. Economic equity and workforce stability
Post-pandemic recovery has been uneven, and voters are now focused on achieving livable wages, protecting worker rights, and promoting small business growth. Davis and Hampton have tied their campaigns to ensuring equitable access to city contracts and fair employment standards.
4. Infrastructure and downtown revitalization
From potholes to vacant storefronts, the city’s physical and economic core is under scrutiny. Several candidates have pledged to revitalize downtown with transit improvements, mixed-use development, and incentives for small businesses.
5. Climate and environmental policy
Minneapolis has set ambitious sustainability goals, but voters are asking how the next mayor will deliver. Candidates like Fateh and Davis advocate for aggressive carbon-reduction and renewable-energy investment, while moderates emphasize practical steps, such as improving recycling, public transportation, and energy-efficient housing.
6. Trust in city leadership
After years of political division, a recurring theme is transparency. Candidates across the spectrum, from incumbents to newcomers, are pledging to rebuild public trust in city government through accountability, clearer communication, and community engagement.
Get to know the mayoral candidates
Each major contender has carved out a niche appeal. Frey highlights steady progress and pragmatic management, while challengers such as Omar Fateh and DeWayne Davis frame their bids around moral renewal and deeper structural reform. Business attorney Jazz Hampton and community advocate Brenda Short, meanwhile, emphasize the importance of restoring public trust through inclusion, innovation, and personal experience.
Though the field includes a dozen names, most analysts expect a tight contest between the incumbent and a handful of well-organized campaigns. Still, independent and minor-party candidates are bringing fresh ideas and challenging the city’s dominant political narratives. Learn more about the candidates below.
Jacob Frey (incumbent)
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is running for a third and final term, emphasizing the importance of continuity, public safety reform, affordability, housing expansion, and pragmatic governance. He announced his intention to seek re-election in January. Frey was first elected in 2017 and won a second term in November 2021, garnering over 49.1% of the votes.
Frey faced significant scrutiny following George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, and he has experienced conflicts with city council members regarding police reform. His administration has implemented a “strong mayor” restructuring, which increases the mayor’s power by reallocating certain responsibilities from the city council to the mayor’s office.
While Frey points to his experience and the continuity he offers as strengths, critics argue that many systemic issues, such as homelessness, policing, and affordability, remain unresolved under his leadership. This raises questions about whether continuing with his administration will be sufficient to address these challenges. Additionally, his incumbency may complicate efforts to change entrenched structures.
Frey is also under scrutiny for deleting emails and text messages related to an ICE operation on Lake Street that occurred earlier this year.
Sen. Omar Fateh
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Senator Omar Fateh is a progressive candidate advocating for rent stabilization, increasing the minimum wage, and implementing significant reforms in public safety that reduce reliance on traditional policing methods. He also champions worker and tenant rights, as well as protections for immigrants. As the first Somali American in the Minnesota Senate, Senator Fateh is a prominent challenger to Mayor Jacob Frey in the upcoming November election.
Fateh plans to leverage his legislative experience in organizing and coalition-building to improve Minneapolis. Although he received the Minneapolis DFL endorsement this summer, he lost it due to a challenge from Frey’s campaign regarding the counting of convention votes. Fateh has previously supported minimum wage laws that benefit Uber and Lyft drivers, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration between a progressive mayor and city council to aid struggling communities.
However, his tenure has faced scrutiny, including an ethics complaint related to a Somali media outlet and an investigation connected to a federal voter fraud case involving his brother-in-law. While his ambitious reforms attract interest, they also confront real-world limitations such as budget constraints, political opposition, and the city charter’s structures. Additionally, his campaign has suffered from internal party controversies, including the revocation of an endorsement, which may undermine his credibility.
Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis is a dedicated faith leader with a strong commitment to housing stability, workers’ rights, support for immigrants, and promoting a fair economy that values every worker and family. He currently serves as the Lead Minister of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis and announced his candidacy for Mayor of Minneapolis on October 17, 2024.
Dr. Davis aims to create an economy that honors all workers and families, prioritizing safe and affordable housing. Since December 2020, he has been actively involved in community vigils for the homeless and victims of overdose. Previously, he served as a chaplain for the Minnesota State Senate and has held various legislative positions throughout his career.
Born as the 15th child of sharecroppers in the Mississippi Delta, Dr. Davis has nurtured a lifelong commitment to justice and love. He has been married to his husband since 2011. While he brings strong values and a moral framework to his campaign, he may face challenges regarding campaign infrastructure and a clear strategy for implementing policies across the city government. Additionally, as a newer candidate, he may have less name recognition and networking capabilities.
Jazz Hampton
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Jazz Hampton is a business owner, attorney, and father. He offers a new approach to leadership that emphasizes housing, public safety, immigrant inclusion, and bridging community divides. On August 1, he announced his candidacy for mayor, highlighting his experience as an attorney and business owner, as well as his role as a father of three.
His campaign focuses on key issues, including homelessness, affordable housing, public trust in safety, and protecting immigrant families. Hampton has garnered endorsements from several City Council members, including Robin Wonsley, Elliott Payne, and Emily Koski, who previously withdrew her own bid for mayor.
His moderate-to-progressive stance may appeal to voters looking for an alternative to both the establishment and extreme changes. However, his less-established network and visibility could limit his campaign’s reach. Additionally, he will need to translate his broad themes into concrete plans that effectively resonate with voters.
Brenda Short
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Brenda Short’s platform is built on her lived experiences. She has held multiple jobs, faced homelessness, and has become both a homeowner and a small-business owner. Brenda emphasizes the importance of listening to the voices of workers and tenants, actively engaging with the community, and advocating for inclusion and economic mobility.
On December 9, Brenda Short announced her candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis, drawing attention to her experience with Wystar Global Retirement Solutions, ING, and Best Buy. Her campaign focuses on her commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Minneapolis and her belief in the power of community collaboration to create lasting change.
While Brenda’s authenticity is one of her strengths, she faces the challenge of expanding her personal narrative into effective policy governance. Additionally, she may have fewer resources and less visibility compared to her top competitors.
Kevin Dwire
Socialist Workers Party
Kevin Dwire advocates for a working-class, socialist platform that emphasizes the power of labor and calls for significant structural changes, rather than just incremental reforms. He announced his candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis on July 31, having previously run for lieutenant governor in 2022 and for the Boston City Council in 2015.
As a socialist activist and a member of the Minnesota hospitality union Unite Here Local 17, Dwire highlighted the impact of capitalism on working people during a recent forum. He linked the current challenges faced by workers to global imperialist rivalries and the potential for future conflicts.
While Dwire provides a clear ideological contrast to other candidates, the existing political structure poses limitations on electoral viability. Mainstream voters may overlook proposals for radical change due to these constraints, and the campaign infrastructure is also limited.
Charlie McCloud
Independent
Charlie McCloud is a creative and independent candidate who offers a fresh perspective that contrasts with the political establishment. She has the potential to offer a more impartial perspective.
During a candidates’ forum, McCloud highlighted her varied experience as an executive aide, creative director, strategist, and caregiver. Originally from Illinois, she has traveled globally and moved to Minnesota to dance for Prince. McCloud expressed her dedication to helping Minneapolis and conveyed her concerns about current events.
However, her visibility as a candidate appears to be limited. Without a strong campaign organization, candidates like her often struggle to gain traction in larger municipal elections.
Xavier Pauke
Protecting Tomorrow’s Dreams
Xavier Pauke is a candidate for the “Protecting Tomorrow’s Dreams” initiative. He likely aims to offer alternative perspectives or a niche platform. Pauke announced his candidacy for mayor on August 11, presenting himself as a non-politician and an everyday working citizen.
His campaign focuses on fiscal responsibility, lead pipe replacement, and reducing unemployment, while also working to rebuild trust in the Minneapolis Police Department.
In a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” post, Pauke expressed his motivation for running, stating that he feels compelled to take action for the future of his generation, as previous attempts to be heard have failed. However, there is very little publicly available information about his platform, which results in low name recognition. This may make it difficult for voters to assess his candidacy.
Troy A. Peterson
Momunist
Troy Peterson announced his candidacy for Minneapolis mayor on August 12, running as a “Momunist” with the aim of becoming the city’s “Space Communist.” His campaign is characterized by unconventional elements, including a website that features an AI-generated bot as his spokesperson. This unique approach suggests he is positioning himself as an outsider.
Peterson’s platform focuses on investigating civil rights violations by state leaders, examining the events surrounding the 2020 riots, and scrutinizing mask guidelines if elected. He also promises to prioritize road repairs by cutting nonessential city spending.
While the novelty of his campaign may attract curiosity, there are concerns about whether he possesses the serious governance credentials needed for effective leadership. As it stands, some may view his candidacy more as a protest than a legitimate bid for office.
Laverne Turner
Independent
Independent candidate Laverne Turner announced his candidacy for Minneapolis mayor on August 1. He previously ran in 2021, receiving 3.2% of the vote. His platform emphasizes public safety, advocating for a “tough on crime” approach, as well as economic revitalization and a focus on youth issues.
Turner criticizes the current mayor for a lack of improvements in livability and expresses concern over rising taxes and the city’s decline. He operates a hip-hop political consulting firm and has initiated the Urban Pride Movement, which aims to address Black-on-Black crime and gun violence within the community.
While public safety and economic revitalization are important issues that resonate with many voters, as an independent candidate, Turner may face challenges due to a lack of party infrastructure and broader coalition support. His messaging will need to go beyond slogans to include detailed policy proposals.
Andrea Revel
For The People
Independent candidate Andrea Revel officially announced her candidacy for Mayor on August 11, focusing her platform on public safety, economic revitalization, and youth initiatives.
During the League of Women Voters forum, she emphasized the need for a safer Minneapolis, where residents can walk downtown without fear of harm. Revel highlighted the importance of improving safety throughout the city.
While her focus on public safety and economic revitalization resonates with many, as an independent candidate, she may face challenges due to a lack of party infrastructure and a broader coalition. To succeed, her messaging will need to extend beyond simple slogans and include detailed policy proposals.
Kevin Ward
Nobody’s Party
A candidate from “Nobody’s Party” is likely to emphasize non-traditional politics and appeal as an outsider. Kevin Ward, an Iraq War veteran, publicly identifies as an Antifa supporter and has expressed negative views toward flags.
During a recent candidate forum, he displayed a placard reading “Nobody” and highlighted his service as an Army sergeant, emphasizing his dedication to serving and fighting for freedom. He also mentioned a pending lawsuit against the county related to a previous arrest and acknowledged his history of mental health commitments, asserting that his most recent commitment was wrongful and unnecessary.
Limited visibility and resources are common challenges for minor party candidates, who often face steep barriers in major city contests. Their messaging needs to effectively break through in order to gain traction.
With a crowded ballot and complex issues on the table, Minneapolis voters have no shortage of choices this fall. Whether the city’s electorate opts for steadiness or sweeping change will shape the Twin Cities’ trajectory for years to come — from neighborhood safety to housing development to the city’s vision of what justice looks like in practice.
How to vote
Eligible Minneapolis residents can check registration status, update information, or find official voting locations through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website at mnvotes.gov. The site provides details on early voting, absentee ballots, and polling places on Election Day. For local election updates, visit the City of Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services page at vote.minneapolismn.gov.
