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Minneapolis Elections

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Minneapolis Mayoral Race Tightens as Progressive Challenger Gains Ground

(June 27, 2025)

The Minneapolis mayoral race is heating up as progressive challenger Sheila Nezhad narrows incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey’s lead in recent polling. Nezhad, a former city council member, has gained traction with her calls for police accountability and rent stabilization. Frey, seeking a third term, emphasizes his record on economic recovery post-2020 unrest. A KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows Frey at 42%, Nezhad at 38%, with 20% undecided—setting the stage for a fierce final month of campaigning.

Controversial Police Oversight Amendment Divides City Council Candidates (June 4, 2025)

A proposed charter amendment to expand civilian oversight of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) has become a flashpoint in city council races. Incumbent Council President Andrea Jenkins supports the measure, while challenger Marcus Mills calls it “anti-police.” The debate mirrors broader tensions over public safety, with Jenkins arguing it increases accountability and opponents warning of officer attrition. The amendment will appear on the November ballot.

Record Number of Renters Running for City Council (June 5, 2025)

A historic wave of renters—12 in total—are running for Minneapolis City Council, reflecting frustration over soaring housing costs. In Ward 3, tenant organizer Khalid Mohamud is challenging incumbent Michael Rainville, who faces criticism for his developer ties. Mohamud’s platform includes a 3% annual rent cap, while Rainville touts new affordable units. Housing is now the top issue for 61% of voters, per a University of Minnesota poll.

Frey Unveils $50M Small Business Recovery Plan (June 7, 2025)

Mayor Jacob Frey announced a $50 million small business revitalization fund, targeting neighborhoods hit hardest by the 2020 unrest and pandemic closures. The plan, funded via federal grants, would offer low-interest loans and facade improvements. Critics, including rival Sheila Nezhad, call it an “election-year Band-Aid,” noting 32% of Black-owned businesses remain shuttered. The council must approve the proposal by July.

Somali-American Voter Mobilization Hits Unprecedented Levels (June 9, 2025)

Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood is seeing record voter registration drives in the Somali-American community, with advocacy group Ka Joog reporting a 40% increase since May. Issues like rent control and police-community relations are driving engagement. “This could decide close races in Wards 6 and 7,” said organizer Hibaq Mohamed. Somali-Americans now comprise 12% of the city’s electorate.

GOP Sees Opportunity in Minneapolis’ Southern Wards (June 20, 2025)

Republicans are making an unusual push in traditionally DFL-held south Minneapolis, with candidate Tyler Kistner gaining traction in Ward 11 on a “crime-first” platform. While Democrats still dominate voter rolls, the Minneapolis GOP chair notes a 15% increase in Republican primary votes since 2021—a trend attributed to frustration over public safety.

Teachers Union Endorses Nezhad in Blow to Frey (June 13, 2025)

The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT 59) endorsed Sheila Nezhad for mayor, citing her support for school funding over Frey’s “austerity budgets.” The union’s 4,000 members could prove decisive in a tight race. Frey countered by highlighting his universal pre-K expansion, but MFT President Greta Callahan called it “too little, too late.”

Ranked-Choice Voting Could Reshape Council Races (June 15, 2025)

Minneapolis’ ranked-choice voting system is creating unpredictable dynamics in crowded council primaries. In Ward 9, six candidates are vying for the open seat, with progressive Aisha Chughtai and moderate Haji Yussuf splitting the Somali vote. Analysts say second-choice preferences may determine the winner in at least four wards.

Controversy Erupts Over Frey’s Ties to Developers (June 17, 2025)

A Minnesota Campaign Finance Board filing revealed that 68% of Mayor Frey’s Q2 donations came from real estate developers. Opponent Sheila Nezhad blasted the “pay-to-play” pattern, while Frey’s campaign noted developers also back affordable housing projects. The issue has reignited debates over gentrification in North Minneapolis.

Early Voting Surges Past 2021 Records (June 20, 2025)

Minneapolis Elections reports 28,000 early votes cast in the first week—a 35% jump from 2021. Clerk Casey Carl attributes this to competitive races and new ballot drop boxes. Ward 5 (Powderhorn) leads turnout, where incumbent Jeremiah Ellison faces three challengers over his Green New Deal housing plan.

Final Debate Turns Personal Between Frey and Nezhad (June 25, 2025)

A heated mayoral debate saw Frey accuse Nezhad of “fantasy budgeting” her housing plan, while she criticized his “failed” police reform efforts. The clash highlighted stark ideological divides, with Frey emphasizing stability and Nezhad pushing systemic change. A WCCO snap poll gave Nezhad a slight edge on performance.

Mysterious Mailers Spread Misinformation on Voting Rules (June 26, 2025)

The Secretary of State’s office is investigating fraudulent mailers telling voters they need “proof of address” to cast ballots—a requirement not in state law. DFL Chair Ken Martin blamed “right-wing operatives,” while GOP leaders denied involvement. Officials urge voters to verify information at mnvotes.org.

Final Poll Shows Frey and Nezhad in Statistical Tie (June 26, 2025)

A Star Tribune/MPR News poll shows Frey at 45% and Nezhad at 44%—well within the 3.5% margin of error. With 11% undecided, turnout in progressive strongholds like Ward 8 will likely decide the election. Early voting ends June 30 ahead of the July 2 primary.