Minneapolis, MN – Two more prominent DFL politicians announced their intent to run for Mayor of Minneapolis, joining Black Lives Matter activist Nekima Levy-Pounds in a race to deny incumbent Mayor Betsy Hodges from winning a second term.
State Rep. Raymond Dehn represents district 59B in North Minneapolis, and won election to a third term this November. His committee assignments from the last legislative term include the Ethics; Capital Investment; Commerce and Regulatory Reform; and Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committees.
Dehn announced his bid for mayor via Facebook yesterday.
“As your mayor, my goal will be to build a city that works for everyone. To do so, I am making you a simple promise: to proactively engage people of all colors, faiths, incomes and backgrounds – in times of high spirits, in times of frustration, and in times of sorrow,” Dehn wrote in the statement, “You deserve a leader who listens, who stands alongside you, and who looks you in the eye when it’s not easy or comfortable to do so. This is the mayor I will be for you.”
Frey also announced his intentions on Facebook, but he is still holding his cards a bit closer than Dehn is. The Minneapolis Ward Three Councilman was first elected in 2013. Prior to that, he worked as a competitive marathon runner and then attorney.
“Now more than ever, Minneapolis needs a Mayor with a bright vision to rise together and a proven track record of consistent leadership, even when it’s tough,” Frey wrote, “A great city rises when communities unite behind one bold vision. And I am ready to offer my vision for what Minneapolis can be in the coming years.”
Frey’s post invited supporters to join him on January 3rd at 6 p.m. at the Dangerous Man Brewing Company. It is likely he will formally announce his intention to run for mayor at that point.
City Pages reports that Frey had $100,000 on hand at the start of 2016, much more than Hodges’ $11,500. Dehn has raised similar sums in his state legislative races. Unlike Frey, though, he will not be able to use any remaining war chest from his past elections. Legislative candidates are forbidden from transferring funds for use in citywide elections even if they are the candidate running for office.
With Frey’s entry in early January, Hodges will have three challengers going forward. She has already flipped to supporting an increased minimum wage in the city. Frey and Levy-Pounds both support an eventual $15 an hour minimum wage. Hodges is likely trying to outflank her more economically liberal opponents.
