Fresh off a high-profile Democratic primary win by socialist Zohran Mamdani in New York City, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are turning their focus to Minneapolis—openly backing State Sen. Omar Fateh’s bid for mayor.
In a celebratory post on X, the local DSA praised Mamdani and urged support for Fateh.
Today New York City, tomorrow Minneapolis! Let’s go @ZohranKMamdani, let’s go @OmarFatehMN, let’s elect democratic socialist mayors in both cities this year!
if you want to be a part of it, the time is now, join DSA! https://t.co/oFLYVWDuSK
— Twin Cities DSA 🌹 (@TwinCitiesDSA) June 25, 2025
Prior to the NYC mayoral primary, Fateh took to X to show his support for “friend and fellow DSA member” Mamdani.
You all were really excited for this one 👀
Join the almost 60 people signed up to phone-bank tonight from 6-8 PM and stay past 8 PM to watch my friend, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, make history in the NYC mayoral primary election. RSVP at https://t.co/4YrHmLmWjt https://t.co/dm2a0Fy8z3
— Omar Fateh (@OmarFatehMN) June 24, 2025
Fateh’s progressive and controversial record
Fateh, who represents portions of Minneapolis, was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2020 and is a well-known member of the DSA.
Fateh supported a 2021 effort to replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a new “department of public safety.” That ballot amendment was rejected overwhelmingly by Minneapolis voters.
Fateh’s short career in politics has been marked by various controversies, including his receipt of $11,000 in campaign contributions from individuals connected to the Feeding Our Future scandal, which Fateh said he later returned.
In 2022, Fateh’s brother-in-law was convicted of lying to a grand jury about his handling of absentee ballots during Fateh’s 2020 primary campaign, Sahan Journal reported.
Fateh was also the subject of a Senate ethics investigation and ordered to participate in campaign finance training after failing to disclose $1,000 in campaign payments to Somali TV Minnesota.
Spotlight on Fateh
Now seeking the top spot at Minneapolis City Hall, Fateh’s campaign is receiving national attention from socialist circles emboldened by Mamdani’s primary victory in New York.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblyman from Queens, defeated establishment Democrats on a platform that included slashing the NYPD’s budget and raising taxes on the wealthy. His victory shocked many observers and sent ripple effects through the Democratic Party.
This is one for the history books @zohrankmamdani. New York City today. Minneapolis next! #acityforeveryone pic.twitter.com/jBsOH7PqMh
— Omar Fateh (@OmarFatehMN) June 25, 2025
Dean Phillips sounds alarm
Moderate Democrat Dean Phillips, a former Minnesota congressman, wasted no time warning his party that doubling down on socialism could doom Democrats in 2026.
Democrats wishing to lose the ‘26 midterms should promote a 33 year-old socialist devoid of executive experience for mayor of America’s largest city and impeach a president who ended a tyrannical regime’s nuclear threat while achieving a cease fire days later.
— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) June 24, 2025
Phillips’ remarks referenced both Mamdani’s rise and Democratic calls to impeach President Donald Trump over his actions in Iran—an effort largely driven by the party’s far-left.
Minneapolis mayor’s race heats up
Fateh’s mayoral bid is expected to face strong resistance from business leaders, law enforcement advocates, and moderate Democrats.
The current mayor, Jacob Frey, is seeking a third term.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
