Minneapolis, USA (Hornpost) – Jacob Frey has been re-elected as Mayor of Minneapolis, securing a third consecutive term after defeating Somali American candidate Omar Fateh in a competitive race watched closely across Minnesota’s immigrant communities.
Election officials confirmed that Frey received over 50% of the total vote, while Fateh earned 44.4%, making him one of the most successful Somali American mayoral contenders in U.S. history.
Minneapolis uses a ranked-choice voting system. Frey led after the first count, and officials declared him the winner once second- and third-choice ballots were added.
Reaction and Significance:
Frey’s win solidifies his political influence in Minneapolis, a city that has faced major debates over policing, housing, and public safety. Fateh, a sitting state senator, mobilized strong grassroots support, especially among young voters, progressives, and East African communities.
Community members say the close margin shows growing political participation among the city’s immigrant population.
“It was a competitive election, and the Somali American vote is becoming more organized and influential, although they divided into groups some of them supported Jocob while others supported Fatah” said a Minneapolis-based political analyst.
Background:
Minneapolis hosts one of the largest Somali diasporas in the United States.
The city has seen rising numbers of Somali American politicians elected to state and municipal offices over the past decade.
This mayoral race was seen as a major test of the community’s political power.
Frey will now begin a new term once the final certification process is completed.
Prepared by
Hornpost staff Reporter
