Minneapolis is buzzing with political energy after Mayor Jacob Frey secured a rare third term, vowing to make it his last and promising a renewed focus on unity and progress for the city. But as Frey celebrates his victory, a new wave of challengers is already shaping the city’s political future, setting the stage for a dramatic 2025 mayoral race.
Frey’s Victory: A Mandate for Unity
On Wednesday, Jacob Frey stood before supporters and the press, visibly moved as he thanked Minneapolis residents for their trust. “Minneapolis is a great city that is on the rise,” Frey declared, promising to work “tirelessly to do everything possible to make sure that Minneapolis is a place where everyone, regardless of your background or where you grew up, can live a brilliant life in an affordable home in a safe neighborhood”.
Frey’s win came after a ranked-choice voting process, with voters asked to rank up to three candidates. After two rounds of tabulation, Frey emerged victorious, defeating a field that included prominent progressive voices. He emphasized the need to “put aside differences and do what is right for Minneapolis,” calling for an end to “needless attacks” and a new era of cooperation.
The 2025 Race: New Faces, New Visions
Even as Frey begins his final term, the race to succeed him is already heating up. The November 2025 election promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several high-profile candidates already in the running.
Sen. Omar Fateh, Minnesota’s first Somali American state senator, has thrown his hat into the ring. Fateh, a progressive legislator, announced his candidacy at City Hall, pledging to “work with the progressive city council to achieve real wins for our neighbors and uplift those who are struggling to get by.” Fateh’s campaign is expected to energize younger and more diverse voters, building on his legislative record and community activism.
Emily Koski, a current Minneapolis City Council member, is also running. She has been openly critical of Frey’s leadership style, stating she has “witnessed first-hand [Frey’s] inability to work with your city council,” and is offering a new vision for the city’s future.
What’s at Stake for Minneapolis?
Frey’s third term comes at a pivotal moment. The city is still grappling with the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, ongoing debates over public safety, and a housing affordability crisis. Frey has positioned himself as a pragmatic leader focused on “cooperation” and “optimism,” but his critics argue that Minneapolis needs bolder, more progressive change.
The upcoming election will test whether voters want to continue Frey’s centrist approach or pivot toward the more progressive policies championed by Fateh and Koski. With record turnout in the last election and a growing field of candidates, Minneapolis is poised for a lively and consequential political season.
Looking Ahead
As Frey begins his final term, all eyes are on how he will navigate the city’s challenges and whether he can deliver on his promise of unity. Meanwhile, the 2025 mayoral race is shaping up to be a defining moment for Minneapolis, with new leaders vying to set the city’s course for years to come.
Stay tuned—Minneapolis politics just got a lot more interesting.
Sources
1. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks after winning re-election
2. Minneapolis mayor candidates in 2025: Here's who's running - FOX 9
3. 2025 Mayor results - Elections & Voter Services - City of Minneapolis
4. MPR News
5. Minnesota News and Politics - Star Tribune
6. Star Tribune
7. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shares latest on Minneapolis ...
8. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
