Senator Omar Fateh of Minnesota is gaining notable backing in his campaign for mayor of Minneapolis, receiving endorsements from current and former Representatives Ilhan Omar and Jamal Bowman. This appears to signal a moment of unity among progressive Democrats, especially after months marked by internal divisions.
As a self-identified democratic socialist, Fateh has attracted public support from Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and former Rep. Jamal Bowman (D-N.Y.). Their endorsement highlights the ongoing impact of the progressive “Squad” in Democratic politics, even as some members face challenges and electoral difficulties.
In a video, Omar and Fateh engaged in conversation about rising costs, housing challenges, and the need for what they’re calling “new, bold leadership.” Omar pointed out that residents in Minneapolis are “struggling to make ends meet” and are “tired of broken promises and vetoes.” Fateh echoed her sentiment, asserting his mission is to “build an affordable city for working families.”
Fateh’s campaign platform includes proposals to increase the city’s minimum wage to $20 an hour by 2028, implement rent stabilization measures, expand non-police emergency response options, and introduce a local income tax for higher earners. Additionally, he stated Minneapolis needs to “stand up to Donald Trump” and “protect all communities,” vowing to resist collaboration between local police and federal immigration enforcement.
In a recent post, Fateh shared a quote from Omar, who remarked, “Minneapolis deserves a champion for its workers,” declaring that he is their “first choice for mayor.” Furthermore, Fateh announced a forthcoming event called “Northside Doorknock” with Jamal Bowman, referring to the former congressman as “an inspiration to so many people across the country.”
Bowman himself faced setbacks in his political career, including challenges in his 2024 reelection attempt following a series of controversies. One notable incident involved him unintentionally triggering a fire alarm at the Capitol during a key government vote, resulting in a $1,000 fine and an apology to Capitol Police.
He was later defeated by George Latimer, the Westchester County Executive, in a primary election that became the most expensive in House history, costing over $23 million. This defeat represented a significant blow to the progressive “Squad.” Even before his departure, he had been one of the few Democrats advocating for the U.S. to accept Palestinian refugees while also opposing additional military support for Israel.
Meanwhile, Omar continues to be a prominent ally for Fateh. Though she has faced scrutiny regarding her career and finances, her support remains crucial. There have been questions about a dramatic increase in her earnings—from about $51,000 to nearly $30 million within a single year—as well as federal election charges related to campaign funds directed to her husband’s consulting firm. Her remarks have also drawn attention, particularly when she claimed the U.S. had become a “police state” under President Trump, suggesting the nation was slipping into “one of the worst countries in the world.”
Fateh’s campaign, too, has encountered its share of controversies and investigations. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party halted his nomination due to alleged voting irregularities in the city council, a move Fateh criticized as “backroom politics.” Past reports have also highlighted his connections to individuals involved in federal food fraud inquiries, his advocacy for taxpayer-funded education for undocumented immigrants, and his support for activists during the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death.
