Minneapolis Mayoral Race Echoes National Trends
As Zoran Mamdani, a socialist candidate in New York City, garners attention across the nation, a Minnesota Republican Congressional hopeful is highlighting the significance of the mayoral race in Minneapolis, which he argues shares many parallels.
Dalia al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-American Muslim running against Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, expressed to Fox News Digital, “Minneapolis has really turned into a sort of mini-New York.” She noted that while global media focuses on candidates like Mamdani, local issues in Minneapolis often go unnoticed.
Al-Aqidi warned of a “dangerous” shift as the Democratic Socialists of America push for policies akin to those supported by Mamdani in New York. She criticized the overwhelming media attention given to socialist candidates, suggesting that it detracts from serious discussions happening in Minneapolis.
She suggested a similarity between Mamdani’s platform and that of local candidate Omar Fateh, asserting, “If you look closely, it feels like a copy and paste.” Al-Aqidi expressed frustration over being labeled as racist or anti-Muslim when questioning these policies.
Drawing upon the impactful riots of summer 2020 after George Floyd’s death, al-Aqidi lamented the state of certain areas in Minneapolis, which are facing challenges like low public school performance and an understaffed police department. “If Omar Fateh succeeds, we will face even more difficulties,” she asserted.
She pointed out recent reports that show considerable financial backing for Fateh’s campaign coming from out-of-state contributors, implying that his support may not reflect local sentiments. When asked about Fateh’s appeal, al-Aqidi remarked, “It’s a handout.” She warned that Fateh aims to expand government reach into local services which could hinder small businesses and lead to job losses.
Fateh, who has a background as a state senator and was born to Somali immigrants, found himself in the spotlight recently after a video of him at a rally surfaced, showing him engaging in both English and Somali—a move met with mixed reactions, especially from his critics.
Tom Emmer, a Republican congressman, expressed concern over Fateh’s approach, stating, “Minneapolis: We can’t allow this lunatic to lead our city! He hates our country.” Fateh retorted to his critics, suggesting that they’re merely afraid of his chances for victory, and he maintained that such rhetoric won’t stop his campaign for representative change.
Al-Aqidi also voiced disapproval of Fateh’s rally, noting that displaying a foreign flag typically wouldn’t be accepted in other contexts, suggesting it undermines immigrant credibility. She posed, “I’m an immigrant from Iraq—can you think of the reaction if I waved an Iraqi flag?”
Al-Aqidi emphasized that this kind of representation is harmful not just for legal immigrants but risks damaging the image of Muslim Americans. She concluded with a call for an allegiance to the United States, stressing the importance of recognizing the opportunity and freedom this country provides.
Meanwhile, the race for Minneapolis mayor heats up as Fateh competes against several others, including the incumbent Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey. Promoting policies centered on democratic socialism, he has developed a strong following, particularly within Minneapolis’ Somali community.
Fateh’s policy proposals include raising the minimum wage, enhancing affordable housing availability, and addressing police conduct issues. He seeks to replace some responsibilities of the police with community-driven alternatives and is advocating for legal identification for undocumented immigrants.
