Omar Fateh Concedes Minneapolis Mayoral Race to Incumbent Jacob Frey

MINNEAPOLIS — Omar Fateh, the leading challenger in Minneapolis’ mayoral race, conceded Wednesday to incumbent Jacob Frey after the city’s ranked-choice voting results secured Frey a third term.

Fateh, a Democratic Socialist, acknowledged the loss but said his campaign helped spark important conversations about affordability, equality, and workers’ rights in Minneapolis.

“Thank you, Minneapolis,” Fateh said in a statement. “While this wasn’t the outcome we wanted, I am incredibly grateful to every single person who supported our grassroots campaign. I’ll keep fighting alongside you to build the city we deserve. Onward.”

Frey won reelection after receiving enough support in the second round of ranked-choice tabulations. City officials said voter turnout hit a record high for a municipal election.

A victory for Fateh would have been historic, making him Minneapolis’s first Muslim, first Somali American, and first Democratic Socialist mayor. Minneapolis is home to the largest Somali community in the United States.