Minnesota DFL Revokes Endorsement of Omar Fateh Amid Voting Irregularities

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 22, 2025 - The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party has dropped its endorsement of state Sen. Omar Fateh for Minneapolis mayor. They pointed to “significant failures” in the voting at the July convention. State DFL Chair Richard Carlbom said a party review found errors. There were issues with procedures and electronic balloting. A candidate was wrongly dropped, and nearly 200 votes were not counted. As a result, the party rescinded its endorsement of Fateh.

Rep. Ilhan Omar criticized the move as “inexcusable.” She said on X that a small group, mostly from outside Minneapolis, ignored the wishes of city delegates. These delegates had taken part in a long process for months. Omar and some progressive DFL officials said the revocation is a setback. They argue it could discourage grassroots engagement and hurt efforts to broaden party representation.

Mayor Jacob Frey, Fateh’s rival and two-term incumbent, praised the state party for fixing its errors. ““One thing that sets us apart as Democrats is that we own up to our mistakes,” Frey said. He praised the investigation’s focus on evidence and facts. He added that without an endorsement, “all candidates for Minneapolis mayor will be treated equally” by the party.

Labor and advocacy leaders from SEIU and Unite Here Local 17 plan to hold a news conference at City Hall. They’re protesting the decision. They say the DFL’s action disenfranchises many Minneapolis caucus-goers. It shows backroom deals by “party insiders” trying to silence progressive voices.

The revocation is a rare rebuke of a local endorsement. Fateh was the first candidate in 16 years to get Minneapolis DFL backing. It shows rising tensions between the party’s progressive and moderate wings. This comes as Minneapolis approaches its November mayoral election.