Key Takeaways

• The DFL endorsement for Omar Fateh was revoked after a party board meeting.
• Officials cited voting glitches at the convention as the reason.
• Rep. Ilhan Omar and other progressives called the reversal “inexcusable.”
• Stripping the DFL endorsement may reshape the Minneapolis mayoral race.
• Fateh’s supporters say this move hurts grassroots democracy.

Understanding the DFL endorsement Shake-Up

Last month, delegates chose Omar Fateh over Jacob Frey at the Minneapolis convention. The Democratic Farmer-Labor Party had a glitch in its electronic vote system. Because of that, 176 ballots went uncounted in round one. Even so, Fateh won the second round by a large margin. He earned the DFL endorsement fair and square.

However, a small group of DFL board members later met behind closed doors. They said the entire vote was tainted by those missing ballots. Therefore, they vacated the DFL endorsement of Fateh. Now, any candidate can access party voter rolls. That change could harm Fateh’s campaign against Frey.

Progressive leaders, led by Rep. Ilhan Omar, blasted the decision. They argued a private panel should not override thousands of delegates. In their view, this move undermines trust in the party’s democratic process.

How the DFL endorsement Process Unfolded

Before the convention, thousands of Minneapolis Democrats gathered to vote. They came ready to choose their pick for mayor. First, electronic devices showed results favoring Fateh. Then the system crashed and failed to count some ballots. As a fix, the delegates held a paper vote by a show of hands. At that stage, Fateh won easily. Frey’s backers walked out, conceding defeat.

Following the convention, Jacob Frey filed an official complaint. He pointed out the lost votes prevented a third candidate from advancing. That candidate, DeWayne Davis, could not appear on the second ballot. A DFL investigation found the fault in the first round. Yet it also confirmed the second-round results stood firm.

Still, the board’s majority voted to strip Fateh of the DFL endorsement. They called the flaws “substantial failures” in the voting process. As a result, Fateh lost exclusive access to the party’s resources.

What Now for Omar Fateh?

Fateh responded with surprise and anger. He called the reversal an “insider game” that hurts regular voters. His campaign video described 28 party insiders meeting behind closed doors. He claimed these insiders included donors and non-Minneapolis residents. Fateh vowed to keep fighting and to win the mayor’s seat anyway.

Meanwhile, grassroots supporters rallied behind Fateh’s progressive message. He has pushed for rent control, higher taxes on wealthy residents, and a $20 minimum wage. He also wants to send non-police teams to handle mental health and homelessness calls. His team argues that organized people can still beat organized money.

Why Progressives Are Upset

Progressive Democrats say this episode shows a deep blend of big money and party rules. They worry the DFL endorsement process now feels rigged. When a few insiders can override thousands of votes, faith in the system drops. Moreover, they fear moderate party leaders may use similar tactics in future races.

Rep. Ilhan Omar warned this decision will leave a stain on the party. She said it weakens the drive to organize for wins in coming elections. Local official Zach Lindstrom agreed, calling the move “inexcusable.” He noted Fateh had clear support on the convention floor.

Impact on the Mayoral Race

Without exclusive DFL voter rolls, Fateh must work harder to reach voters. Frey already has a large fundraising lead and major business backing. Removing the endorsement levels the playing field. It also invites new outside spending in the race. That could drive up campaign costs even more.

Voters may now see competing mailers and online ads from both sides. Fateh will rely on grassroots fundraisers and social media to close his funding gap. His supporters hope that strong door-to-door canvassing can offset the loss of party data.

Next Steps for the Campaign

Omar Fateh plans public events and volunteer drives this week. He also called on party members to demand reforms to endorsement rules. The campaign seeks to show that the people’s voice still matters. Meanwhile, Frey’s team watches closely, ready to capitalize on any weakness.

Despite the setback, Fateh’s backers remain energized. They believe a fight for fair process could win even more support. The race for Minneapolis mayor now hinges on both policy debates and procedural battles.

FAQs

Why did the DFL endorsement get revoked?

A small group of party board members said voting errors at the convention invalidated the result. They met privately and vacated Omar Fateh’s nomination weeks later.

Does the revocation change the election date?

No. The mayoral race will proceed as scheduled. However, all candidates now share equal access to voter data from the party.

How did delegates first vote for Fateh?

Delegates used an electronic system that malfunctioned. After lost ballots were found, they held a second vote by hand, which Fateh won decisively.

Can Fateh still win without the DFL endorsement?

Yes. His grassroots supporters and public rallies could help him reach voters directly. The campaign argues people-powered organizing can beat money and insider influence.