Omar Fateh’s Endorsement Controversy Shakes Minnesota’s DFL Party

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party is grappling with a political crisis following its controversial decision to revoke the mayoral endorsement of Senator Omar Fateh, a Somali-American democratic socialist who could become Minneapolis’s first Somali-American mayor. The decision, announced on August 21, 2025, has not only polarized the party but also intensified the divide between its progressive and moderate wings.

Controversial Revocation of Endorsement

Senator Omar Fateh had secured the DFL endorsement during the Minneapolis party convention in July, defeating incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey. This endorsement was seen as a significant milestone, as the DFL had not endorsed a mayoral candidate in 16 years. However, the state DFL Party, led by Chair Richard Carlbom, overturned the endorsement, citing “substantial failures” in the convention’s voting process. According to Carlbom, the decision was necessary to uphold the integrity of the party’s processes and to correct procedural flaws, including miscounted votes and unsecured credentials.

Mayor Frey, who had appealed the endorsement, welcomed the decision. He argued that the convention’s chaotic proceedings had disenfranchised some voters, including his supporters, and noted that 176 votes were left uncounted. “This ruling ensures a fair process,” Frey said, adding that he looks forward to debating Minneapolis’s future with Senator Fateh.

Progressives Push Back

The revocation has drawn sharp criticism from progressives, including U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar and several local Democratic leaders. In a joint statement, they condemned the DFL leadership for undermining the will of Minneapolis delegates, who had participated in months of organizing to secure Fateh’s endorsement. “This decision is a stain on our party,” the statement read, accusing the DFL of succumbing to insider politics and big-money influence.

Fateh himself has fiercely opposed the decision, describing it as a betrayal of Minneapolis voters. In a video statement, he accused the DFL of prioritizing “backroom decisions” over democracy. “This is exactly what Minneapolis voters are sick of,” Fateh said, vowing to continue his campaign despite the setback.

Implications for the DFL and Beyond

The controversy has exposed deep divisions within the DFL, with progressives accusing moderates of protecting the status quo. The fallout could have significant implications for the party’s future, particularly as it heads into the 2026 midterms. Minneapolis is a Democratic stronghold, and disillusionment among progressive voters could impact voter turnout, potentially benefiting Republicans in statewide races.

Unions supporting Fateh, including SEIU and Unite HERE, have also voiced their discontent, signaling potential challenges for party unity. Analysts have compared the current tensions to the Democratic Party’s struggles in the late 1960s, a period marked by ideological divides and electoral losses. Some fear a similar trajectory for the DFL if it fails to bridge its internal divides.

Lessons from the Past

The DFL’s internal strife comes at a time when the party is already grappling with other challenges, from debates over foreign policy to scandals involving state legislators. The situation echoes historical instances where intraparty conflicts have weakened dominant political parties, such as the Democrats in the 1960s. The stakes are high, with the DFL risking its long-standing dominance in Minnesota if it cannot resolve its differences.

Despite these challenges, some party leaders remain optimistic. Jeff Blodgett, a veteran DFL consultant, expressed confidence that the party would rally around common goals, such as making life more affordable for Minnesotans and countering Republican policies. “The stakes are too high for division,” he said, emphasizing the importance of unity heading into future elections.

The controversy surrounding Omar Fateh’s endorsement has highlighted the complexities of intraparty politics, underscoring the challenges of balancing diverse ideologies within a single political entity. As the DFL navigates this turbulent period, its ability to reconcile its differences could shape its future for years to come.