The upcoming November 4 election in Minneapolis is a pivotal moment for the city, as all 13 City Council seats and the mayor’s office are up for grabs. Voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of their community through this democratic process.
Minneapolis has been using ranked-choice voting since 2009, which eliminates the need for a primary election. In races with more than two candidates, voters can rank their preferences—first, second, and third. This system ensures that votes still count toward another candidate if their top choice does not win, promoting a more inclusive and representative outcome.
Key dates to remember include the official candidate filing period from July 29 to August 12. Early voting will take place from September 19 through November 3, and early voter registration must be completed by October 14. The deadline to apply for a mailed ballot is October 28. These dates are crucial for voters and candidates alike, ensuring everyone has ample time to prepare and participate.
So far, several candidates have announced their intentions to run for various positions. Here are some of the notable names:
DeWayne Davis, a lead minister at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, brings experience as a congressional staffer and former director of federal relations for Sallie Mae Inc. He was also the first Black gay person elected as chaplain of the Minnesota Senate. Davis co-chaired Mayor Jacob Frey’s Minneapolis Community Safety Work Group and resides in north Minneapolis.
Howard Dotson, a health care chaplain and bereavement counselor, has served as an Urban Presbyterian pastor and police chaplain. His recent role as a street chaplain in Minneapolis highlights his commitment to community support.
Kevin Dwire, a hotel cook and longtime unionist, is a member of UNITE HERE Local 17 and affiliated with the Socialist Workers Party. His background reflects a strong dedication to labor rights.
Omar Fateh, the first Somali American state senator in the United States, is a self-identified democratic socialist. He was endorsed by the Minneapolis DFL and lives in south Minneapolis.
Incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey is seeking his third four-year term after being elected in 2017. Prior to his political career, he worked as an employment and civil rights attorney. Frey is married to Sarah Clark and has two daughters.
Jazz Hampton, a husband and father of three, created the app TurnSignl after the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. The app connects drivers with legal advice during traffic stops and after vehicle collisions. He is also an attorney and business owner.
Brenda Short, who grew up in a small town in Iowa, overcame homelessness in the Twin Cities before becoming a homeowner. Her story underscores the challenges many face and her resilience.
Laverne Turner runs L.C.T. Consulting LLC and Hop Hip, a company focused on restoring urban pride and combating black-on-black crime and gun violence.
Ward 1 includes neighborhoods such as Audubon Park, Bottineau, Columbia Park, Como, Holland, Logan Park, Marshall Terrace, Mid-City Industrial, Northeast Park, Waite Park, and Windom Park. Incumbent Elliott Payne, elected in 2021, is the president of the council and was endorsed by the DFL.
Brian Strahan, a researcher and founder of Keep Smiling Builders, focuses on preserving the charm of Northeast homes while making them energy-efficient.
Ward 2 stretches across the Mississippi River, including Cedar Riverside, Como, Marcy Holmes, Prospect Park – East River Road, Seward, and the University of Minnesota. Michael Baskins, a write-in candidate in 2023, received about 33% of the vote and has taken a stance against extreme rent control and other policies.
Shelley Madore, a community organizer and former DFL state legislator, spearheaded reforms in healthcare, transportation, and affordable housing. Robin Wonsley, the incumbent, is Minneapolis’s first Black democratic socialist city council member and was endorsed by the DFL.
Ward 3 covers areas from downtown north across the Mississippi River, including Beltrami, Como, Downtown East, Downtown West, Marcy Holmes, Nicollet Island – East Bank, North Loop, Sheridan, St. Anthony East, and St. Anthony West. Marcus Mills, a small business owner, has served on various commissions. Incumbent Michael Rainville, elected in 2021, was endorsed by the DFL.
Emilio César Rodríguez advocates for climate policy and immigrant rights through movements like Drivers’ Licenses for All and the North STAR Act.
Ward 4 covers the northwest corner of the city, including Camden Industrial Area, Cleveland, Folwell, Humboldt Industrial Area, Jordan, Lind-Bohanon, McKinley, Shingle Creek, Victory, Webber-Camden, and Willard-Hay. Marvina Haynes became an advocate after her brother, Marvin Haynes, was wrongfully convicted of murder. Incumbent LaTrisha Vetaw, elected in 2021, was endorsed by the DFL.
Ward 5 includes Harrison, Hawthorne, Jordan, Near-North, North Loop, Sumner-Glenwood, and Willard-Hay. Jeremiah Ellison, the incumbent, is not seeking reelection. Ethrophic Burnett, Amber Frederick, Jovan Northington, Maurice Ward, Pearll Warren, Miles Wilson, and Anndrea Young are among the candidates running for the position.
Ward 6 covers areas south and east of downtown, including Cedar Riverside, Elliot Park, Phillips West, Seward, Steven’s Square-Loring Heights, and Ventura Village. Mohamoud Hassan, a Somali-American activist, ran for the City Council in 2020. Incumbent Jamal Osman, the second Somali-American ever elected to the council, was endorsed by the DFL.
Ward 7 covers parts of downtown then stretches west, including Bryn-Mawr, Cedar-Isles-Dean, Downtown West, East Isles, Kenwood, Linden Hills, Loring Park, Lowry Hill, Steven’s Square-Loring Heights, and West Maka Ska. Incumbent Katie Cashman, elected in 2023, has extensive experience in environmental and social infrastructure. Elizabeth Shaffer, a Minneapolis park commissioner, was endorsed by the DFL.
Ward 8 covers south-central Minneapolis, including the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where George Floyd was killed. Josh Bassais, a former DFL party precinct chair, and Soren Stevenson, who narrowly lost to Andrea Jenkins in 2023, are among the candidates. Stevenson was endorsed by the DFL.
Ward 9 covers central Minneapolis and includes the intersection of 38th and Chicago where George Floyd was killed. Jason Chavez, the incumbent, served as a legislative aide before being elected to the council. Dan Orban, a former website programmer, is another candidate.
Ward 10 covers Uptown, including East Bde Maka Ska, East Harriet, East Isles, Lowry Hill East, South Uptown, and Whittier. Aisha Chughtai, the incumbent, was campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar. Lydia Millard, executive director for the Stevens Square Community Organization, is another candidate.
Ward 11 covers south-central Minneapolis, including Diamond Lake, Field, Hale, Keewaydin, Northrop, Page, Tangletown, Wenonah, and Windom. Mariam Demello and Jamison Whiting are among the candidates running for the position.
Ward 12 covers the southeastern corner of the city, including Cooper, Ericsson, Hiawatha, Howe, Keewaydin, Minnehaha, Morris Park, and Standish. Incumbent Aurin Chowdhury, elected in 2023, was endorsed by the DFL. Becka Thompson, a member of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, is another candidate.
Ward 13 covers the southwestern corner of Minneapolis, including Armatage, East Harriet, Fulton, Kenny, Linden Hills, and Lynnhurst. Incumbent Linea Palmisano, elected in 2013, was endorsed by the DFL.
