Mehdi Unfiltered

The Next Mamdani? Meet Minneapolis’s Muslim Socialist Mayoral Candidate

Oct 2, 2025
Omar Fateh, Minnesota's first Muslim and Somali-American senator, is running for Minneapolis mayor as a progressive/Democratic Socialist. He discusses his vision for public safety, advocating for alternative responses to 911 calls while focusing police efforts on violent crime. Omar confronts Islamophobia he faces, emphasizing solidarity and interfaith outreach. He shares insights on the impact of the Trump administration on local policies and highlights his campaign resilience despite challenges, showcasing a hopeful vision for progressive change.
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INSIGHT

Meeting The Moment For Working Families

  • Omar Fateh argues Minneapolis needs leaders who meet crises with bold, people-first policies.
  • He criticizes the mayor for protecting the status quo instead of supporting renters, workers, immigrants, and the unhoused.
ADVICE

Fund Alternatives To Policing

  • Increase funding for crisis-response alternatives like behavioral crisis teams and mental-health workers.
  • Divert nonviolent 911 calls away from police so officers can focus on violent crime.
INSIGHT

Transparent Leadership After Trauma

  • Fateh says a transparent, public-facing mayoral response builds trust after crises like George Floyd's murder.
  • He faults the incumbent for an insular approach and for framing accountability as anti-safety.
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