Minneapolis, United States, Nov 6 — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey won a third term on Wednesday after a second round of ranked-choice tabulation pushed him just over the majority threshold, defeating state senator Omar Fateh in a crowded 15-candidate race.
Unofficial results showed Frey securing about 50 percent of the vote to Fateh’s roughly 44 percent, after second-choice ballots were redistributed. On election night, Frey led the first-choice count with about 42 percent, followed by Fateh at around 32 percent.
City election officials said turnout set a record for a municipal contest, with more than 147,000 ballots cast — about 55 percent of registered voters.
Frey, a moderate Democrat first elected in 2017, campaigned on declining crime rates compared with recent years, continued police reform under court-enforced agreements, and a housing strategy that combines affordable units with broader market-rate development. He also cited city data showing slower rent increases and a drop in homelessness.
Omar Fateh, who drew strong support from Muslim communities and young voters, conceded the race in a message posted on social media.
“Thank you, Minneapolis! While this wasn’t the outcome we wanted, I am incredibly grateful to every single person who supported our grassroots campaign,” Fateh wrote. “I’ll keep fighting alongside you to build the city we deserve. Onward.”
