Democrats Choose Mamdani II

Wall Street Journal

25-07-2025

Many elected Democrats want to distance themselves from the party's New York mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani. Minnesota progressives want to send Mr. Mamdani some socialist backup. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is up for re-election, but he was snubbed at last weekend's Democratic convention, whose delegates instead endorsed Omar Fateh, a 35-year-old socialist state Senator.
Mr. Fateh is proposing rent control and more public housing, including with funding from 'a dedicated levy.' He says Minneapolis shouldn't be a 'playground for developers.' His stance on the homeless is to promise 'a compassionate approach to encampments,' including saying he'll work to 'ensure that residents have access to life-saving infrastructure like hand-washing stations, portable bathrooms, running water, safe needle disposal programs, and storage for personal belongings.'
He says voters want a bold mayor who 'will end the cycle of the Minneapolis Police Department's (MPD) violence and brutality that has held our city captive for so many years.' In Mr. Fateh's view, 'over 47% of calls to MPD can be diverted to non-police responders.' He wants to reduce crime by investing in 'upstream solutions' on poverty and mental health.
No surprise, Mr. Fateh is 'passionately pro-labor,' and he pledges to 'work collaboratively with the unions representing City employees to ensure workers get fair contracts.' But if Mr. Fateh joins the public unions on their side of the bargaining table, who will represent residents and taxpayers?