Minneapolis candidate suggests council member was elected based on ethnicity

Minneapolis Park Board member Becka Thompson suggested that Ward 10 Council Member Aisha Chughtai was elected in 2021 primarily due to her ethnicity. This statement follows Thompson's earlier comments about lacking the "desired amount of melanin," aimed at her opponent Aurin Chowdhury. Chowdhury condemned Thompson's remarks as "overtly racist," emphasizing that they imply her election was due to her skin color rather than her qualifications. Although Thompson apologized for her previous statements, she contended that her latest comments were misinterpreted. Chowdhury criticized Thompson's behavior as disgraceful for someone in a leadership position, noting the insensitivity of her remarks.

Thompson, who has over 20 years of teaching experience, was dismissed from her teaching role in Minneapolis for unprofessional conduct. She continues to campaign for a City Council seat while navigating the backlash from her comments. The controversy raises questions about race and representation in local politics.