Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh is a democratic socialist. Heres what that means.

State Sen. Omar Fateh's endorsement by the Minneapolis DFL Party marks a significant moment for the growing influence of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party. This endorsement has raised Fateh's profile, prompting comparisons to New York lawmaker Zohran Mamdani, who won a recent mayoral primary. Currently, three democratic socialists hold seats on the Minneapolis City Council, where they advocate for policies such as city-owned grocery stores and higher taxes on the wealthy. Some Democrats caution that further leftward shifts could alienate moderate voters, impacting midterm elections.

Minneapolis City Council Member Jason Chavez emphasized that the movement aims for equitable wealth redistribution, stating, "It's about making sure that our government actually works for the people. " The Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organization in the country, boasts over 80,000 members and has seen increased membership in the Twin Cities since President Trump's re-election. The Twin Cities DSA has grown to over 1,600 members, reflecting a surge in interest in democratic socialism. Their recent candidate questionnaire focused on key issues like contributions from corporate entities and support for a $20 minimum wage.