The 5 races to watch in the Minneapolis City Council election

The upcoming Minneapolis City Council elections on November 4 will significantly impact the city's legislative landscape. Candidates are contesting for all 13 council seats, with alignments either with Mayor Jacob Frey or the progressive majority. Key issues include housing, homelessness, public safety, and environmental policy, reflecting critical community concerns. In Ward 5, Pearll Warren and Ethrophic Burnett are leading the race, with Warren endorsed by a pro-Frey PAC and Burnett backed by an anti-Frey group. Ward 7 features incumbent Katie Cashman and challenger Elizabeth Shaffer in a highly competitive matchup, with their fundraising efforts exceeding $200,000 combined.

Cashman aims to enhance housing supply and public safety, while Shaffer seeks to restore trust in governance. Ward 8 also draws attention as incumbent Andrea Jenkins steps down, with Soren Stevenson and Josh Bassais as prominent candidates. These elections will not only influence local governance but also determine the council's approach to pressing urban issues.