Frey and Fateh clash, plus 9 other takeaways from the Minneapolis mayoral debate

The first debate for the 2025 Minneapolis mayoral election featured Mayor Jacob Frey and state Sen. Omar Fateh in a contentious exchange over key issues like crime, homelessness, and public safety. Fateh accused Frey of creating a dysfunctional office and failing to deliver on promises to address homelessness, while Frey highlighted Fateh's previous support for defunding the police. The debate, hosted by the Citizens League, also included candidates Rev. DeWayne Davis, Jazz Hampton, and Brenda Short, although they were often overshadowed by the Frey-Fateh rivalry.

Fateh's strong critiques included calling Frey a liar and claiming the downtown area has deteriorated under his leadership since 2017. Frey defended his record, acknowledging a past joke that did not resonate well and emphasizing results over rhetoric. Candidates largely expressed support for Police Chief Brian O'Hara, whose term ends soon, indicating a preference for continuity in leadership. The debate underscored the importance of ranked-choice voting, as voters prepare to rank their top three candidates. The dynamics of the race reflect a broader struggle between moderate and progressive visions for the city.