Freys rivals unite behind anyone-but-him strategy in contest for mayor

Candidates Omar Fateh, Rev. DeWayne Davis, and Jazz Hampton are urging Minneapolis voters to “rank all three” in a strategic alliance to challenge incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey. This “slate for change” aims to consolidate anti-Frey votes through the city’s ranked-choice voting system, a strategy that encourages cooperation among candidates. Jeanne Massey, executive director of FairVote Minnesota, highlighted that turnout in city general elections has more than doubled since ranked-choice voting was implemented in 2009. Early voting has shown strong engagement, with nearly 5,000 ballots cast within the first 20 days, marking a record pace for city elections.

Each candidate presents unique policy proposals, with Fateh advocating for stronger tenant rights, while Davis focuses on community safety and systemic reforms. Frey’s campaign is concentrating on securing first-choice votes, avoiding discussions of ranking altogether. This cooperative approach contrasts with previous elections, where candidates did not explicitly frame their efforts as a unified coalition. The evolving dynamics in Minneapolis politics could reshape the electoral landscape as the election approaches.