The big money fueling Minneapolis mayor and council races

In the Minneapolis mayoral race, Mayor Jacob Frey and his supporting PACs have raised over $2. 6 million, overshadowing state Sen. Omar Fateh's campaign funds. Frey's campaign alone raised nearly $1 million, while PACs such as All of Mpls and We Love Minneapolis contributed about $1. 6 million combined, reflecting strong backing from local business interests.

However, history shows that financial strength does not always lead to electoral success, as demonstrated by past progressive wins against well-funded opponents. Voters will decide on retaining the two-term mayor or electing Fateh, a democratic socialist, along with two other Democrats, DeWayne Davis and Jazz Hampton, who are rallying for support in a ranked-choice election. The election also involves all 13 City Council seats, which could shift the political landscape. Frey's supporters emphasize their diverse funding base, while progressive PACs, like Mpls for the Many, have raised nearly $352,000, striving to compete. The Working Peoples Project, a new PAC supporting Fateh, has raised $278,000, mostly from out-of-state donors.

The election's outcome may signify broader trends in Minneapolis politics and governance.